The Orbit 1" Jar-Top Solenoid Valve is a professional-grade automation component engineered for the South African residential and light-commercial landscaping sectors. Designed for high-performance underground installation within a valve box, it is the primary choice for automated systems managing lawn zones and flower beds. The "Jar-Top" designation refers to its innovative threaded bonnet design, which allows the operator to unscrew the top by hand for cleaning or diaphragm replacement—completely eliminating the need for tools or the removal of multiple screws in a muddy valve box.
Key Performance Features
- Tool-Free "Jar-Top" Bonnet: Features a heavy-duty threaded ring that can be removed by hand, making the servicing of internal debris or a worn diaphragm a 30-second task.
- Standard 1" (25mm) Female Threaded Inlet/Outlet: Precision-molded with 1" (25mm) BSP internal threads, ensuring 100% compatibility with standard South African PVC and poly-pipe fittings.
- 24VAC High-Efficiency Solenoid: Equipped with a standard 24-volt encapsulated solenoid, compatible with all major automated controllers (Orbit, Rain Bird, and Hunter) used across South Africa.
- Internal Manual Bleed Lever: Features a manual "on/off" lever that allows the operator to test the zone or water manually without using the electronic controller.
Ideal Applications
- Automated Residential Lawns: The industry standard for controlling "Kikuyu" or "Berea" grass zones in suburban gardens and small estates.
- Multi-Zone Flower Bed Irrigation: Perfect for managing high-precision spray zones or drip-irrigation lines where reliable timing is mandatory.
- Commercial Landscaping Maintenance: Ideal for office parks and shopping centers where "fast-service" valves reduce technician labor costs during annual maintenance.
- Borehole-Fed Irrigation Systems: A reliable primary valve for systems with high sediment levels, as the easy-access top allows for frequent clearing of grit and scale.
Product Benefits
- Superior Debris Management: The internal "double-beaded" diaphragm is designed to flex over small grains of sand or grit, preventing the valve from "sticking open" and wasting water.
- Rugged UV-Stabilized Construction: Manufactured from high-impact, corrosion-proof PVC and stainless steel components to withstand the damp, high-pressure environment of an underground valve box.
- Fail-Safe Operation: Features a "normally closed" design, ensuring that in the event of a power failure, the water remains shut off to prevent garden flooding.
Pro Tip: When installing the Jar-Top Valve, always pay attention to the flow arrow molded into the side of the body; installing it backward will prevent the valve from closing. For the best long-term reliability, always install a 1" Y-Filter before your valve bank, especially if you are pumping from a borehole or dam. Maintenance Note: If the valve "hums" but doesn't open, check the solenoid wiring for corrosion; if it opens but won't close, unscrew the jar-top and check the diaphragm for a trapped stone or a small tear.
