SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Thinking it was my fault or the local conditions (southern California) that caused two Orbit controllers to fail in as many years, I built a cabinet in the hope it would prolong their service life. After the third controller malfunctioned, I learned what junk they are. My intent is to install an Irritrol, Hunter or Rainbird replacement. The problem I'm having is getting a straight answer from the local supply houses. Variously, I am told that I can use an indoor controller and plug it into the outlet, or that I must hire an electrician to wire an outdoor model to make the warranty valid. The construction and location of the box make it highly unlikely that any timer would be directly exposed to rain or spray. There are significant price differentials between indoor and outdoor units and labor expenses if an electrician is needed. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this issue. The existing installation can be seen here: http://www.bilagaana.com/valves/valves02.html

Thanks for your help.

Incidentally, I'm aware that the anti-siphon valves are too low to be effective and correcting this is the second half of the project. That's a simple in-line check valve to the left of the third box.

I appreciate all the advice. I'll go with the Hunter, then. I'm assuming this means using the modular unit, as I need twelve stations. Unfortunately, there's no practical way to run wire for an indoor controller. The garage is on the diagonally opposite corner of the house from the valves, and there's a whole lot of concrete in between. This has been a year-long project, trying to get a working system out of the kludge mess the previous owners left. It's not over yet. And this clown supposedly made his living landscaping. I pity his clients.

This is southern California; kids grow up here without knowing what a basement is. It's all living and dining room behind the cabinet, to the other side of the house. The garage is really the only acceptable location for an indoor controller. It would take massive trenching to route the wires in both directions, and I've done enough of that trying to trace the existing system and bring some logic to it. If I were starting from scratch, I'd definitely go indoor. Incidentally, I plan to post later to whatever thread is devoted to valves. I greatly appreciate everyone's time and effort in replying to my questions. This is the one useful forum I've found.