Understanding Smart Zone EZ System with Pressure Tank and Pump

A homeowner needs to understand their irrigation system: 230V pump controlled by switch near fused spur, powering a "huge green tank" with three-core cable but only two connections. They want to bypass the Smart Zone EZ controller for manual operation.

System Components Identified

• Green tank: Pressure tank with pressure switch
• Operation: Controller → pump start relay → pressure switch → pump
• Cycle: Valve opens → pressure drops → pressure switch starts pump → valve closes → pressure rises → switch stops pump

Manual Operation Without Controller

1. Manually open any valve at valve box (bleed screw or solenoid)
2. Pressure drop triggers pump via pressure switch
3. Close valve manually when done

Cannot simply "bridge" controller terminals—the pump start relay needs 24VAC from controller. Manual valve operation is the correct bypass method.

Resources

Smart Zone EZ manual: Nelson 8501 Instructions