Most of the information below is from a Rain Bird DV valve installation instruction pamphlet which is out of print. Some of the information below is from a newer, much smaller, and somewhat less informative flyer which replaced the larger pamphlet.
These instructions are generally quite good. In the interest of reproducing the instructions accurately, and so that we could attribute the source as being from Rain Bird, we have refrained from modifying them in any way (except for fixing a couple of their spelling errors and probably adding a couple of typos of our own!) The only way in which our opinion deviates from the advice below is that we recommend either multi-strand or solid wire (not just multi-strand) and we generally discourage manifolding valves, ESPECIALLY above ground! Also, it's not necessary to buy the specific Rain Bird water tight connector mentioned- there are several good ones available.
Those details (mentioned above) that we take issue with are pretty specific, and are only a small part of what's covered below. In general, you would be well served to read these instructions thoroughly when installing ANY brand of valve, although the appearance and features of other valves will vary somewhat.
![]() | Parts include: A = flow control stem B = solenoid C = bonnet D = bonnet screws (6) E = diaphragm location F = body G = inlet H = outlet Parts not shown: Solenoid handle (at B) Flow control handle (at A) |
General Information
The DV series of valves offer an array of products in both sizes and features to meet the standard installation needs for residential and light commercial irrigation requirements.
- The valves offered are a 3/4" (20/27) non flow control valve and a series of 1" 26/34) valves with or without flow control and threaded or slip x slip configurations on the inlet and outlet ports. The combination of forms available offers maximum versatility to the installing contractor.
- The 3/4" valve should be used on laterals with flow rates from 3 to 22 GPM (0,75 to 5,0 cubic meters/hr or 11,4 to 83,4 L/m) or may be used on a drip master valve set-up with an RBY-075-200MX filter at flow rates as low as 0.2 GPM (0,5 cubic meters/hr or 0,8 L/m).
- The 1" valve series may be used on laterals with flows of 3 to 40 GPM (0,75 to 10 cubic meters/h or 11,4 to 151,6 L/m).
- In either 3/4" or 1" size, it is recommended that velocities be kept below 5.5 ft/sec (1,68 m/sec). DV valves will perform in an operating range of 15 to 150 psi (1 to 10 bars or 100 to 1,000 kPa).
Tips on Installation
- Adequately flush the main water source prior to plumbing in the valves.
- Local practice may also dictate the installation of a master valve or isolation shut-off valve prior to installation of a DV valve. This will be very useful in shutting down a portion of the irrigation system without affecting the entire system.
- Check the electrical specifications of the controller being installed on the job to ensure that you have adequate inrush and holding current to electrically activate the valves. This is particularly important if you plan to wire more than one valve to a controller station. The DV solenoid is rated at 0.30 A, 24 VAC (7,2 VA) inrush and 0.19 A and 24 VAC (4,6 VA) holding current to maintain activation of the solenoid for the scheduled run time. Except for the EZ-1, all Rain Bird controllers will allow you to run two valves plus a master valve at one time. The EZ-1 allows one valve plus a master or two valves without a master valve.
- Local practice will dictate the standard installation procedures. However, it is always recommended that valves be installed in a valve box to allow access if servicing is required. This process will also allow easier identification of where the valves are actually installed on the job site.
![]() | Installation Steps
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Wiring the Valve (See figure above.)
The DV valve comes with two lead wires, both black. Either one may be used as the common or as the hot wire back to the controller.
- Select a wire gauge which will allow you to run back to the controller with minimal loss (click here for wire size table). Most often, multi-strand direct burial wire will be preferable.
- All valves going back to the controller can utilize the same common wire. If the valves are manifolded, simply wire the valves together using water tight connectors and run one common wire back to the controller. If the valves are separated, run one common line and splice it to the remote valve common at each location.
- Each individual station must be wired separately to activate. Select a wire color and use a water tight electrical connector to wire the valve back to the controller. This wire runs directly from the valve back to the controller and is not ganged with any other wires. The use of Rain Bird ST-03 Waterproof connectors are recommended for all water tight connections.
- Hook up all wires back into the controller by positioning a hot wire for each valve onto a controller terminal strip and connecting all the commons back to the correct position on the controller.
Determining Valve Wire Sizes
- Determine actual distance, along wire run, from controller out to the first valve on a circuit and between each succeding valve on a multiple valve circuit (as shown in the figure below).
![Rain Bird DV Valve Instructions (11) Rain Bird DV Valve Instructions (11)](https://i0.wp.com/www.watertips.com/../images/contwire.gif)
- Calculate the equivalent circuit length for each valve circuit on the controller.
Example: Solenoid elec. control valves with 24 VAC transformer controllers, with 150 psi water pressure at valves.
Equivalent Length Calculations:
Station #1- Equivalent Length = 1 valve x 200 ft. = 200 ft.
Station #2- Equivalent Length = (1 valve x 100 ft.) + (2 valves x 300 ft.) = 700 ft. - Selecting Common Ground Wire Size- Using longest equivalent length calculated above, go to the appropriate valve chart (based on transformer voltage, 24 VAC, and water pressure at valve) and select ground wire and control wire combination that are as near the same size as possible (ground wire size should always be equal to- or one size larger than, the control wire size.
In the example above, circuit #2 has the longest equivalent length of 700 feet. In chart (for this example use high pressure chart for 150 psi water pressure at valve and 24 VAC transformer) select a wire size combination of size 16 and 18 wire. Select common ground wire as size 16 wire. Since one common ground wire shall be used for all valves on the controller, you have established the common ground wire size for that controller of size 16 wire. - Sizing Circuit Wires- Using the common ground wire selected (size #16)- proceed to select each control wire size, from the chart, using the calculated equivalent length for each circuit.
Station #1- Equivalent Length = 1 valve x 200 ft. = 200 ft.
Select size #18 control wire.
Station #2- Equivalent Length = 1 valve x 700 ft. = 700 ft.
Select size #18 control wire.
![]() | Flow Control Stem The flow control stem allows you to reduce valve output pressure by turning down the stem until the desired effect is seen in the sprinkler operation. You may turn the handle with your fingers or use a slotted screwdriver. |
![]() | Filters The DV series has two filters in the water flow path to reduce plugging of the valve ports.
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Winterization
As with all irrigation components, it is important to properly winterize the valves prior to the first hard freeze. Local practices will dictate how this is done, but blowing the system generally provides the best protection. Failure to properly winterize may result in damage to the valves as water captured in the valve freezes.
- Compressed air source should not exceed 60 psi.
- Upon completion of the winterization process, move the controller to the stand-by mode.
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