Extending Power Cord of Orbit B-Hyve Sprinkler Controller

[Martina]

Hello, everyone!

Some time ago, we replaced our Hunter sprinkler controller with an Orbit B-Hyve. The Hunter was hardwired from the unit to the ceiling using low-voltage wiring (see old wiring in photo # 1) coupled with a transformer that plugged in next to our garage door opener. From what I understand, the B-Hyve differs in that it has a built-in transformer (see attached photos # 2 & 3). The power cord is far too short to reach the outlet located in the ceiling. I need about 15 feet to get there. We are currently using an extension cord (I know, not pretty), but would like to have a more aesthetically pleasing look, so I'm trying to figure out how to best accomplish that.

Would it be possible to simply disconnect the existing power cord at the internal transformer (which seems simple enough) and then use a long black extension cord to make this happen? I was thinking about cutting off the female end (receptacle), splicing it and then wire it to the adapter portion of the unit just like the old one. Afterwards, I'd use some cable clips to tidy things up when running the cord up to the ceiling. If that's an option, do I need to purchase a specific cord with certain gauge wires or will any extension cord do?

Please be so kind to reply in layman's terms as I'm a novice. Thanks in advance for all forthcoming replies.

Martina

 

[Breplum]

In our home, I extended power from the nearest 120 V. outlet to a new surface mount duplex box.
In our area, armored cable is the primary way to do that, or more expensive is using Wiremold raceway style.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Martina]

In our home, I extended power from the nearest 120 V. outlet to a new surface mount duplex box.
In our area, armored cable is the primary way to do that, or more expensive is using Wiremold raceway style.

Thank you for sharing that idea! I had not thought of that and will look into it. Have a great day!

 

[Fitter30]

Existing receptacle use a extension box to lower it and to connect to. 14/2 mc cable and will need a surface box for the new receptacle. If buying from a box store ask for help to get the right parts for the ends from cable to box, one hole clamps plastic bushings and boxes. Watch a you tube how to cut mc cable.

 

[wwhitney]

Looks like it is probably not too hard to remove the transformer and its black case, relocate it to the ceiling (anywhere within power cord length of the receptacle, you'd have to figure out the mounting), and reuse your existing LV cable run. Most likely the blue wires can be disconnected from terminals on the transformer, and the ceiling end of your existing LV cable connected to those terminals. At the controller end, the blue wires can be spliced to your existing LV cable, e.g. with WAGO 221 connectors.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Martina]

Existing receptacle use a extension box to lower it and to connect to. 14/2 mc cable and will need a surface box for the new receptacle. If buying from a box store ask for help to get the right parts for the ends from cable to box, one hole clamps plastic bushings and boxes. Watch a you tube how to cut mc cable.

Thanks for the additional info- I appreciate it.

 

[Martina]

Looks like it is probably not too hard to remove the transformer and its black case, relocate it to the ceiling (anywhere within power cord length of the receptacle, you'd have to figure out the mounting), and reuse your existing LV cable run. Most likely the blue wires can be disconnected from terminals on the transformer, and the ceiling end of your existing LV cable connected to those terminals. At the controller end, the blue wires can be spliced to your existing LV cable, e.g. with WAGO 221 connectors.

Cheers, Wayne

Hi Wayne,

Appreciate your feedback, Wayne. I did ponder using the existing wiring and do still have the transformer that was used with the old controller, so this is definitely another great option. Aside from all the recommendations, I noticed that no one commented on my question as to whether or not I can just replace the existing power cord with a longer one. Would that be considered unsafe because of the length of the cable (15ft) or is there another reason why I shouldn't be doing that? In my mind, that would be the easiest and most cost-effective option as it would only require the purchase of a longer cord. Thanks for your help (once again).

 

[wwhitney]

I noticed that no one commented on my question as to whether or not I can just replace the existing power cord with a longer one. Would that be considered unsafe because of the length of the cable (15ft) or is there another reason why I shouldn't be doing that?

You could do that, and it would work, but it is definitely hokier than the other two options. Namely adding a receptacle within reach of the manufacturer's cord, using proper building wire and wiring methods to do so, or keeping the 120V part of the circuit in the vicinity of the existing receptacle, and extending power with low voltage methods.

There is some language in the National Electrical Code saying that cords shall not be used as replacements for building wiring, and by extending the manufacturers cord for an installation where the equipment is fixed in place, you could be considered to be doing that. There's a reason that long power cords only come on certain equipment, like vacuum cleaners, which need to move around a lot as part of their use.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Martina]

You could do that, and it would work, but it is definitely hokier than the other two options. Namely adding a receptacle within reach of the manufacturer's cord, using proper building wire and wiring methods to do so, or keeping the 120V part of the circuit in the vicinity of the existing receptacle, and extending power with low voltage methods.

There is some language in the National Electrical Code saying that cords shall not be used as replacements for building wiring, and by extending the manufacturers cord for an installation where the equipment is fixed in place, you could be considered to be doing that. There's a reason that long power cords only come on certain equipment, like vacuum cleaners, which need to move around a lot as part of their use.

Cheers, Wayne

Great information, Wayne! Thank you so much- I will definitely take all that into consideration and will likely go with adding another receptacle as everyone has suggested. At least now I know why it isn't a good idea to proceed with a longer cord. Have a great day! Martina

 

[Fitter30]

With added reciprocal don't know if you have the controller has the capability to work with a Alexa / Google plug in. And another outlet.

 

[Breplum]

BTW I've got those

Orbit B-Hyve Sprinkler Controllers​

on my rentals and home systems. They are absolutely fantastic overall. A little tricky using the smart features where you don't have ability to monitor soil moisture in person. I found my out of state lawn in Oregon during summer didn't get enough smart watering due to not having an eyeball on the lawn.

 

[Martina]

With added reciprocal don't know if you have the controller has the capability to work with a Alexa / Google plug in. And another outlet.

Thanks for pointing that out! I will need to look into that.

 

[Martina]

BTW I've got those

Orbit B-Hyve Sprinkler Controllers​

on my rentals and home systems. They are absolutely fantastic overall. A little tricky using the smart features where you don't have ability to monitor soil moisture in person. I found my out of state lawn in Oregon during summer didn't get enough smart watering due to not having an eyeball on the lawn.

We used to have a Hunter before switching to Orbit B-Hyve. What a difference! Much more user-friendly. Also love the handy app- able to control your zones from anywhere. We live in Texas and the summer heat is brutal down here. There are some spots in our backyard that really suffer. When we go on vacation during the summer, we sometimes move our Arlo video camera to the backyard, so we can keep an eye on the grass. That way we can run the zones again from the app if needed.