CIT Electrical Components & Controller Programming 2

Question 1

A Wi-Fi-enabled smart irrigation controller loses its internet connection. How will it handle scheduled irrigation?

Accepted Answer

The controller continues running its locally stored schedule until the connection is restored and updates can be downloaded

Answer

Smart controllers store their current schedule locally and continue operating on that schedule during internet outages. Once connectivity is restored, the controller downloads any updated weather data or schedule changes from the cloud.

Question 2

A controller's display shows an 'ERR' or fault code on a specific zone. After verifying the zone wiring is intact, what component inside the controller is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

The triac (solid-state relay) that switches power to that specific zone output

Answer

Each zone output on a controller is typically controlled by a triac (solid-state relay). If the triac has failed (often from a surge or short circuit on the zone wiring), it cannot switch 24 VAC to the zone, triggering a fault code even though the wiring and solenoid are fine.

Question 3

What is a 'program' in the context of a multi-program irrigation controller?

Accepted Answer

An independent watering schedule with its own set of assigned zones, run times, start times, and watering days

Answer

A program (typically labeled A, B, C on the controller) is an independent watering schedule. Different zones can be assigned to different programs with separate watering days and start times, allowing turf, shrubs, and drip zones to operate on different schedules.

Question 4

A soil moisture sensor is connected to an irrigation controller. When the soil moisture level is above the setpoint, the controller will:

Accepted Answer

Skip or suspend scheduled irrigation cycles until the soil moisture drops below the setpoint

Answer

A soil moisture sensor overrides the controller's scheduled watering when soil moisture is adequate. When the sensor indicates moisture above the threshold, scheduled irrigation is suspended. When moisture drops below the threshold, irrigation resumes on the next scheduled cycle.

Question 5

When replacing a controller battery, what is its primary function in most modern irrigation controllers?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the real-time clock (date and time) during power outages so the schedule runs at the correct times

Answer

In modern controllers with non-volatile memory, the battery's primary function is maintaining the real-time clock during power outages. The programming is stored in non-volatile memory (which doesn't need power), but the clock needs continuous power to keep accurate time.

CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician Practice Test

CIT - Certified Irrigation Technician Practice Test

CIT Electrical Components & Controller Programming 2