Sprinkler Terminology

Posted by DansTower on Apr 28, 2017

  Atmospheric Pressure Breaker (APB) – An older style of anti-siphon valve for the system; usually does not have modern test cocks to check system or perform blow out procedures; should be used in conjunction with master electric valve. Ball Valve – This type of valve literally appears to be a steel ball that has been drilled through for the water to pass through it when the valve is in the open position; when closed the ball rotates to seal the pipe shut Ball valve handles – the handles on the ball valves; often times coated with blue plastic Bonnet – The upper portion of the vacuum breaker guts, on the Febco 765 model is amber colored and resembles a star.  The poppet is the lower portions that moves up to the bonnet to complete the seal Cable/ Timer wire – The complete strand of timer wires usually wrapped in a shroud of black vinyl or brown vinyl. Canopy – The lid/ cover to the vacuum breaker; will typically be bronze colored or black plastic. Collar – The rounded cap on the sprinkler head.  The stem passes through the center of the collar. Common Wire – This is the specific colored wire (commonly the white wire) that is attached to the “com” port in the timer and supplies power to the electric valves. Copper pipe – Is typically L or M type and used above ground to connect vacuum breaker to the house and the manifold. Electric Valve – In simple terms; this acts as the electronic door that opens and closes the station under orders of the timer and allows water to pass through to the sprinkler heads.  It contains a diaphragm, solenoid and upper and lower housing. ...