Tech Self Help Articles » Gen 1.3 - Troubleshooting, Gen 3 - Troubleshooting » Troubleshooting Zone Kit Problems

Troubleshooting Zone Kit Problems

Before troubleshooting

  • Confirm the zone kit has been properly installed and the controller has been programmed.  See Gen 1.3: Zone Kit instructions or Gen 3+ Zone Kit Instructions
  • Confirm the nozzle circuits for Zone 1 and Zone 2 are independent and not tied together.
  • Confirm the misting unit is not plugged into an extension cord, which can result in insufficient power being available for the unit.

Problem:  System mists from Zone 1 when it should be misting from Zone 2.

  • Confirm that the nozzle circuits for Zone 1 and Zone 2 are not tied together.
  • Examine the connector from the zone kit that plugs into the back of the controller and ensure the wire leads are secure in the connector and that the connector is plugged securely into the controller.
  • Confirm that the unit is not plugged into an extension cord and test for insufficient voltage:
    • Using a digital voltmeter, check the voltage at the outlet. If possible, check the voltage while the unit is running. If the voltage is less than about 120V, you should consult an electrician.
    • If no digital voltmeter is available, disconnect only the motor from the back of the controller and run an inspection cycle for Zone 2 (MAINT Menu -> INS 2). Allow the controller to count down for a few seconds as the valves open (you will hear loud snaps), then plug the motor back into the controller. The unit should immediately begin misting zone 2. If it does, the unit does not have enough voltage to switch to zone 2 during normal operation and you should consult an electrician.
  • If sufficient voltage at the outlet is confirmed and Zone 2 fails to mist during the motor test, the valve in the zone kit has failed mechanically and must be replaced.

Problem: System mists from both zones at the same time

  • Disconnect both Zone 1 and Zone 2 nozzle circuit tubing from the zone kit, then run a test mist for both zones:
    • If both zones still “mist” at the same time, the valve in the zone kit has failed mechanically and must be replaced
    • If the zones “mist” sequentially as expected, inspect the nozzle circuits for each zone to ensure they are not tied together.

Problem: System does not mist from either zone

  • Disconnect both Zone 1 and Zone 2 nozzle circuits from the zone kit and run a test mist for each zone.
    • If the zones “mist” as expected, inspect the nozzle circuits for blocked or kinked lines or clogged nozzles.
  • If neither zone “mists”, disconnect tubing from the unit to the zone kit and run a test mist.
    • If fluid is coming out of the unit as expected, the valve in the zone kit has failed mechanically and must be replaced.
    • If no fluid comes out of the unit, please consult the following troubleshooting articles: Gen 1.3 Nozzles not Misting or Gen 3+ Nozzles not misting.