Valves
Wiring to Relay Controller
Connecting solenoid and hydraulic valves to an HPzenAi 8-channel relay controller.
Wiring Video Guide
Tools Required
Gather these tools before starting. All wiring uses low-voltage 12V DC connections at the relay controller output terminals.
Tool Checklist
| Preview | Quantity | Item | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| × 1 | Flat-Head Screwdriver | For tightening relay controller output terminal block screws | |
| × 1 | Wire Strippers | To prepare valve cable ends before insertion into terminals | |
| × 1 | Multimeter | To verify 12V DC output at relay channel terminals before connecting the valve | |
| As required | 2-Core Cable (1.5 mm²) | Low-voltage cable from relay controller to valve — not included, sourced separately | |
| As required | Cable Labels / Markers | To label each cable run with the corresponding channel number and zone name |
Flat-Head Screwdriver
For tightening relay controller output terminal block screws
Wire Strippers
To prepare valve cable ends before insertion into terminals
Multimeter
To verify 12V DC output at relay channel terminals before connecting the valve
2-Core Cable (1.5 mm²)
Low-voltage cable from relay controller to valve — not included, sourced separately
Cable Labels / Markers
To label each cable run with the corresponding channel number and zone name
Understanding the Relay Controller Output Terminals
Each of the 8 relay channels on the HPzenAi relay controller (XR/X series) has three terminals: COM (common), NO (normally open), and NC (normally closed). For valve control, valves are wired between COM and NO. When the relay energises, 12V DC is present across COM and NO — this opens the solenoid or pilot valve.
Steps
- COM — the positive 12V DC supply rail for that channel.
- NO — the switched output; receives 12V when the relay is energised (channel ON).
- NC — the normally-closed output; receives 12V when the relay is de-energised (channel OFF). Not used for standard valve wiring.
- Each channel is independently switched and supports loads up to 5A at 12V DC.
- The relay controller's 12V power supply is shared across all 8 COM terminals — total current draw must not exceed the power adapter rating.
Wiring a Solenoid Valve (SV-DN15 / DN20 / DN25)
Solenoid valves are 12V DC normally-closed devices — they remain closed without power and open when 12V is applied. Wire each valve to a dedicated relay channel using a 2-core cable.
Steps
- Run a 2-core cable from the relay controller to the valve location.
- Strip 6–8 mm of insulation from each cable end.
- Connect one cable core to the COM terminal of the chosen relay channel.
- Connect the other cable core to the NO terminal of the same relay channel.
- At the valve end, connect the two cable cores to the two solenoid coil terminals (solenoid coils are not polarity-sensitive for AC-rated coils; follow wiring diagram for DC coils).
- Tighten all terminal screws firmly — loose connections are the most common cause of intermittent valve behaviour.
- Label the cable with the channel number and zone name for future reference.
- In the HPzenAi app, test the channel by tapping the channel tile and using Manual Control to verify the valve opens and closes correctly.
Wiring a Hydraulic Valve (HV-DN50-N / HV-DN50-B)
Hydraulic valves use a small 12V DC pilot solenoid to control the main hydraulic actuator. Only the pilot solenoid coil is wired to the relay controller — the main valve body is actuated by line water pressure directed by the pilot.
Steps
- Identify the pilot solenoid coil on the hydraulic valve body — it is a small brass or plastic sub-assembly with two electrical wires or terminals.
- Run a 2-core cable from the relay controller channel to the pilot solenoid coil.
- Connect one core to COM and the other to NO on the relay channel — identical to solenoid valve wiring.
- Ensure the water supply pressure at the valve is within 0.5–16 bar for correct hydraulic actuation.
- Do not apply 12V directly to the main valve hydraulic body — only the pilot solenoid coil is electrically powered.
- After wiring, slowly open the upstream isolation valve and verify the hydraulic valve opens fully when the relay channel is energised from the app.
Multiple Valves — Wiring to All 8 Channels
Each HPzenAi relay controller supports up to 8 valves simultaneously. Wire each valve to its own dedicated channel. Do not share a single relay channel between multiple valves unless their total current draw is within the 5A channel limit.
Steps
- Assign one valve per channel for independent control and scheduling.
- Label each channel in the app with the zone name (e.g., 'Zone 1 — Front Garden').
- Verify the total current draw of all valves does not exceed the rated output of the 12V power adapter.
- A standard solenoid valve draws approximately 0.3–0.5A; a hydraulic pilot solenoid draws 0.5–1A.
- For 8 solenoid valves simultaneously open, a minimum 5A 12V adapter is recommended.
- Use separate cable runs per channel — do not daisy-chain valve cables.
Wiring Checklist
Steps
- Each valve connected to a dedicated relay channel (COM and NO terminals).
- All terminal screws firmly tightened.
- Cable runs labelled with channel number and zone name.
- 12V power adapter rated for total valve current load.
- Hydraulic valves: only pilot solenoid wired — not the main valve body.
- All channels tested from the app using Manual Control before scheduling.
- No shared channels between multiple valves unless within current limits.
Important Wiring Notes
Steps
- All valve wiring is low-voltage 12V DC — no mains (230V AC) voltage is present at the relay output terminals.
- Never connect 230V AC loads to the relay controller output terminals — it is a 12V DC output system.
- Keep valve cable runs away from 230V mains cabling to avoid induced interference.
- If valve cable runs exceed 30 m, use 2.5 mm² cable to compensate for voltage drop.
- Solenoid coils can be damaged by sustained voltage if the coil is not rated for continuous duty — verify the coil duty cycle specification.