Remote Control Valves (RCVs)
Remote control valves (RCVs) are connected to the controller – usually via low-voltage wire – and can turn on and off as directed by the controller program. You should be familiar with the maximum flow allowed for RCVs of different sizes. For best results, keep the pressure loss through the valve below 10% of the static pressure in the mainline – that is, about 5 to 7 psi (0,35 to 0,5 bars), with about 6 psi (0,4 bars) loss as a recommended high. Different RCV manufacturers will have different loss values for a given flow.
RCVs have a similar function to that of manual control valves (MCVs) in that they turn on and off to make sprinklers start and stop. MCVs do the same – they just lack a solenoid and aren't wired to a controller, which means they have to be turned on and off by hand.
If you need to expand an existing system that uses RCVs, but the site budget or inventory doesn't allow for additional wiring, you could use MCVs for the expanded portions instead. It will just mean that someone will have to go to the site and turn the valves on/off when it needs to be irrigated.
You could also choose to put in an RCV with DC latching solenoids for the expanded areas, and then use a battery controller.
Remote Control Valve Size/Flow
GPM @ PSI Loss
Size In.
Irritrol 100
Rain Bird PEB
1"
1 1/2"
2"
3"
30 @ 4.1
60 @ 5.2
130 @ 5.6
225 @ 5.3
30 @ 5.6
75 @ 5.4
120 @ 6.0
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l/min @ Bars Loss
Size MM
Irritrol 100
Rain Bird PEB
25mm
40mm
50mm
76mm
114 @ 0,28
227 @ 0,36
492 @ 0,39
850 @ 0,37
114 @ 0,39
284 @ 0,37
454 @ 0,41
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