COLUMBIA, Mo. - Irrigation contractors installing systems on large commercial properties, sports fields, farms or other large areas requiring heavier-duty pumps and equipment have a new resource to use as a guide for wiring these systems. "Practical Irrigation Wiring," a new book authored by electrical wiring experts Larry Smith, National Electrical Seminars, and Richard Hiatt, president/executive manager, National Food and Energy Council (NFEC), is written for irrigation installers, farmers, electricians and equipment dealers to explain proper wiring methods and materials for irrigation systems.
NFEC said that severe shocks and fatal electrocutions could occur from incorrectly wired and unsafe irrigation systems. The National Electrical Code contains specific requests for wiring irrigation pumps and associated water distribution systems. "Most electricians or installers are just not aware of these requirements, so they get out in the field and put systems in the way someone taught them to," explained Hiatt. However, if an inspector finds a code violation in a system, it will need rewired, costing unnecessary expenses in labor and materials.
"It’s really needed as an education piece for people," Hiatt continued. "There doesn’t seem to be any other good solid reference for teaching irrigation installers how to stay in the National Electric code for irrigation."
More than 100 pages in length, "Practical Irrigation Wiring" addresses the most common problems, National Electrical Code violations and how to correct them. Grounding procedures, electric service entrances, how to correctly size conductors, wiring phase converters and code-mandated methods are all explained with photos and illustrations (see the example above, right of a single well motor service layout). "Practical Irrigation Wiring" also includes test questions to help readers test their knowledge of irrigation wiring.
The book includes the following chapters:
- Irrigation and Electricity's Role
- General Considerations (NEC Article 110 Issues)
- Services and Service Equipment
- How To Size Wires
- Electric Service Configurations
- Grounding
- Wiring Methods
- Motors, Motor Circuits, and Controllers
- Special Equipment
For more information or to order the book, contact NFEC at www.nfec.org, 573/875-7155 or e-mail info@nfec.org. The book is available for order online at the NFEC Web site or by calling NFEC.