Battery Underground Irrigation Valve Manifold

Battery operated underground irrigation valve box for automatic control of 2 or 4 separate watering zones.

From:   £216.00 (excl VAT)

From:   £259.20 (inc VAT)

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Spec sheets

download icon DR001 – Zone schematic for valve boxes
download icon I80 QIG Landscape Solenoid Valve Chamber
Battery operated underground valve box
EPAV02 with optional Node controller
EPAV04 with optional Node controller
Underground Irrigation Valves (Battery)
EPAV04 valve box infographic

Product details

A battery underground irrigation valve manifold provides automatic control of multiple irrigation zones without the need for a mains electricity supply at the valve box. The valves are housed neatly below ground in a purpose-made chamber, making this an ideal solution for gardens and landscape irrigation systems where a discreet, permanent installation is required. Available with 2 or 4 independently controlled zones, the manifold uses 9V DC latching solenoid valves and can be operated by compatible battery irrigation controllers such as the Hunter NODE-BT or Hunter XC Hybrid. The controller can either be installed inside the valve box or mounted remotely, depending on the controller and installation requirements.

At a glance

  • Battery-operated underground irrigation valve manifold
  • Choice of 2 or 4 watering zones
  • Uses 9V DC latching solenoid valves
  • No mains electricity required at the valve box
  • Suitable for lawns, borders and landscape irrigation systems
  • Controller can be installed inside the valve box or mounted remotely
  • 1″ BSP female inlet and outlets
  • Valve box keeps valves and connections protected and accessible
  • Compatible with a range of battery irrigation controllers
  • Controller not included

Which battery irrigation controller can I use?

The underground valve manifold can be used with either a waterproof controller installed inside the valve box or a remotely mounted battery controller. The best option depends on how many irrigation zones you need to control and where you want the controller to be located.

Controller Installation Best for Key points
Hunter NODE-BT 4 Zone Inside the underground valve box Most installations where a completely self-contained underground system is required Waterproof battery controller for up to 4 irrigation zones. Bluetooth control allows programming from a smartphone without removing the controller from the valve box.
Hunter XC Hybrid Mounted remotely from the valve box Larger systems or installations where easy access to the controller is preferred Wall-mounted battery controller. Connected to the 9V latching solenoid valves using multi-core signal cable. Suitable where the controller needs to be conveniently accessible above ground.

Battery or mains powered irrigation valve box?

Both battery and mains powered irrigation valve boxes provide automatic control of multiple watering zones, but the main difference is the type of controller and solenoid valves used. A battery powered irrigation valve box uses 9V DC latching solenoid valves and is ideal where a mains electricity supply is not conveniently available. A waterproof battery controller such as the Hunter NODE-BT can be installed inside the valve box, creating a completely self-contained underground irrigation control system. A mains powered irrigation valve box uses standard 24V AC solenoid valves connected by low-voltage signal cable to a mains powered irrigation controller. This is often the preferred option for larger permanent irrigation systems where a suitable mains powered controller can be installed in a garage, shed or other protected location. Both versions can provide reliable automatic control; the best choice will normally depend on the availability of power, the location of the controller and the size of the irrigation system.

  Battery valve box Mains powered valve box
Solenoid valves 9V DC latching 24V AC
Controller Battery powered irrigation controller Mains powered irrigation controller
Mains electricity required No Yes, at the controller
Controller location Can be installed inside the valve box or mounted remotely Normally mounted remotely in a garage, shed or other protected location
Connection to valves Direct connection or low-voltage signal cable Low-voltage multi-core signal cable
Underground installation Yes Yes
Best suited to Gardens and landscapes where mains power is unavailable or inconvenient Permanent installations where mains power is readily available

Technical specification

The battery underground irrigation valve manifold is supplied ready assembled in an underground valve box, with either two or four independently controlled outlets. The 9V DC latching solenoid valves are designed for use with compatible battery-powered irrigation controllers.

Specification Details
Number of zones 2 or 4 independently controlled irrigation zones
Solenoid valve type 9V DC latching
Controller type Compatible battery-powered irrigation controller
Controller included No
Water inlet 1″ BSP female
Water outlets 1″ BSP female
Pipe connection Suitable for connection to 20mm, 25mm or 32mm MDPE pipe using the appropriate compression male stud
Valve box dimensions 38cm × 25cm lid × 30cm high
Installation Underground in a lawn, border or landscaped area
Water supply Requires a pressurised water supply

 

UK Water Regulations

When connecting an automatic irrigation system to the mains water supply, suitable backflow protection must be provided in accordance with the UK Water Regulations. The underground valve manifold controls the individual irrigation zones but does not itself provide backflow protection. The level of protection required will depend on the type of irrigation system being supplied and how it is connected to the water supply. Fixed and automatic garden irrigation systems are also generally notifiable to the local water undertaker. For more information, see our UK Water Regulations for Domestic Gardens guide before installing your system.

Images are for illustrative purposes only.

Frequently asked questions

Can a battery irrigation controller be installed underground?

Yes. A waterproof battery irrigation controller, such as the Hunter NODE-BT, can be installed inside the underground valve box alongside the solenoid valves. This creates a neat, self-contained system with no need for a mains electricity supply at the valve box.

Do I need mains electricity for this irrigation valve box?

No. The manifold uses 9V DC latching solenoid valves designed for use with compatible battery-powered irrigation controllers. This makes it particularly useful where mains power is unavailable or inconvenient.

What is the difference between 9V and 24V irrigation valves?

9V DC latching valves are designed for battery-powered controllers and only require a short electrical pulse to open or close. Standard 24V AC valves are used with mains-powered irrigation controllers and are connected to the controller using low-voltage signal cable.

Should I choose a 2-zone or 4-zone irrigation valve box?

Choose the number of zones according to how many areas of the irrigation system need to be controlled independently. For example, lawn sprinklers and border drip irrigation would normally be operated as separate zones because they require different watering schedules. A 4-zone box gives additional capacity for future expansion.

Can the valve box be installed in a lawn?

Yes. The valve box is designed to be installed below ground with the lid remaining accessible at surface level. It can be located in a lawn, flower border or other landscaped area, allowing the valves and connections to remain hidden while still being accessible for servicing.

Which battery irrigation controllers can I use?

The manifold is designed for controllers that operate 9V DC latching solenoid valves. Suitable options include the Hunter NODE-BT, which can be installed inside the valve box, and the Hunter XC Hybrid, which can be mounted remotely and connected to the valves using signal cable.

Does the controller come with the valve box?

No. The underground valve manifold and irrigation controller are sold separately, allowing you to select the controller that best suits the size and layout of your irrigation system.

Can I connect the valve box to an outside tap?

Yes, provided the installation is correctly connected and suitable backflow protection is incorporated where required. For installations supplied from an outside tap, a dedicated valve box connection kit can provide a convenient permanent connection between the tap and the underground manifold.

Does the valve box provide backflow protection?

No. The valve box controls the individual irrigation zones but does not provide backflow protection. Where an automatic irrigation system is connected to the mains water supply, appropriate protection must be provided in accordance with UK Water Regulations.

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