TECHNOLOGY


USE A HUB SYSTEM OF WIRING TO ELIMINATE EXTRA CONNECTIONS AND POTENTIAL POINTS OF FAILURE.


A hub system involves pulling each wire to one central transformer. This method allows for easier troubleshooting, as a contractor needs to locate one junction box as opposed to individual connections in the field.


LEAVE THE DAISIES FOR THE FLOWER BEDS


When an irrigation system fails, it typically fails at a fitting or elbow. When a lighting system fails, it typically fails at a connection point. Fewer connection points mean fewer potential spots for failure. “Many contractors will do a ‘daisy chain,’ where they


are running one wire from the transformer to every fixture, snaking it through the landscape,” Qualls says. “Tat cre- ates two connections at every fixture throughout the land- scape. Tose connections are the weak point of any system.” A hub system, where each wire is pulled to one central


transformer, eliminates connections and potential points of failure. It’s also easier to troubleshoot a hub system, as a contractor needs to locate one junction box rather than individual connections in the field. In order to protect wires, Curran also recommends in-


stalling wiring so it follows hardscape. Running them along the sides of walls and foundations, rather than running them through planting beds, will give them the best chance of avoiding shovel points and other potential hazards.


BE READY TO RECONNECT Despite every precaution, wires get nicked by shovels, cut by lawn equipment or chewed through by gophers and other rodents, and repairs are inevitable. A butt splice will quickly and effectively reconnect


wires. Though there are several on the market, Bri- an Qualls, national business development manager for Unique Lighting Systems in Phoenix, says he prefers the variety with a heat shrink component. “There will be a piece extended to the butt splice that you can hit with a heat gun,


lighter or blow torch,” he says. “When the material senses the heat, it shrinks down onto the wire to prevent any moisture from getting into the new connection.” For lighting installers, Sean Curran, owner of Beautification Through Illumination


Inc., based in Amesbury, Massachusetts, also recommends carrying a selection of drip irrigation connectors, 1-inch poly pipe connectors and clamps, so you have the tools on hand to complete your own repairs in the field. “You don’t have to call in the irrigation company when you’ve cut pipe if you have some supplies,” Curran says. “In case you do puncture these lines, you can fix them.”


26 Irrigation & Lighting Fall 2022


When it’s necessary to cross the landscape, Curran says that putting wiring in protective conduit, or placing wiring deep enough to avoid the reach of aeration machines, edgers and other machinery, will also help keep wires intact.


REUSE AT YOUR OWN RISK


Compared to other components, wire is typically the least expensive part of any job. It’s also arguably the most important. “Contractors want to use the wire that is already in the


ground when they are retrofitting or redoing a system,” Qualls says. “Tey can’t lower the price of the fixture or the transformer, but wiring is one place they have wiggle room to offer savings to the homeowner. To me, that’s a huge mistake because they didn’t put the wire in the ground, so they don’t know what condition it’s in.” Reusing wires while retrofitting a system effectively means that you’ve taken ownership of the wires, and any problem they may have in the future becomes your prob- lem to repair. “Tey are the ones to have to repair it, whether they


installed it or not,” Qualls says. “It’s worth abandoning the existing wire and putting in new wire.” Tere are instances where a contractor might notice


that a system appears to have been wired with professional stranded wire and professional connections, Curran says. In that case, a contractor may choose to assume the risk of us- ing existing wiring when adding to or retrofitting a system. When choosing to install new wiring, Qualls says it’s OK to abandon old wire without removing it from the ground if it’s not in the way. If new wire crosses old wire at any point, it’s worth marking the wire, or removing it from that area, to avoid confusion down the line. But typically, it is easy to distinguish old, stiff, weathered wire from recently installed wire. In the case of a new installation, Curran says it’s al-


ways best to access beds before walkways, patios or other hardscaping features are in place. Tat’s the ideal time for low-voltage wiring for both irrigation and lighting systems to be easily placed throughout the landscape.


Lauren Sable Freiman is a freelance writer based in Cleveland and can be reached at laurensable@gmail.com.


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