How do I install a rain sensor?
In most installations, a rain sensor acts as a switch; a s moisture absorbing disks expand, they activate a switch that interrupts the circuit from the controller to the solenoid valves. Once the rain sensor has dried out, the switch deactivates to allow for normal operation.
The Rachio 2nd Generation Smart Sprinkler Controller is compatible with any wired or wireless normally closed (NC) rain sensor, which activates after rainfall (when the moisture absorbing disks expand).
The Rachio 1st Generation Smart Sprinkler Controller is also compatible with any wired or wireless normally closed (NC) rain sensor; for wiring instructions, please refer to this support article.
To connect a wired rain sensor to your Rachio 2nd Generation controller, please see the wiring diagram below:
To connect a wireless rain sensor to your Rachio 2nd Generation controller, please see the wiring diagram below:
Note: Either terminal "S1" or "S2" can be used for the flow sensor. Configuration in the app allows you to assign a rain sensor or flow sensor to either terminal.
To configure the flow sensor in the Rachio app, please follow the steps below:
- From the dashboard screen, tap on Device Settings
- Tap Advanced
- Select the sensor terminal you wish to configure; in this example "Sensor 2"
- Enable the sensor & select the type of sensor you're adding; in this case "Rain"
