How do I install the controller outdoors? (Generation 2)
Depending on where you live, controllers are usually mounted indoors or outdoors. If outdoors, they're usually hardwired and can be a bit tricky to change out. The Rachio Controller Generation has a custom outdoor enclosure that makes it easy to swap out an existing controller and have a nice clean, elegant looking controller outdoors that can be locked up and hardwired.
(link: outdoor enclosure store page)
Follow the three steps below to install the outdoor enclosure:
Before starting installation of this fixture or removal of a previous fixture, disconnect the power by turning off the circuit breaker or by removing the fuse at the fuse box. PLEASE CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN IF YOU HAVE ANY ELECTRICAL QUESTIONS.
- Install the enclosure
- Take photos of your wiring and label any duplicate colors to avoid confusion
- Remove the old enclosure and controller from the wall
- If you have wiring conduit coming into the old enclosure, make sure to account for any fittings and/or space requirements that differ on the Rachio enclosure
- If the conduit does not align, cut and re-route as needed
- Mount the Rachio enclosure to the wall
- If mounting to drywall, use anchors
- Connect the power
- The controller will use the supplied power adaptor for both outlet and hardwire applications; connect the power using one of the two methods below:
- Outdoor outlet: If your old controller had a power adapter and plugged into an outdoor outlet, please use the same outlet with the Rachio's power adaptor.
- Simply feed the power adaptor wiring through the bottom right hole of the enclosure and leave 6-9" of slack.
- Hardwired power: If your old controller did not have a plug, you'll need to hardware the outlet inside the Rachio enclosure.
- Unscrew the two screws on the lid of the Hardwiring Bay to access the enclosure wires of the outlet.
- Feed the power supply wires through the bottom left hole of the enclosure.
- Attach the wires using connector caps
- Black (or red) supply wire to the black enclosure wire
- White supply wire to the white enclosure wire.
- If you have a ground wire (usually green) attach it to the enclosure ground wire.
- Wrap all wire connections with electrical tape for a secure connection.
- Outdoor outlet: If your old controller had a power adapter and plugged into an outdoor outlet, please use the same outlet with the Rachio's power adaptor.
- The controller will use the supplied power adaptor for both outlet and hardwire applications; connect the power using one of the two methods below:
- Mount the controller
- Pull valve and sensor wires through the center opening on the controller's base. Mount the controller to the enclosure using the included bolts
- Mounting holes: top center + two bottom (do not use the center middle
- DO NOT install the cover on the base of the controller after it's mounted in the enclosure.
- Pull valve and sensor wires through the center opening on the controller's base. Mount the controller to the enclosure using the included bolts