Hunter FLOW-CLIK Operating instructions

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FLOW-CLIK
Flow Sensor
Owner’s Manual and
Installation Instructions
Version for use with any standard 24 volt controllers
®

TABLE OF CONTENTS .....................................................................................
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................1
Flow-Clik Components ....................................................................................................................................................2
Flow-Clik Sensor ........................................................................................................................................................2
Flow-Clik Sensor Body ................................................................................................................................................2
Flow-Clik Interface Box ...............................................................................................................................................3
System Status Indicator..............................................................................................................................................4
System Overview and Flow-Clik Operation .......................................................................................................................5
Installing the Flow-Clik Sensor Body ...............................................................................................................................9
Installing the Flow-Clik Sensor......................................................................................................................................10
Mounting the Flow-Clik Interface Box ............................................................................................................................11
Wiring the Flow-Clik Interface Box to the Controller .......................................................................................................12
Wiring When Using Multiple Sensors ............................................................................................................................14
System Considerations .................................................................................................................................................15
Programming the Flow-Clik Interface Box ......................................................................................................................16
Setting the Startup Delay ..............................................................................................................................................20
Setting the Interrupt Period ..........................................................................................................................................21
Troubleshooting Guide..................................................................................................................................................22
Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................................................................................................25
Specifications...............................................................................................................................................................27

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Shutting down an irrigation system when excess flow occurs provides the benefits of reduced liability, water conservation,
erosion prevention and overall reduction in repair costs. Typical causes for over-flow conditions can stem from problems
due to ruptures in the main or lateral lines, when heads are broken or removed from the system, or when valves do not
shut off automatically.
The Hunter Flow-Clik flow sensor monitors flow to an entire irrigation system or through an individual valve. In the case of
an overflow condition, the Flow-Clik will automatically shut down the irrigation system at the controller. The Flow-Clik acts
as a switch to break the electrical circuit to the solenoid valves as soon as it registers a flow exceeding a calibrated set
limit. This allows the timer to advance as scheduled, but keeps the valve(s) with a “high flow” condition from activating.
As a result, of installing the flow sensor in a system, the user gains the benefit of substantially reducing the amount of
water loss during an occurrence of an over-flow condition.
INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................

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This section will give you a brief overview of some of the
components of the Flow-Clik system. Each item will be
discussed in further detail later, however, this section can
be helpful in getting acquainted with the different options
available.
A. Flow-Clik Sensor
1. Impeller – rotates when flow is occurring
2. O-rings – provides sealing of sensor in sensor body
3. Wires – black and red wires connect sensor to
Flow-Clik Interface Box
B. Flow-Clik Sensor Body (FCT Series)
4. Flow-Clik Tee – the Tee
is installed into the irriga-
tion system and houses the
Flow-Clik sensor
5. Plug – used to seal the
body when the sensor is not
installed in the sensor body
6. O-rings – provides sealing of
plug in sensor body
7. Cap – retains plug or sensor
in sensor body
8. Cover – snaps over the top of
the sensor
Note: Flow-Clik sensor bodies
ordered separately.
FLOW-CLIK COMPONENTS............................................................................

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12
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14 Black
Red
To Sensor
To 24 VAC Terminals in Controller
To Sensor Terminals in Controller
Yellow
White
C. Flow-Clik Interface Box
9. Startup Delay Rotary Dial – used to set startup delay
and calibrate sensor
10. Interrupt Period Rotary Dial – used to set interrupt
period and calibrate sensor
11. Restart/Calibrate Button – used to restart system
(when using the “Restart Manually” setting) and cali-
brate sensor during setup
12. System Status Indicator – provides a visual indication
of the Flow-Clik status
13. Wires – black and red wires to Flow-Clik Sensor
14. Wires – yellow wires to AC power terminals at Control-
ler, white wires to sensor or common terminals at
controller

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D. System Status Indicator
The Flow-Clik Interface Box has a System Status indicator
LED that provides information on the current status of the
Flow-Clik system.
GREEN indicates power is applied to the sensor, but no
flow is occurring
FLASHING GREEN indicates an acceptable amount of water
is flowing (below the flow sensor calibrated maximum)
FLASHING RED indicates that overflow is occurring (Water
flow in excess of the calibrated maximum)
RED indicates an unacceptable amount of water was flow-
ing and the system has been shut down. (Water flow
exceeded the calibrated maximum for a time period
longer than the startup delay).
YELLOW indicates that the Flow-Clik is calibrating the
sensor to the system flow.
FLOW-CLIK COMPONENTS (continued) ......................................................

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW AND FLOW-CLIK OPERATION .................................
The Flow-Clik System can be installed simply and easily
to most standard 24 volt irrigation control systems. The
Flow-Clik System consists of the Flow-Clik flow sensor that
is installed in the main line or lateral line of an irrigation
system, and the Interface Box mounted near the control-
ler to control the operation of the irrigation system. The
flow sensor, wired directly to the Interface Box, continually
monitors flow occurring within the system and transmits
this data to the Interface Box. The programmable Flow
Sensor Interface Box allows the Flow-Clik to function with
all Hunter controllers and makes the Flow-Clik compatible
with most common irrigation controllers on the market. The
controller provides the power for the Interface Box, allow-
ing it to send signals continuously to the controller telling
it to shut down or start up based upon flow conditions.
Standard 24 Volt Controller
Flow-Clik Interface Box
Flow-Clik Sensor
4 Wires

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Example of System Operation
In this illustrative example of a small commercial site, the
Flow-Clik sensor is connected to the mainline pipe that
provides water to the system control valves. Because it
is installed immediately down stream of the master valve,
it will provide the added protection of shutting down the
irrigation system if a mainline break should occur.
The Flow-Clik can be set to automatically shut off the
system whenever actual flow within the system exceeds the
flow of the system’s highest flow zone. During installation
of the Flow-Clik, a calibration procedure (see Cali-
brating the Flow-Clik) is used to set the Flow-Clik
at a level of flow dictated by the highest flow zone.
If the system flow exceeds the “calibrated” flow by
a pre-determined amount, the Interface Box will
signal an overflow condition is occurring.
The figure to the right shows an example of an application
using the Flow-Clik sensor. In this example, the valve that
commands the highest flow is valve number 4, which has a
total flow rate of 18.9 gallons per minute (GPM). The user
would turn this valve on and calibrate the Flow-Clik to this
zone. If flow exceeds 18.9 gpm, a signal will be sent to the
Interface Box which would communicate to the controller
SYSTEM OVERVIEW AND FLOW-CLIK OPERATION (continued) ............
ICC Controller
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Flow-Clik Sensor
Master Valve
Back Flow Preventer
Point of Connection
Flow-Clik
Interface
Valve 4 has been
determined to have the
highest flow
Wire Mainline Pipe
Flow-Clik is located on
mainline to shut down
the system if the
mainline is ruptured
Valve 4
(18.9 GPM)
Valve 6
(17.0 GPM)
Valve 1
(13.0 GPM)
Valve 7
(16.0 GPM)
Valve 2
(14.0 GPM)
Valve 3
(15.0 GPM)
Valve 5
(16.0 GPM)

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to interrupt the system for a prescribed period of time set
by the interrupt delay position on the dial.
The system startup delay and interrupt period can be
adjusted by moving the dials on the Flow-Clik Interface Box
to the desired settings. The system startup delay allows
for system stabilization to occur prior to the Flow-Clik
sensing for an overflow condition. The startup delay can be
adjusted from 0 to 300 seconds.
The interrupt period setting allows the user to program the
Flow-Clik to shut the system off for a prescribed amount of
time. The interrupt period can be adjusted by moving the
dial to a specified setting from 5 to 60 minutes. There is
also a Restart Manually position on the dial that shuts the
system off until it is manually restarted at the Interface Box.
In the following example, the startup delay is set for 20
seconds and the interrupt period is set to 10 minutes.
High-Flow Scenario 1 – Valve 3 Lateral Line Breaks
If a lateral line break should occur on valve number 3, the
Flow-Clik would sense a “high flow” condition and would
shut the system down after a sustained 20 second over
flow condition. Once the system has been shut off, the
Flow-Clik will continue to keep the system off for the 10
minutes programmed into the interrupt period. After 10
minutes have passed, the Flow-Clik will turn the system
back on and begin to monitor for an over flow condition.
If the run time for zone 3 is 19 minutes and is scheduled
to come on at 6:00 am, then the following chain of events
would occur:
6:00 AM – Valve 3 is activated and the Flow-Clik senses an
over flow condition. After a 20 second delay the system is
shut off for 10 minutes.
6:10 AM – Valve 3 is reactivated (it still has 9 minutes of
run time left) and after a 20 second delay, a “high flow”
condition is again identified and the system is interrupted
for another 10 minutes.
6:18 AM – Valve 4 is scheduled to be activated by the
irrigation controller, however, the Flow-Clik continues to
interrupt system operation due to the 1 minute left on the
interrupt delay.
6:20 AM – Valve 4 is activated and the Flow-Clik begins to
monitor the flow of valve 4 which is below the “high flow”
trigger point enabling the controller to continue to irrigate
as it normally would.

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Post 6:20 AM – For the balance of the irrigation cycle flow
is monitored by the Flow-Clik without exceeding the maxi-
mum and the total irrigation schedule is completed.
The Flow-Clik will continue to shut the system off during
automatic operation of valve 3 until the lateral line break is
repaired.
High Flow Scenario 2 – Mainline Ruptures
If a mainline ruptures, the Flow-Clik would identify a “high
flow” condition approximately 20 seconds after the first
valve is activated based upon the irrigation schedule and
the master valve would be shut down. Flow would continue
to be monitored every 10 minutes and after a sustained 20
second “high flow” condition, the system would be shut
off. Each time the system is deactivated by the Flow-Clik
the System Status Indicator will show a steady red light.
This will occur until the mainline pipe is repaired.
In both of the above scenarios, the “high flow” shut down
capability of the Flow-Clik sensor would eliminate the water
waste and associated damage to the site that would be
caused by the breaks in the irrigation system. In the lateral
break scenario, the Flow-Clik halts irrigation of the effected
valve while continuing to allow the controller to irrigate the
rest of the zones throughout the system.
SYSTEM OVERVIEW AND FLOW-CLIK OPERATION (continued) ............

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turn in system
Minimum 5
pipe diameter
from nearest
x
from nearest turn in system
Minimum 10 x pipe diameter
Water Flow
MAIN LINE OR LATERAL LINE
The Flow-Clik sensor body is designed in diameters from
1" to 3". It is installed into the mainline or lateral pipe of
the irrigation system. It is important to install the Flow-Clik
Sensor Body downstream of the master valve (for mainline
installations) or the zone valve (for lateral line installa-
tions). Also, it is necessary to install the Sensor Body in
an area of low turbulence within the system. Areas of high
turbulence will cause erratic readings from the Flow-Clik.
The figure below represents a recommended sensor body
installation. There must be at least 10 times the pipe diam-
eter of straight pipe upstream of the Sensor Body inlet and
at least 5 times the pipe diameter in length of straight pipe
downstream of the Sensor Body outlet. This will assure
that the Flow-Clik sensor be placed in the optimum position
within the irrigation system.
INSTALLING THE FLOW-CLIK SENSOR BODY...........................................
NOTE: For maximum protection against over-
flow conditions, it is required that a master
valve be installed.

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The Flow-Clik Sensor Body comes with a plug that allows
for installation of the Sensor Body into the irrigation
system prior to installing the Sensor. This allows the
sensor body to be installed separate of the sensor and pre-
vents damage to the sensor during installation of the body.
NOTE: Do not attempt to remove the sensor
plug or sensor while the system is under
pressure
To install the sensor into the body:
1. Turn the system pressure is off.
2. Unscrew the cap from the top of the
body (figure 1).
3. Use pliers or a screwdriver and care-
fully pry the plug from the body.
4. Insert the sensor into the sensor
body (Check to make sure the two
o-rings provided with the sensor
are installed in the grooves at
the lower end of the sensor). The
sensor has a flat side that engages
with a flat on the inside of the
sensor body (figure 2).
5. Replace the cap on the sensor body
(hand tighten only).
6. Feed the two sensor wires through
the hole in the cover and snap the
cover on the cap.
INSTALLING THE FLOW-CLIK SENSOR INTO THE SENSOR BODY .......
Figure 1
Figure 2

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The Flow-Clik Interface Box is designed to mount next to
the irrigation controller. A door is provided to keep water
and debris from entering the inside of the Interface Box. A
lock is also provided to prevent unauthorized changes in
Flow-Clik settings. There are two mounting tabs on the top
and bottom of the Interface Box to provide an easy means
to secure it on the wall next to the controller. Using the
hardware included, mount the Interface Box to the wall (use
screw anchors if needed). Make sure to place the Interface
Box close to the controller (check that the controller door
and Interface Box door to not interfere with one another).
MOUNTING THE FLOW-CLIK INTERFACE BOX .........................................

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WARNING! This unit is designed to be installed in conjunc-
tion with 24 VAC circuits only. Do not use with 110 or 220
VAC circuits.
Wiring the Sensor to the Interface Box
The red and black leads from the Flow-Clik sensor are
connected to the red and black leads on the Interface Box.
A minimum wire size of 18-gauge wire can be used to con-
nect the leads from the sensor to the Interface Box. Secure
all wire connections with waterproof connectors.
Note: The Flow-Clik Sensor can be installed
up to a maximum of 1,000 ft. from the Inter-
face Box when installed with #18 gauge or
larger copper wire.
WIRING THE FLOW-CLIK TO THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM ........................
Flow-Clik Interface Box Flow-Clik Sensor
Hunter Controller
Power Module (Typical)
Yellow
Yellow
Sensor Loop
24 VAC Power
White
White

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Wiring the Interface Box to the Controller
The Flow-Clik Interface Box is designed to operate similar
to most micro-switch type sensors. Hunter controllers
have provisions for sensor installations that allow for easy
wiring of the Flow-Clik to the controller. The two yellow
wires from the Interface Box are attached to the sensor
terminals inside the controller and the two white wires are
attached directly to a constant 24-volt source.
To wire the Flow-Clik Interface Box on Hunter controllers:
Pro-C and ICC Controller Installations
1. Attach the two yellow wires to
the AC terminals on the control-
ler (polarity does not matter).
2. Attach the two white wires to
the SEN terminals on the con-
troller.
SRC Controller Installations
1. The two yellow wires are connected to the AC terminals
on the controller (polarity does not matter).
2. Attach one of the two white wires to the RS terminal on
the controller.
3. Attach the other white wire to the “C” terminal.
4. Attach the valve common and pump relay common (if
used) to the RS terminal.
White
White
Yellow
Yellow
To Sensor
Valve and/or Pump/MV Common
AC AC R RS C MV 1 2 3 4 5 6
WhiteYellow

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Other Controllers
1. Attach the two yellow wires to the AC terminals on the
controller (polarity does not matter).
2. Some controllers do not have terminals dedicated for
sensor installations. Locate the common wire to the
solenoid valves and disconnect it from the common
terminal (usually marked “C” on the controller). Attach
one white wire from the Flow-Clik Interface Box to the
common terminal. Attach the other white wire to the
common wire leading to the valve.
WIRING THE FLOW-CLIK TO THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM (continued)...
WIRING WHEN USING MULTIPLE SENSORS ............................................
The Flow-Clik can be wired to a controller already using
another Hunter sensor (i.e. Rain-Clik™, Wind-Clik®,
Freeze-Clik®, etc.) or other micro-switch type sensors. It is
important to make sure that, when using multiple sensors,
they are connected in series.
Interface Box
Common Wire
to All Valves
Y
W
Y
W
1 2 3 4
Controller
CAC AC
Hunter Controllers
Mini-Clik
AC
AC
SEN
Interface Box
SEN
Y
Y
W
W
1 2 3
Interface Box C
Common Wire
to All Valves
AC AC
Y
W
Mini-Clik
Y
W
Other Controllers

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SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS ..........................................................................
Proper irrigation system design and operation assures opti-
mum performance of the Flow-Clik in monitoring for poten-
tial high flow conditions. It is important to understand that
the Flow-Clik is primarily designed to shut off the irrigation
system in the event of a catastrophic system failure such as
a main line or lateral line break. However, depending upon
the design of the irrigation system, the Flow-Clik can offer
increased protection when components such as sprays
or rotors are damaged or removed due to vandalism. The
following may be helpful in making your Flow-Clik System
operate at its optimum level.
Proper Irrigation System Design
Generally, the Flow-Clik is designed to shut off the irriga-
tion system when a high flow condition is identified. A high
flow occurs when the actual flow rate through the system
exceeds the “learned” flow of the highest flow zone. If a
wide variation in flow rates exist between the highest flow
zone and the lowest flow zone, the Flow-Clik may not sense
an over flow condition if damage occurs within the low
flow zone(s). For example, if an irrigation system has a
rotor zone that operates at 18.9 GPM, and a drip zone that
flows at 5 GPM; any damage to the drip zone components
may not result in high enough flow rate for the Flow-Clik to
sense an over flow condition.
The more balanced the irrigation system is designed, the
more protection will be provided by the Flow-Clik. Zones
should be designed so that they operate at similar flow
rates.
Mainline Pressure Fluctuation
Some water sources may have varying pressure depending
upon the demand for water upstream of the point of con-
nection. During times of heavy demand, system pressure
through the mainline may drop. A decrease in mainline
pressure will result in a decrease in flow rates throughout
the system. If the Flow-Clik calibration procedure takes
place during a period of time which pressure is at its lowest
point, an increase in pressure at the point of connection
may result in system flow rates that exceed the calibrated
“high flow”. As a result, the Flow-Clik may shut the system
down prematurely even though the system is functioning
normally.

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PROGRAMMING THE FLOW-CLIK INTERFACE BOX.................................
Note: If pressure fluctuations at the point of
connection in excess of 10 psi are expected,
it is recommended that a pressure regulator
be installed on the mainline or at the master
valve.
Proper System Maintenance and Operation
It is important that your irrigation system be maintained
and is functioning properly for optimum performance.
Check your irrigation system for any broken components
or leaks also, make sure that all sprinklers are operating
within the pressure ranges recommended by the manufac-
turer.
SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS (continued).....................................................
Calibrating the Flow-Clik to the Irrigation System
Note: Before calibrating the Flow-Clik to your
system, it is very important that the irrigation
system be in good working condition. Irriga-
tion system leaks, broken sprinklers, zones
operating outside specified pressure ranges,
will have a negative effect on the performance
of the Flow-Clik.
Using the Flow-Clik’s Interface Box, the sensor is calibrated
by pressing the Calibrate button while the highest flow
zone is operating. While the system is “learning” the flow,
the System Status Indicator light will be yellow. After a 10
second period of “learning” it will begin to monitor system
flow.
If you already know the highest flow zone within the
system:
1. Turn the Startup Delay dial to the 0 second position.
2. Turn the Interrupt Period dial to the Sensor Bypass/
Calibrate position.
3. Manually activate the zone with the highest flow.
4. While the zone is operating, press and hold the Cali-
brate button on the Interface Box. The System Status
Indicator light will change to yellow during the calibra-