How to Wire Sprinkler Valves Like a Pro

Before you get started, unplug the timer to protect yourself from electrical shocks when working with wiring. For added protection and peace of mind, shut off the power to the sprinkler system from the electrical box and shut off the water supply to the sprinklers while you work.

If at any point you are worried about electrical shocks or water leaks while you learn how to wire sprinkler valves, don’t hesitate to pass this job along to a pro. Wiring the system incorrectly can damage the sprinkler system, warranting expensive repairs.

Each valve has its own solenoid, which uses electricity to determine the water pressure going through each valve. Each solenoid will have two black wires. You likely will see multiple solenoids, especially if you have or are setting up multiple sprinkler zones around your yard.

One of the two wires on each solenoid will connect to one of the color-coded wires that connect to your timer. The color-coded wires may be called hot wires, dedicated wires, or station wires. For example, for the solenoid on the valve controlling zone one, you may connect one of the solenoid wires to the blue wire. For the second, you may connect the red wire.

To connect the wires, use the wire stripper to remove part of the cover of the wire, then twist the metallic parts of the solenoid wire and the color-coded wire together. Write down which wire color is attributed to each zone. You’ll need this information when connecting the wires to the timer and later on, if you need to make repairs.

Now that you’ve connected one wire from each solenoid to one color-coded wire, you’ll be left with an additional, unused black wire on each solenoid. Strip each of these wire covers to reveal the metallic wire beneath, then do the same to the white wire on the cable that will be connecting to the timer. Twist the remaining black wires of all the solenoids together with the white common wire.

Twist a waterproof cap over each section of connected wires. So, you should have a waterproof cap over each pairing of a colorful wire with one of the two solenoid wires and a waterproof cap over where one of each of the two solenoid wires is twisted together with the white common wire.

Each waterproof cap should twist on tightly over the wires to ensure protection from moisture. If the cap spins continuously without tightening, it means the copper tip on the wire is too long. Clip it shorter until the cap twists on snugly.

On one end of the cable filled with colorful wires, you’ll now have wires connected to the solenoids and covered with waterproof caps. On the other end of the cable, you’ll have the other end of the common wire and the color-coded hot wires. Run the cable up through the hole in the timer or controller box.

Connect each color-coded wire to its corresponding zone. Refer back to the notes you took in step two to ensure you connect the correct color wire to the right zone. Otherwise, you’ll likely program the timer incorrectly, and your watering schedule will be off.

To connect the wires, push them one by one into the labeled zones on the inside of the timer box and use a small screwdriver to tighten them in from the top. Then, do the same tightening procedure but with the white wire, pushing it into the common wire slot on the timer box.

Place the valves back inside the valve box and replace the lid. Put the controller (or timer box) back on the wall. Double-check that all wiring is capped and secured safely before restoring the water and power and plugging the sprinkler controller back into a power outlet.

Turn the sprinklers on to test that they are working properly. If you notice any discrepancies in the zones, the color-coded wires may have gotten mixed up, and you’ll need to restart. 

Otherwise, you can program the system to your ideal watering schedule, ensuring each zone follows the best time to water a lawn. Return your tools to the tool shed and enjoy your handy irrigation system as it waters your yard for you.