Question
Hi Robert,

I have a Toro Exctra timer which I am using to activate a Hunter Pump Start Relay (PSR22). The relay activates a Shallow Well Pump which in turn feeds the sprinkler valves (also controllled by the Toro.)

The problem is that the relay does not consistently activate the pump. When the Toro hits the specified time, the pump is supposed to come on as is the first valve in the program. Every time the Toro will show a "Mv" message on the display (which according to Toro means there is too much current being drawn.) I can hear the relay activate (click) but the pump does not come on.

However, if I manually activate the program on the Toro I can usually get the relay and pump to work. I'm not sure exactly why, but I suspect I am overriding the error message.

The system layout is as follows. The Toro controller is mounted on a fence, a few feet away from the well pump. The relay is about six feet away from both.
I bring this up because I have read in several places that the relay should be min. of 15ft from the timer due to EMF (electro-magnetic field)  interference.

My question is, have you encountered this before in your practice? If so, is it likely to be EMF? If it is EMF, can you explain to me what is going on (I need to understand it!) Is it the timer being affected by the relay, or vice versa? Finally, Toro said I should also mount the timer 15 feet from the pump! This was odd to me, so I am asking your opinion on that as well.

Thanks in advance.

Answer
First of all, I have no idea whey they would say to mount those so far away. We use the psr22 on everything and we usually have it mounted right next to the timer. We also have timers and relays in the same room as the pump and have never had a problem. As far as your problem is concerned I think you need a new timer or find a relay with a little less start up draw. The timer you have is an after maker timer and I personally wouldn't use it. Try a TMC212 or a Rainbird model. Before you replace the timer try and find a different relay.