Abstract: A modular irrigation controller has a robust ground path with high conductivity that can accommodate lightning induced power surges on field valve wires and common wires that are connected to a plurality of station modules. Sensitive electronic components in the station modules are thereby protected from damage. The robust ground path extends from conductors on circuit boards within the station modules through captive mounting screws to a metallic backplane and then through metallic grounding brackets within a pedestal enclosing the modules and the backplane. The grounding brackets are in turn grounded to both an earth ground stake and to a ground wire associated with the incoming one hundred and ten volt AC power.

Abstract: A modular irrigation controller has a robust ground path with high conductivity that can accommodate lightning induced power surges on field valve wires and common wires that are connected to a plurality of station modules. Sensitive electronic components in the station modules are thereby protected from damage. The robust ground path extends from conductors on circuit boards within the station modules through captive mounting screws to a metallic backplane and then through metallic grounding brackets within a pedestal enclosing the modules and the backplane. The grounding brackets are in turn grounded to both an earth ground stake and to a ground wire associated with the incoming one hundred and ten volt AC power.

Abstract: A modular irrigation controller has a robust ground path with high conductivity that can accommodate lightning induced power surges on field valve wires and common wires that are connected to a plurality of station modules. Sensitive electronic components in the station modules are thereby protected from damage. The robust ground path extends from conductors on circuit boards within the station modules through captive mounting screws to a metallic backplane and then through metallic grounding brackets within a pedestal enclosing the modules and the backplane. The grounding brackets are in turn grounded to both an earth ground stake and to a ground wire associated with the incoming one hundred and ten volt AC power.

Abstract: A modular irrigation controller has a robust ground path with high conductivity that can accommodate lightning induced power surges on field valve wires and common wires that are connected to a plurality of station modules. Sensitive electronic components in the station modules are thereby protected from damage. The robust ground path extends from conductors on circuit boards within the station modules through captive mounting screws to a metallic backplane and then through metallic grounding brackets within a pedestal enclosing the modules and the backplane. The grounding brackets are in turn grounded to both an earth ground stake and to a ground wire associated with the incoming one hundred and ten volt AC power.

Abstract: Plug assemblies and related kits and techniques for using the same are disclosed herein. In one non-limiting aspect, a plug assembly protects an existing plug of a cord and facilitates replacement of a second plug that is engageable with the existing plug in the event the second plug is damaged. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a first plug member with male and female end portions, and a retaining element configured to engage with the first plug member and at least a portion of a cord that includes a second plug member configured to engage with the first plug member. When the retaining element is engaged with the first plug member, one of the female end portion and the male end portion of the first plug member is accessible for engagement with a third plug member. Additional and/or alternative embodiments, forms, features and aspects are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A modular irrigation controller has a robust ground path with high conductivity that can accommodate lightning induced power surges on field valve wires and common wires that are connected to a plurality of station modules. Sensitive electronic components in the station modules are thereby protected from damage. The robust ground path extends from conductors on circuit boards within the station modules through captive mounting screws to a metallic backplane and then through metallic grounding brackets within a pedestal enclosing the modules and the backplane. The grounding brackets are in turn grounded to both an earth ground stake and to a ground wire associated with the incoming one hundred and ten volt AC power.

Abstract: Plug assemblies and related kits and techniques for using the same are disclosed herein. In one non-limiting aspect, a plug assembly protects an existing plug of a cord and facilitates replacement of a second plug that is engageable with the existing plug in the event the second plug is damaged. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a first plug member with male and female end portions, and a retaining element configured to engage with the first plug member and at least a portion of a cord that includes a second plug member configured to engage with the first plug member. When the retaining element is engaged with the first plug member, one of the female end portion and the male end portion of the first plug member is accessible for engagement with a third plug member. Additional and/or alternative embodiments, forms, features and aspects are disclosed herein.