Gardening
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The DIG Unimax S-305DCA DC Latching Solenoid is the ultimate retrofit solution for expanding your irrigation system. This highly specialized, two-way magnetic solenoid allows you to instantly convert standard hardwired 24V AC valves from major brands into battery-operated DC units.
If you are expanding your landscape but cannot trench new electrical wire back to your main controller, this kit is the answer. It includes three custom-threaded adapters, allowing it to screw seamlessly into existing Hunter, Rain Bird, and Toro valve bodies without requiring you to cut any underground mainline tubing. Fully waterproofed via sealed plastic over-molding, it delivers reliable, bidirectional pulse actuation when paired with any compatible 2-wire DC battery controller.
Detailed specifications for system planning.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Type | 6 - 9 Volt DC Latching (Magnetic) |
| Valve Compatibility | Adapters included for DIG, Rain Bird, Hunter, & Toro |
| Operating Pressure | 10 to 150 PSI (0.7 to 10.5 BAR) |
| Wiring | Two 18" color-coded 16-AWG wires |
| Temperature Range | 32°F to 170°F |
| Waterproof Design | Sealed Plastic Over-molding |
Follow these steps to successfully convert your AC valve.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water
Turn off the main water supply to the valve manifold. Ensure there is no active pressure in the line before proceeding.
Step 2: Remove the Old Solenoid
Locate the existing 24V AC valve. Unscrew the current solenoid counter-clockwise by hand and carefully remove it, ensuring the internal plunger does not fall into the valve body.
Step 3: Attach the Adapter
Identify the brand of your valve body. Select the correctly threaded adapter included in the DIG kit and thread it securely into the open solenoid port on the valve.
Step 4: Install the DC Solenoid
Thread the DIG S-305DCA solenoid firmly into the newly installed adapter. Splice the two 16-AWG wires to a compatible battery-operated controller using waterproof wire nuts.
Will this solenoid work with my standard plug-in irrigation timer?
No, this is a 6-9 Volt DC latching solenoid. It cannot be wired to a standard hardwired 24V AC indoor or outdoor timer. It must be paired exclusively with a battery-operated 2-wire DC controller.
Do I need to dig up my old valve to install this?
No plumbing or digging is required. This kit allows you to unscrew the electronic solenoid from the top of your existing valve body and simply screw this DC replacement in its place.
Is this solenoid waterproof enough for underground valve boxes?
Yes, the S-305DCA features a fully sealed plastic over-molding. It is completely waterproof and designed specifically to survive in flooded, dirty underground valve boxes without shorting out.
How do I know which adapter to use?
The kit includes clearly labeled adapters for Hunter, Toro, and Rain Bird valves. Simply identify the brand name stamped on your existing valve body and use the corresponding threaded adapter from the package.
Why is mid-May the ideal time to convert old AC valves to DC battery power?
As gardeners aggressively expand their mid-May planting into distant corners of the yard, converting an unused AC valve to a battery-operated DC zone allows you to automate watering for these remote, fragile spring plants without the massive labor of trenching new electrical wire before the summer heat.
Before purchasing, please verify your power and equipment requirements:
Ensure a professional, reliable retrofit with these essential accessories:
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