Irrigation Enclosures

By Gail A. Le Meur, Le Meur Welding & Mfg. Co.

A powder coated steel controller enclosure with 3/4” x 6” long louvers with splash guard, padlock staple and lockguard, document tray, marine grade plywood mounting board, stainless steel anchor bolts with 3/4” ACX plywood template, sloping roof, continuous hinge, and weather strip. CI046irr

As the world continues to grows smaller and the population increases the need to provide and maintain green areas and open spaces increases. In addition, conservation of natural resources becomes increasingly more important. Water, something no living thing can survive without, is at the top of the list when addressing the conservation issue. Thanks to the improvements in irrigation systems, we will be able to continue conserving water while still maintaining attractive landscaping for public and private areas.

Many architects, owners and contractors when installing irrigation systems specify or elect to use a controller enclosure to house the irrigation timer and a backflow preventer valve enclosure to cover the backflow valves. There are a wide variety of enclosures available. Some enclosures have a decorative and/or camouflage purpose only. Others enclosures are built to protect the controls from weather changes and vandalism.

A powder coated steel solid backflow preventer valve enclosure.

Controller enclosures manufactured to protect irrigation equipment from the elements and vandals are found manly in public places, i.e., parks, playgrounds, etc. Although, they are starting be used more in gated developments, business parks and anywhere that protecting the watering system is of importance. Patty of Harvest Landscape Enterprises in Orange, CA, says their customers chose to use controller enclosures to house the timers rather than chance having the timers become corroded by weather or damaged by vandals. “The plastic boxes the timers come in tend to break easily and are not secure.”

Controller enclosures that were once used to protect only irrigation timers are now being adapted for other uses. With the advent of custom designed landscaping which may include area lighting, ponds and waterfalls comes a need to house the high tech controlling equipment. Dave Warner of Redhorse Constructors (a custom home/estate builder) in San Rafael, CA, said that one of the main reasons for using controller enclosures is health and safety considerations. “An enclosure protects valuable equipment from damage and protects people from the possibility of injury.” Many electrical contractors use enclosures to protect meters and other electrical equipment. Photovoltaic enclosures were developed for use where no electrical service is available. These enclosures house equipment that is powered by the sun. Weather monitoring devices are installed in controller enclosures for protection from the elements.

The majority of controller enclosures are constructed of aluminum, plastic, powder coated steel or stainless steel and configured to stand up to the elements. This stainless steel electric meter enclosure has its meter side showing.

The majority of controller enclosures are constructed of either aluminum, plastic, powder coated steel or stainless steel and are configured in such a manner as to withstand the elements whether it be mother nature or certain members of our society. Enclosures made of steel or stainless steel tend to offer the best security. Enclosures are manufactured in many different sizes and configurations to meet the needs of the consumer. There are enclosures that are made to be mounted on the wall and enclosures that are free standing. Some manufactures also fabricate custom or special enclosures designed for the customer’s requirement.

Some enclosures are free standing; others are meant to be wall mounted (pictured). Some manufactures fabricate custom or special enclosures designed for the customer’s requirement.

Additional accessories or options can be purchased with controller enclosures. One option is an electrical accessory that includes a 115 VAC duplex receptacle with lamp adapter, lamp and terminal strips. Another option is a thermostatically controlled fan to take hot air out of the unit. Also, available is a housing for a rain sensor.

Another type of enclosures that is used extensively in irrigation is a backflow preventer valve enclosure. This type of enclosure can also be used for aesthetic purposes and/or to protect the backflow valves from being broken or stolen. Although, protecting the valve from being broken or damaged should be the main concern. A broken valve releasing an uncontrollable stream of gushing water can cause a major mess and possible injury to anyone around it.

Most backflow preventer valve enclosures are manufactured of the same variety of materials as controller enclosures. Wire mesh (here) or expanded metal is used in the construction of some models.

Most backflow preventer valve enclosures are manufactured of the same variety of materials as controller enclosures. In addition, wire mesh or expanded metal is used in the construction of some models. Solid insulated units are available for equipment that needs protection from temperature variations. Backflow preventer valve enclosures are available in a wide range of sizes and designs. They can be used to protect a variety of equipment and can be fabricated to meet special needs. Some manufactures offer special designed hardware to aide in the installation of the enclosure.

As with everything else these days enclosures vary greatly by price. The decorative models are usually the least expensive while the models that offer the best security tend to be more costly. In deciding what type of controller or backflow preventer valve enclosure to house your equipment consider the following: The cost to repair or replace equipment if damaged or stolen, the possibility of damage to other equipment, buildings, etc., the possibility of injury to individuals. The cost to purchase an enclosure may be minimal when compared to costs that may be incurred from something happening to unprotected equipment or individuals.