Irrigation Blog

Rain Bird Spring Promotion 50% Off

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:24:42 GMT

Rain Bird Spring Promotion 2026

Over 50% Off Selected Golf Irrigation Equipment

If you are planning upgrades, refurbishments or stock builds for the 2026 season, now is the time.

Rain Bird’s Spring Irrigation Promotion runs from 1 March to 30 June 2026 and includes up to 50% off selected golf rotors, IC products, valves, decoders and accessories.

This is not small savings. This is serious cost reduction on core infrastructure.

Why This Matters

For golf and sports turf irrigation, hardware cost is often the barrier to proactive upgrades. At 50% discount, full rotor replacement programmes, IC retrofits or valve renewals become financially realistic rather than deferred.

This is a strategic buying window, not just a seasonal sale.

Key Details

Valid until 30 June 2026
Promotion Pricing
Based on current Rain Bird list prices
Freight charges apply

Stock is allocated through approved channels and availability may tighten as we approach summer.

View the Rain Bird products

Smarter Watering with Rain Bird Controllers

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:54:22 GMT

Smarter Watering with Rain Bird Controllers

Take control of your irrigation with Rain Bird’s latest range of smart controllers. Whether you’re managing a small garden, a home system, or a large commercial site, these controllers deliver precision, reliability, and simplicity.

ESP-BAT-BT – The Bluetooth Battery-Operated Controller

The ESP-BAT-BT provides reliable irrigation control without a mains connection. Its long-life batteries, lasting up to five years, make it ideal for installations where cabling is difficult or power is unavailable.

Key features:

Connects via Bluetooth using the Rain Bird mobile app.
Four independent programmes and up to eight start times per day.
Run times from seconds to nine hours, with seasonal adjustment up to 200%.
Waterproof housing suitable for valve boxes and remote installations.

Best for: Small gardens or retrofit systems where there’s no access to mains power.

Highlight: Simple to install, easy to control from your phone, and virtually maintenance-free.

Example: We recently used a battery setup to control a temporary irrigated area during growing a planted area.

RC2 Smart Controller – The Wi-Fi Connected Choice

The Rain Bird RC2 brings true smart control to home and light-commercial irrigation. Once connected to Wi-Fi, you can manage watering schedules through the Rain Bird mobile app from anywhere.

Key features:

Built-in Wi-Fi for complete remote control.
Quick Pair setup and offline access through built-in access point mode.
Supports up to eight zones with individual scheduling.
Weather-based adjustments automatically reduce water waste.

Best for: Homeowners who want to manage irrigation remotely and cut down on water use.

Highlight: Automatically adapts watering schedules to local weather, saving time and resources.

ESP-2WIRE – Professional Grade for Larger Sites

The ESP-2WIRE controller is built for larger and more complex systems. Using a two-wire communication path, it reduces cabling while maintaining control over up to fifty zones.

Key features:

Supports up to fifty zones through a single two-wire path.
Decoder auto-addressing for faster installation.
Large back-lit display and diagnostic LEDs for easy servicing.
Optional LNK2 Wi-Fi module for weather-based remote control.

Best for: Contractors, estates, and golf courses that require robust, scalable irrigation control.

Highlight: A future-ready design that saves on cabling costs and simplifies system expansion.

Choosing the Right Controller

Your Requirement - No main power supply.

Recommended Controller - ESP-BAT-BT Long battery life and simple Bluetooth control.

Your Requirement - Wi-Fi smart control for home gardens.

Recommended Controller -RC2 Smart Controller Remote access and weather-based adjustments.

Your Requirement - Large sites or professional installations

Recommended Controller - ESP-2WIRE Handles multiple zones efficiently with reduced wiring.

Why Choose Rain Bird

Rain Bird is known for its durable, innovative irrigation systems and its focus on The Intelligent Use of Water®. Every controller is designed to save water, simplify operation, and deliver long-term reliability.

Intuitive control via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Smart scheduling for water efficiency.
Weather-resistant and built to last.
Options suitable for gardens, sports grounds, and large estates.

Ready to Upgrade?

Explore the full range of Rain Bird controllers to find the right solution for your landscape. Improve efficiency, save water, and enjoy complete control of your irrigation system.

Mastering Irrigation Decoder Fault Finding with John Kidson at BTME 2026

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:56:22 GMT

Mastering Irrigation Decoder Fault Finding with John Kidson at BTME 2026

We’re proud to announce that John Kidson , Managing Director of JK Irrigation Ltd , will be leading a specialist technical training session at BTME 2026 , focused on practical decoder fault-finding and advanced diagnostics for modern irrigation systems.

About the session

Decoder-based irrigation systems have transformed how golf courses and sports facilities manage water. But when electrical or communication faults occur, they can be among the most challenging and costly issues to diagnose.

This in-depth training session will walk attendees through real-world diagnostic techniques, demonstrating how to identify, isolate and repair decoder and cable faults quickly and accurately, essential knowledge for maintaining performance and reliability across large-scale installations.

Key takeaways

Participants will learn how to:

Detect and locate cable or decoder faults using proven diagnostic methods.
Understand two-wire system layouts and fault behaviour.
Apply testing techniques to avoid unnecessary digging or component replacement.
Improve system uptime, efficiency and water savings through smarter maintenance planning.
Evaluate when and how to modernise existing decoder networks.

About the presenter

With decades of field experience in irrigation design, installation and diagnostics, John Kidson has overseen major system upgrades across leading UK golf courses and estates. His expertise in Rain Bird, Toro and decoder-based systems makes this a rare opportunity to gain insight from one of the UK’s most respected irrigation specialists.

Who should attend

This training is ideal for:

Course Managers and Head Greenkeepers
Irrigation Technicians and Contractors
Sports Turf Managers and Grounds Professionals
Anyone responsible for maintaining or upgrading decoder-based irrigation systems

Event details

Session: Irrigation Decoder Fault Finding
Date & Time: 9:30 am – 12:45 pm, 20 January 2026
Location: Crowne Plaza Harrogate (as part of BTME 2026)

Format: Expert-led technical training with demonstrations, live examples and Q&A

�� Find out more and book your place (Event listed on Event Brite, T10 20/1/26 Irrigation decoder fault finding)

Why this matters

As irrigation systems evolve, understanding their electrical backbone is vital. Decoder fault-finding isn’t just about fixing faults — it’s about keeping turf healthy, resources efficient, and systems performing at their best .

This BTME session will equip you with practical skills, tested methods, and confidence to manage irrigation systems more effectively than ever.

Why Golf Courses Should Consider an Irrigation Cable Rewire

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:23:20 GMT

Why Golf Courses Should Consider an Irrigation Cable Rewire

For many golf clubs across the UK, irrigation cable networks were installed decades ago and have been patched together ever since. While they may still function day to day, hidden faults and ageing infrastructure can cause serious reliability issues, wasted water, and costly breakdowns. At JK Irrigation Ltd , we specialise in golf course irrigation rewires and decoder system upgrades that bring systems back to full reliability and efficiency.

Common Problems with Old Irrigation Cabling

Ageing insulation – older cables degrade underground, letting in moisture and causing short circuits.
Poor joints – taped or grease-pot joints eventually fail, leading to intermittent faults and lost signals.
Overloaded systems – modern decoders and valves often draw more power than old cable networks were designed for.
Lightning damage – surges through long cable runs weaken insulation and cause hidden breaks.
Unreliable communication – leading to missed cycles, stuck valves, and overwatering.

The Benefits of a Full or Partial Rewire

Improved reliability – a new two-wire loop ensures strong, consistent signals to every decoder.
Future-proofing – modern cabling supports the latest decoder technologies from Rain Bird, Toro, Hunter and more.
Reduced running costs – fewer faults mean less water wasted, lower electricity use, and less engineer call-outs.
Simpler maintenance – new joints, clearly mapped networks, and robust components make fault-finding easier.
System longevity – a properly installed cable network should last decades with minimal intervention.

What’s Involved in a Golf Course Rewire

When JK Irrigation carries out a course rewire, the process is carefully planned to minimise disruption to play:

Survey & Mapping – we trace existing cable runs, joints, valve boxes and decoders.
Design – a new two-wire loop is planned, often with redundancy built in.
Installation – new cable is ploughed or trenched in, with high-quality waterproof joints.
Decoder Replacement – new decoders are installed, programmed and tested.
Commissioning – the system is tested zone by zone for load, signal strength and operation.

Recent Golf Course Projects

We’ve delivered rewire and upgrade projects for clubs including Guildford Golf Club, Foxhills, The Buckinghamshire and Addington . Each project had its own challenges, from replacing outdated decoders to integrating new pump sets and tanking solutions, but the result is always the same — a more reliable, efficient irrigation system built for the future.

Is Your Course Ready for a Rewire?

If your system is over 20 years old, if you’re seeing frequent faults, or if you’re planning a control system upgrade, it’s the perfect time to consider a rewire.

�� Contact JK Irrigation Ltd today to discuss a survey, upgrade, or full course rewire. Our team will help you design a system that’s reliable, efficient, and future-proof for your course.

Call our free landline: 03333356394 or email office@JKIrrigation.co.uk

Introducing the Hunter ICD-HP Handheld Decoder Programmer

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:39:28 GMT

How the Hunter ICD-HP Improves Decoder Programming in the UK

Introduction

Upgrading irrigation control systems just got easier. The Hunter ICD HP Handheld Decoder Programmer is a must have tool for contractors, groundskeepers, and maintenance teams working with Hunter’s Dual, ICD, and Pilot decoder systems. Whether you are on a golf course, maintaining sports turf, or installing new irrigation on large landscapes, this device offers more flexibility, better diagnostics, and faster setup without compromising waterproof integrity.

What It Is (Features and Functions)

Based on details from your stockist page and Hunter’s official specifications, here is what the ICD HP can do:

Wireless induced programming through the decoder case, so you do not have to unseal waterproof connectors.
Full diagnostics on the go. The ICD HP lets you read station numbers, test solenoids, measure current draw, check sensor inputs, see solenoid status and more.
Flexible power options. Field work is powered by 4 × AA batteries, while workshop use can be powered by USB.
Durable and field ready. Supplied with induction cup, probes and test leads, USB cable, rugged carrying case.
Compatibility across Hunter ICD decoders, legacy Dual decoders, and Pilot modules.

What Makes It Stand Out

No need to disconnect waterproof wiring. This saves time, reduces wear, and improves reliability.
Program stations in any order and skip stations. Helpful for expandability and upgrades.
Multilingual display with backlight. Useful for low light and UK weather conditions.

Pricing and Availability

From Irrigation Stockist :

Use Cases

New installations of decoder based irrigation ( Dual or ICD ). Faster setup and fewer mistakes.
Maintenance and diagnostics. Testing solenoids, verifying current, checking sensor wiring without opening up enclosures.
Upgrades and expansions. Re assigning station numbers or skipping stations in the field without extra wiring.
Outdoor work in UK weather. Waterproof design ensures durability.

Who Should Use It

Irrigation contractors working on golf courses, sports fields, and public parks
Landscape architects and grounds teams for large residential or commercial projects
Local authority and municipal maintenance teams

FAQs

Q: Do I need the latest firmware for the ICD HP to support all decoder types
A: Yes. Keeping firmware up to date ensures full compatibility with Dual, ICD, and Pilot decoders.

Q: Can I still use this with older Dual decoders
A: Yes. The ICD HP supports legacy Dual as well as ICD and Pilot decoders.

Q: What power options are there
A: Use batteries for field use or USB power for workshop settings.

Q: How do I get after sales support
A: Buying through Irrigation Stockist ensures UK support and access to Hunter manuals, firmware, and technical help.

How do you test a irrigation coil?

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:55:32 GMT

How do you test a coil?

Irrigation expert John Kidson details what you need to do to find out if a coil you use on your irrigation system needs to be replaced.

Article from Greenkeeper Magazine

During recent training workshops I was running, I was repeatedly asked: ‘How do you test a coil?’ Here’s how.

What you’ll need

• A multimeter set to Ohms (Ω) – logo reminds me of a pair of headphones

• The solenoid coil in question (make sure it’s disconnected!)

Step-by-step check

• Power off and isolate: Always disconnect power from the coil first. Make sure it’s completely unplugged from the controller or system wiring.

• Set up your multimeter: Switch your meter to the Ω setting. Typically, irrigation coils measure between 20 and 60 Ω, but double-check the coil specs if you have them handy, or better yet, keep a new, unused coil in your toolkit as a quick reference each time you test.

• Measure coil resistance: Put each multimeter probe onto the coil wires, one probe per wire. A healthy coil should read around 20-60 Ω or within 10 percent of your reference coil, a short-circuited coil will be close to 0 Ω, indicating it’s toast and it’s time to swap it out, and an open-circuited coil will result in your meter showing infinite (OL). A replacement will be needed.

Personal tip

Always carry spare coils in your tool kit. These things never fail at a convenient time, and you can always use them as a baseline for a good reading. Personally, I work on a 10 percent tolerance.

What moisture meter do you use?

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:09:08 GMT

What moisture meter do you use?

Irrigation expert John Kidson has caught up with seven greenkeepers and asked them all the same two questions: ‘What brand or type of moisture meter do you use and what is the reading you’re aiming for?’

**Content taken from John's irrigation articles within The Greenkeeping Magazine

Here are their answers

Leigh Hyde

Course Manager

Bush Hill Park Golf Club

We use the Fieldscout TDR150. We aim for our greens to be maintained between 20 and 25 percent (volumetric water content (VWC)). Maintaining moisture levels within these ranges helps to ensure the turf’s health, playability and resilience.

Will Fuller

Head Greenkeeper

Surrey National Golf Club

At Surrey National we use a Fieldscout TDR100 and we are looking for between 25 and 30 percent when taking moisture readings. We have found that the greens feel firm enough and are more manageable at this level. This reading gives us some buffer during periods like we experienced during the summer with temperatures of 30-plus degrees. We have multiple open aspect greens and drain very well so running with slightly higher readings means the greens do not become a problem overnight.

Richard Goodard

Course Manager

Aldenham Golf and Country Club

We use the Extrech MO750 and aim for 15 to 20 percent, on average.

Dan Martin

Irrigation Manager

London Golf Club

We use the Pogo moisture meter. It’s dependent on the upcoming weather conditions but we aim to keep sand playing surfaces between 18 and 20 percent. We may exceed this if we are expecting an extended period of drought pressure.

Adam Mitchell

Course Manager

Tehidy Park Golf Club

We use the Delta-T SM150 and aim for 25 percent, on average.

Rick Taylor

First Assistant / Irrigation Tech

Swinley Forest Golf Club

We use the Pogo moisture meter and our target range is 20 to 25 percent.

Mark Allard

Deputy Course Manager

Chipstead Golf Club

We use the Fieldscout TDR soil moisture meter. We aim to get an average reading of 20 percent.

Contact John Kidson @JKIrrigation on all socials

Big Spring Sale at Irrigation Stockist: Unbeatable Deals on Irrigation Essentials!

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:00:36 GMT

Shop Top Brands and Save Big on Irrigation Pipe Fittings, Decoders, Hose Pipes, Watering Guns, and More!

Spring is here , and it’s the perfect time to get your irrigation system ready for the season! Whether you’re looking to upgrade, replace, or install new irrigation components, Irrigation Stockist has you covered with our Big Spring Sale—offering unbeatable prices on everything from irrigation pipe fittings and hose pipes to decoders, coils, watering guns, and more.

Top-Quality Irrigation Products at Unbeatable Prices

At Irrigation Stockist, we understand that a reliable irrigation system is key to maintaining healthy gardens, lawns, and landscapes. That’s why we’ve curated the best selection of irrigation products from top brands like Rain Bird, Toro, Hunter, Bailoy, and many more—all available at incredible discounts during our Spring Sale!

1. Irrigation Pipe Fittings

Upgrade your irrigation system with durable, high-quality pipe fittings that ensure leak-free performance and long-lasting efficiency. Our Spring Sale features a wide variety of fittings for all your irrigation needs, from residential to commercial installations. Don’t miss your chance to save on these essential components!

2. Irrigation Decoders & Coils

Precision is key to maintaining a high-functioning irrigation system. That’s why we’re offering irrigation decoders and coils from leading brands like Rain Bird, Toro, and Hunter. These high-tech components help reduce water waste, improve irrigation accuracy, and save you money. Take advantage of our sale prices and enhance your system’s efficiency today!

3. Rain Bird, Toro & Hunter Irrigation Products

Looking to upgrade to industry-leading systems? Our Spring Sale offers Rain Bird, Toro and Hunter products at discounted rates, providing you with the best technology for your irrigation needs. From sprinkler controllers to high-efficiency nozzles, Rain Bird, Toro and Hunter have earned their reputation for reliability and performance, and now you can grab them at amazing prices!

4. Irrigation Hose Pipes & Watering Guns

Don’t miss our fantastic deals on irrigation hose pipes and watering guns! Whether you’re watering your garden or managing a large landscape, we have the tools you need to get the job done right. Choose from durable, flexible hose pipes and powerful watering guns designed for efficiency and convenience. Save big while getting the best in watering solutions!

5. Essential Irrigation Tools

Complete your system with our top-rated irrigation tools. From pipe cutters to drip irrigation kits, we have everything you need to maintain and install your irrigation system with ease. These professional-grade tools are built to last, and right now, they’re available at the best prices of the season!

Why Shop at Irrigation Stockist?

At Irrigation Stockist, we’re committed to providing top-notch products and exceptional customer service. Our Spring Sale offers huge savings across all categories, so you can get the quality irrigation products you need without breaking the bank. With reliable brands, fast delivery, and a wide range of items, we make it easy to get everything you need to improve your irrigation system.

Shop Now and Save!

Don’t wait! Our Big Spring Sale is only available for a limited time, so now is the perfect opportunity to stock up on the essential irrigation products you need. Whether you’re a homeowner or a landscaping professional, we have everything you need to enhance your irrigation system’s performance and efficiency.

Shop now at Irrigation Stockist and take advantage of our unbeatable deals on irrigation pipe fittings, decoders, coils, watering guns, hose pipes, tools, and more. Save big and make this Spring your most efficient watering season yet!

Don’t forget to follow us on social media for the latest updates on sales and promotions. Happy Spring, and happy shoppin g!

Carson Brooks Valve Boxes: Strength, Reliability, and Versatility for Irrigation Systems

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:37:25 GMT

Carson Brooks Valve Boxes: Strength, Reliability, and Versatility for Irrigation Systems

When it comes to irrigation systems, having durable, reliable, and efficient components is crucial for long-term performance and maintenance. Carson Brooks valve boxes are a trusted choice among professionals worldwide for their high quality, strength, and versatility. They are engineered to withstand the rigours of various climates, ensuring that your irrigation system remains functional and efficient, no matter the conditions.

Why Choose Carson Brooks Valve Boxes?

1. Exceptional Durability and Strength:
Carson Brooks valve boxes are renowned for their robust construction, built to endure the toughest environments. Whether you’re managing a golf course, sports pitch, landscape, or large irrigation installation, these valve boxes are designed to resist damage from external forces such as impacts, weather conditions, and frequent access. Made from high-quality, UV-resistant materials, they maintain their structural integrity under exposure to harsh sunlight and extreme weather conditions, ensuring a long lifespan.

2. Reliable Performance in All Conditions:
Engineered to be weather-resistant, Carson Brooks valve boxes perform reliably in both dry and wet conditions. The heavy-duty construction ensures that the internal components of the irrigation system are protected from dirt, debris, and external elements, preventing malfunctions and reducing maintenance costs. Whether you’re dealing with the heat of summer or the chill of winter, Carson Brooks valve boxes are up to the task.

3. Widely Used and Trusted Worldwide:
Carson Brooks valve boxes have earned a reputation as one of the most commonly used and trusted valve box brands in the world. Their long history of excellence and consistent product performance has made them a go-to choice for irrigation professionals globally. From large-scale sports turf installations to residential landscaping projects, Carson Brooks valve boxes are a preferred choice due to their reliability and ease of use.

Our Full Range of Carson Brooks Valve Boxes and Accessories

We stock a comprehensive range of Carson Brooks valve boxes to meet the needs of all types of irrigation systems, from small residential gardens to large commercial and sports turf installations. Our inventory includes:

1. Valve Boxes:
Carson Brooks offers a wide selection of valve box sizes and shapes to suit various valve configurations. Whether you need a standard-sized box for single valves or a larger box for more complex installations, we have you covered. Each box is designed to provide easy access to valves for maintenance and repairs while ensuring the long-term protection of your irrigation components.

2. Separate Lids:
In addition to valve boxes, we also stock Carson Brooks lids separately. These lids are made to the same high standards as the boxes, providing a secure and durable closure for the valve box. They are easy to install and remove, allowing for quick access to irrigation components while keeping the box securely closed when not in use. The lids are available in various sizes and designs to match the corresponding valve boxes.

3. Box Extensions:
For installations where extra depth is required, we offer Carson Brooks box extensions. These extensions allow for easy adaptation of the valve box to accommodate deeper installations, ensuring that your valves remain accessible without compromising on protection or functionality.

Whether your system requires a deeper box to handle multiple valves or to provide better protection from flooding, the extensions provide a flexible solution.

Recommended for Dual Valves: Jumbo Valve Boxes

For installations requiring the use of dual valves, such as more complex irrigation systems for sports pitches, golf courses, or commercial landscaping, we strongly recommend opting for Carson Brooks Jumbo Valve Boxes.

Why Jumbo Valve Boxes?

Accommodate Dual Valves: Jumbo boxes are specifically designed to house dual valves, providing ample space for the system's components. This ensures that the valves remain easily accessible for maintenance while protecting them from dirt and damage.

Enhanced Durability: Given the extra size, these jumbo boxes are built with additional reinforcement, making them even more durable. They’re perfect for high-demand environments where multiple valves are required and where accessibility, strength, and longevity are crucial.

Improved Accessibility: The larger size of the Jumbo valve box makes accessing valves for repairs or adjustments much easier, reducing the time spent on maintenance tasks and minimising disruption to the irrigation system.

Ideal Applications for Jumbo Valve Boxes:

Sports Turf Installations: Large-scale sports pitches, including football, rugby, and cricket fields, where irrigation systems often require dual valves to control multiple zones.

Golf Courses: On golf courses, where irrigation needs to be highly flexible and tailored to different areas, Jumbo valve boxes offer enough space to house the required components.

Commercial and Industrial Landscapes: Larger commercial or industrial irrigation systems often require dual valves to optimise water distribution across large areas, making Jumbo boxes the ideal solution.

Why Trust Carson Brooks for Your Irrigation Needs?

Quality Assurance: Carson Brooks valve boxes are manufactured to meet the highest standards of durability and reliability. With rigorous testing and quality control, these valve boxes offer long-lasting performance and peace of mind for turf managers, landscapers, and irrigation professionals.

Ease of Installation: All Carson Brooks products are designed for easy installation and maintenance. The simple yet effective design of the valve boxes ensures that your irrigation system remains operational without the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Comprehensive Range: Whether you’re installing an irrigation system for a small garden or a large sports field, Carson Brooks offers a valve box solution that will meet your needs. From standard boxes to Jumbo boxes for dual valves, we provide a wide variety of options to fit every irrigation configuration.

Conclusion:

Carson Brooks valve boxes are trusted for their strength, reliability, and versatility. With a full range of options, including standard valve boxes, separate lids, and box extensions, as well as the recommended Jumbo boxes for dual valve systems, you can rely on Carson Brooks for high-quality products that help optimise the performance and longevity of your irrigation system.

If you're looking for valve boxes that stand the test of time, offer ease of access, and ensure the efficient functioning of your irrigation components, Carson Brooks is the brand you can trust.

View in our shop

New Director joins our team

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:11:58 GMT

JK Irrigation Welcomes Bill Finch to our team!

JK Irrigation Welcomes Bill Finch to our team!

"Delighted to have Bill join our organisation," said John Kidson, MD at JK Irrigation Ltd. "Bill adds wealth of experience to our ever-growing team, he will be invaluable to our distribution and logistics side of the business/s."

Bill joins us with decades of experience in logistics and distribution and has taken on the role of Logistics Director at JK Irrigation Ltd.

Please join us in welcoming Bill to the JK Irrigation. He can be reached at 07759 738134 or logistics@jkirrigation.co.uk

JK Irrigation announces partnership with BIGGA

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 16:32:03 GMT

JK Irrigation announces partnership with BIGGA

Industry training requirements continue to evolve and JK Irrigation and BIGGA recognises the importance of providing courses that are designed not only to improve and maintain professional standards, but also result in savings through greater efficiency in irrigation practice.

THE IRRIGATION WORKSHOP

The BIGGA SE Region irrigation workshop is split between 50% Practical and 50% Theory, which embraces managing irrigation installations safely and efficiently through correct procedures and product selection.

- Golf and Sports Irrigation workshops typically cover key products such as Solenoid Valves, Sprinklers, Coils, Decoders/Modules, Pump Sets, Controllers, Wiring, Pipe & Fittings.

Courses are held at JK Irrigation, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6HF. Parking on-site is available and hot lunch can be ordered on the day.

Time: 07.00 - 13.00 hours

Cost: £50.00 per BIGGA member.

Find out more on the BIGGA website

Irrigation Warehouse Growth

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:36:25 GMT

Our irrigation warehouse grows!

With our business growth comes more storage, stock levels and greater product ranges.

Over the past few months we've been adding more products to the shop and more still to come!

If you can't see something you wish to buy please contact us. We most likely have the items in stock or can arrange though our network of suppliers.

Your able to apply for a trade account or pay within the basket on check out.

If you require any assistance please contact us.

Irrigation advice: The causes of low voltage

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:59:17 GMT

Irrigation advice: The causes of low voltage

In his latest article looking at how to become an irrigation technician, John Kidson explores the causes and results of low voltage in a system.
*First published in the Greening Magazine written by John Kidson.

Within this issue I wish to cover the flow of voltage. Yes, this sounds strange but voltage over your cable network is key to any automated system working in the correct manner.

Let’s start with why we have voltage.

The voltage starts its journey from the irrigation controllers’ transfer, then over your cable network and in most cases via different cables, commonly called zones.

The irrigation controller will either have a consent voltage over the cable network or only voltage when in operation. This will depend on the brand of the controller.

Most common systems require a minimum voltage of 24 volts to operate a coil; these coils can either be on a solenoid valve or within a valve in-head sprinkler. I say 24v minimum, but you really need 28 / 30v due to a voltage drop once a coil is active. Most used coils say 24v and you can buy latching or non-latching – always best to double check when ordering replacements.

Your aim as an irrigation technician is to help the voltage over the cable network, the speed that the voltage can travel comes down to clean copper and good cable joints. An irrigation controller may start its journey with 34v, this can easily drop off the route due to bad joints, wet joints and cable issues. The issues then start to appear once you get near the minimum required voltage.

Low voltage issues

• Coils don’t operate or work intermittently.

• Random controller errors even though the stations work on a single test.

• Your coils / stations stop ahead of their planned run time.

Causes of low voltage

• Exposed copper.

• Wet conditions, which have submerged unprotected joints.

• A cable within the ground is damaged by machinery or is failing due to age.

• Bad cable joints in which, for example, copper does not touch copper.

• Distance. Each manufacturer has a maximum distance of a cable path.

As with water, you must help keep the flow going. Any cable joint early on within the cable path is a key point to check. Remaking copper joints and scrapping the copper clean can increase the voltage by a few volts, this doesn’t sound a lot, but you only have 30v or so to start with. Once your voltage has passed 50 joints or more, it only takes a few bad joints to lose 10 volts.

If you have the availability of cable within the ground or valve box, always try to strip the outer cable back more than required. This will allow for clamping when looking for decoder issues. I personally strip back two lengths of the cable with a yellow stripping tool.

For a strong cable joint, the best check you can undertake is to see if you can pull the cables out of the twisty part of a grease pod before putting the grease pod on.

Irrigation Blog

Rain Bird Spring Promotion 50% Off

Rain Bird Spring Promotion 2026

Over 50% Off Selected Golf Irrigation Equipment

Why This Matters

Key Details

Smarter Watering with Rain Bird Controllers

Smarter Watering with Rain Bird Controllers

ESP-BAT-BT – The Bluetooth Battery-Operated Controller

RC2 Smart Controller – The Wi-Fi Connected Choice

ESP-2WIRE – Professional Grade for Larger Sites

Choosing the Right Controller

Why Choose Rain Bird

Ready to Upgrade?

Mastering Irrigation Decoder Fault Finding with John Kidson at BTME 2026

Mastering Irrigation Decoder Fault Finding with John Kidson at BTME 2026

About the session

Key takeaways

About the presenter

Who should attend

Event details

Why this matters

Why Golf Courses Should Consider an Irrigation Cable Rewire

Why Golf Courses Should Consider an Irrigation Cable Rewire

Common Problems with Old Irrigation Cabling

The Benefits of a Full or Partial Rewire

What’s Involved in a Golf Course Rewire

Recent Golf Course Projects

Is Your Course Ready for a Rewire?

Introducing the Hunter ICD-HP Handheld Decoder Programmer

How the Hunter ICD-HP Improves Decoder Programming in the UK

Introduction

What It Is (Features and Functions)

What Makes It Stand Out

Pricing and Availability

Use Cases

Who Should Use It

FAQs

How do you test a irrigation coil?

How do you test a coil? ﻿

What moisture meter do you use?

What moisture meter do you use?

Big Spring Sale at Irrigation Stockist: Unbeatable Deals on Irrigation Essentials!

Shop Top Brands and Save Big on Irrigation Pipe Fittings, Decoders, Hose Pipes, Watering Guns, and More!

Top-Quality Irrigation Products at Unbeatable Prices

Carson Brooks Valve Boxes: Strength, Reliability, and Versatility for Irrigation Systems

Carson Brooks Valve Boxes: Strength, Reliability, and Versatility for Irrigation Systems

New Director joins our team

JK Irrigation Welcomes Bill Finch to our team!

JK Irrigation announces partnership with BIGGA

JK Irrigation announces partnership with BIGGA

Irrigation Warehouse Growth

Our irrigation warehouse grows!

Irrigation advice: The causes of low voltage

Irrigation advice: The causes of low voltage

How do you test a coil?