This 5 Strand Direct Burial Wire is the solid-core wire DripWorks recommends for wiring automatic AC irrigation valves to a timer or controller. Five strands of 18-gauge wire let you operate up to four valves from a single timer, with the fifth wire serving as the shared common. Low current draw means you can run this wire up to 500 feet between your valves and the controller.
Rated for direct burial, this wire can be installed underground with or without conduit, making it ideal for permanent zone wiring in home gardens, landscapes, and larger irrigation layouts. It's available in 100', 250', and 500' lengths to match your project size. Pair it with waterproof wire connectors at every splice to protect connections from moisture and corrosion.
Detailed specifications for system planning.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Strands | 5 (4 station wires + 1 common) |
| Wire Gauge | 18 AWG, solid core |
| Max Valves Supported | 4 |
| Installation | Direct burial; usable with or without conduit |
| Max Recommended Run | Up to 500' between timer and valves |
| Available Lengths | 100', 250', 500' |
| SKU | TDB5-250 |
How many valves can this wire handle?
This 5 strand wire can connect up to 4 valves to a single timer.
Four of the five strands serve as individual station wires (one per valve), and the fifth wire is the shared common that returns to the timer from every valve's solenoid.
How do I know how many strands of wire I need?
Count your valves and add one additional wire for the common.
For example, a 3 strand wire covers 2 valves plus a common, while this 5 strand wire covers up to 4 valves plus a common. If you might add a valve later, it's wise to size up now rather than re-trench later.
Can this wire be buried directly in the ground?
Yes, this is direct burial wire and can be installed underground with or without conduit.
Solid-core direct burial wire is the type recommended for automatic irrigation systems, whether your valves run on AC power from a household-current timer.
How long of a wire run can I install?
Low current requirements allow wire runs of up to 500 feet between your valves and the timer.
This makes it possible for a single, centrally located timer to operate valves spread across multiple zones of a larger property.
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