# Connecting a Wired Sensor or Wired Flow Meter to a Rachio Sprinkler Controller > Summary If you have questions on how do you install a wired sensor or wired flow meter, this article is for you. Stay tuned for instructions! Disclaimer ... Source: https://support.rachio.com/en_us/connecting-a-wired-sensor-or-wired-flow-meter-to-a-rachio-sprinkler-controller-SyBRwLJYP Last updated: 2026-04-13T20:48:24.688Z ## **Summary** This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to wire rain, flow, and soil moisture sensors to Rachio sprinkler controllers.  ## Contents 1\. [Enabled Sensor Ports](#section-1) 2\. [Rain Sensors Wiring](#section-2) * Two-wire rain sensor * Hunter Rain-Click Rain Sensors wired & wireless * RAIN BIRD WR2 Wireless Rain Sensor * Toro Wireless Rain Sensor * Irritrol Wireless Rain Sensor * Orbit Wireless Rain Sensor 3\. [Flow Sensors Wiring](#section-3) * 2-wire flow sensors * Wired Every Drop Flow Meter * Every Drop Wireless Interface 4\. [Moisture & Soil Sensors](#section-4) * Toro Soil Sensor * RAIN BIRD SMRT-Y Sensor * Moisture Sensor ### **Related Articles** * [Sensor Compatibility ](https://support.rachio.com/ryoUGYT4bg) * [Flow Meter Settings, Calibration, and Flow Alerts ](https://support.rachio.com/en_us/flow-meter-settings-calibration-and-flow-alerts-HyaxZc04x) * * * # Enabled Sensor Ports When installing a Rain, Flow, or Soil Moisture sensor to your Rachio controller, you must enable the corresponding “S” port in the controller settings using the Rachio app. 1. Open the Rachio app and tap the Settings wheel in the bottom-right corner. 2. Tap **Accessories**. 3. Select the sensor you want to enable based on the terminals that are wired (S1 or S2). 4. Move the toggle button to enable the sensor. 5. Select the sensor type: * Rain Sensor – for rain or soil-moisture sensors (soil sensors operate like a rain sensor). * Flow Sensor – choose the specific model if applicable. * * * # Rain Sensors Wiring A  rain sensor or rain switch is a switching device activated by rainfall. In most cases, a rain sensor acts as a simple on/off switch. As 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 - this allows for normal operation.  ## Two-wire rain sensor For 2-wire rain sensors, insert one of the wires in S1/S2 and the second wire into 24 VAC- (SC for Gen 2 and the yellow terminals for Gen 1). ### Rachio 3 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/5979557725dac4003db7b6bbc114ba66.png) ### Rachio Generation 2 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/b86f0ce616577004720425fda591b5af.png) ### Rachio Generation 1 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/c71be165459b6a7f4338dca3e256ffc6.jpg) ## **Hunter Rain-Click Wired Rain Sensors** ###         Rachio 3 ### ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/cda82bf85bea6bafc7380a63e0b62287.jpg) Locate the sensor terminals (S1 or S2, & 24 VAC-). Insert one of the wires into S1 and plug the other wire into 24 VAC-. ### Rachio Generation 2 Locate the sensor terminals (S1 or S2, & SC). Insert one of the wires into S1 or S2, and plug the other wire into SC.  ### Rachio Generation 1 Locate the sensor terminals (R1 & R2). Insert one of the wires into R1, and plug the other wire into R2.  ## Hunter Rain-Click Wireless Rain Sensors **Rachio 3 ** Locate the sensor terminals (S1 or S2, 24 VAC +/-). Connect the blue wire to either the S1 or S2 terminal. Connect the white wire and one of the yellow wires to 24 VAC -. Connect the remaining yellow wire to 24 VAC +. The orange wire is not needed and can be trimmed. Reconnect the power supply to the controller. ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/09d0ba5f9975d810b519035ba246eda0.png)**Rachio Generation 2 ** Locate the sensor terminals (S1 or S2, SC, SP). Connect the blue wire to either the S1 or S2 terminal. Connect the white wire and one of the yellow wires to the SC terminal. Connect the remaining yellow wire to the SP terminal. The orange wire is not needed and can be trimmed. Reconnect the power supply to the controller. ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/6b32174d60aa2da7c050364de0974eea.png)**Rachio Generation 1** Locate the sensor terminals (R1, R2, C). Connect the blue wire to the R2. Connect the white wire and one of the yellow wires to the R1 terminal. Connect the remaining yellow wire to the C terminal. The orange wire is not needed, and can be trimmed. Reconnect the power supply to the controller. ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/5f7095c77ec75d3adec4fd139c1dbbcb.png)The receiver should now be receiving power from the controller and the light will most likely be red. The sensor communicates with the receiver once every hour so it could take up to an hour to sync. Alternatively, you can hold the button on the sensor to send a signal to the receiver, which should switch the light to green. If this is not working for you, please contact Hunter support. Once the sensor is mounted, adjust the Dryout Time window based on your location and needs. See [Hunter’s documentation](https://www.hunterirrigation.com/support/rain-clik-adjusting-sensor-dry-out-time) for more information. ## **RAIN BIRD WR2 Wireless Rain Sensor** **Wiring Chart**  **Wire Color**   **Gen 1 Rachio**   **Gen 2 Rachio**  **Rachio 3** White  **R1**  (left-most yellow terminal)  **SC**  (Sensor Common - left of SP) **24 VAC-** (Sensor Common) Black (a)  **R1**  (paired w/ above)  **SC**  (paired with above) **24 VAC-** (paired with above in Sensor Common)  Red (b)  **C**  (white terminal - far right)  **SP**  (Sensor Power - far right) **24 VAC+** (Sensor Power)  Green  **R2**   **S1**  **S1** ### **Wiring Diagrams** Rachio 3 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/891bcd0706fd456b493f66fa9dfcb6da.png) ### Rachio Generation 2 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/a858c6d534060339ddc1e8a8131555a3.png) ### Rachio Generation 1 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/e30f36d7c6358c93ee27d5c779ebe2fd.png) ## **Toro Wireless Rain Sensor** **Wiring Chart**  **Wire Color**   **Gen 1 Rachio**   **Gen 2 Rachio**  **Rachio 3** White  **R1**  (left-most yellow terminal)  **SC**  (Sensor Common - left of SP) **VAC-** (Sensor Common) Red (a)  **R1**  (paired w/ above)  **SC**  (paired with above) **VAC-** (paired with above in Sensor Common) Red (b)  **C**  (white terminal - far right)  **SP**  (Sensor Power - far right) **VAC+** (Sensor Power) Brown  **R2**   **S1**  **S1** ### **Wiring Diagram** ### ### Rachio 3 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/4f73da5fe33ec5f4155d48780dcc60a2.png) ### Rachio Generation 2 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/536a8a808169cf273cad9ed18b056fa9.png) ### Rachio Generation 1 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/3298921f3f00ae8aef1661d4368fe433.jpg) ### Irritrol Wireless Rain Sensor **Wiring Chart**   **Wire Color**   **Gen 1 Rachio**   **Gen 2 Rachio**  **Rachio 3** White  **R1**  (left-most yellow terminal)  **SC**  (Sensor Common - left of SP) **VAC-** (Sensor Common) Red (a)  **R1**  (paired w/ above)  **SC**  (paired with above) **VAC-** (paired with above in Sensor Common) Red (b)  **C**  (white terminal - far right)  **SP**  (Sensor Power - far right) **VAC+** (Sensor Power) Brown  **R2**   **S1**  **S1** ### Wiring Diagram ### ### Rachio 3 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/c87c0fee15ddfd04279726f3006422d4.png) ### Rachio Generation 2 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/0f8c86e6eb9b2cb0062191dc34d50d74.png) ### Rachio Generation 1 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/44b282c70365821886526e98e44539f6.jpg) ## **Orbit Wireless Rain Sensor** **Wiring Chart**  **Wire Color**   **Gen 1 Rachio**   **Gen 2 Rachio**  **Rachio 3** White  **R1**  (left-most yellow terminal)  **SC**  (Sensor Common - left of SP)  **24 VAC-** (Sensor Common)  Red (a)  **R1**  (paired w/ above)  **SC**  (paired with above)  **24 VAC-** (paired with above in Sensor Common) Red (b)  **C**  (white terminal - far right)  **SP**  (Sensor Power - far right)  **24 VAC+** (Sensor Power) Yellow  **R2**   **S1**   **S1** ### **Wiring Diagram** ### ### Rachio 3 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/7e6e3fc73793b782200d0de52c542647.png) ### Rachio Generation 2 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/089741ab443cc883e485ae64cdc204bc.png) ### Rachio Generation 1 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/071c4a852d7a27250bfaca84ab464a3f.jpg) #### Note If the rain sensor is triggered, no schedules will run at their prescribed times. However, manual schedules (via the remote control) will run even if the rain sensor is triggered. If the schedule is started and the rain sensor is triggered during watering, the schedule will stop running. ## * * * # Flow Sensors Wiring ## Two-Wire Flow Sensor To connect a flow sensor to your Rachio controller, please see the wiring diagram below (note the red & black wires **MUST** be installed correctly for the data to send to the controller). For 2-wire flow sensors:  * The red wire goes into S1/S2 * The black wire goes into 24 VAC- (SC for Gen 2). ### Rachio Generation 2 ### ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/641efe3d4c8d47ca2ec72fb00f65ee97.png) ### Rachio 3 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/a97a57c5a13bc5a19d1869848f348aa3.png) #### Disclaimer The flow sensors listed below are manufactured by BADGER, CST, or TORO–Rachio is NOT affiliated or authorized by these entities. This article is intended for instructional and compatibility purposes only. **If you need troubleshooting help, please reach out to the manufacturers directly.** ## Wired Every Drop Flow Meter ### Rachio Generation 3 and 2 * Red wire goes into (S1 or S2)  * Black wire goes into (24VAC-) for Gen 2, it goes to (SC) ## ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/edbdec42709d12eb75bc6f8bd691c22b.png) ## Every Drop Wireless Interface **Rachio 3** Interface meter red wire (+) goes to S1 or S2.  Interface 24VAC(+) red wire goes to 24VAC+.  Interface Meter (-)  black wire goes to 24VAC-.  Interface 24VAC (-) black wire goes to 24VAC-.  ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/671cd3f07ed54f7be796693c0b80063b.png) ## Multiple Backflow Preventers We support irrigation systems with up to two backflow preventers (with two Flow Meters to support them) and a single Rachio 3 controller. **You should install one flow meter per backflow preventer, with a maximum of 2 flow meters per system.** The usage data and leak detection information from all flow meters will appear as one holistic system in the Rachio app.  #### Note Rachio cannot support more than two flow meters communicating with a single controller. Additionally, it cannot measure flow from a wired flow meter when a wireless flow meter is installed. Both flow meters need to be **either Wired or Wireless**.  * * * # Moisture & Soil Sensors Soil sensors operate similarly to rain sensors; once the moisture threshold is met or exceeded, the sensor interrupts the common wire and suspends all watering events until the moisture threshold dries out and returns to a level below the threshold.  ## Toro Soil Sensor #### Disclaimer Rachio is NOT affiliated or authorized by TORO; the TORO brand soil sensors are manufactured by TORO. This article is intended for instructional and compatibility purposes only.  Rachio does not recommend the use of 3rd party sensors unless required by local code. Rachio offers soil saturation management tools without the need for soil sensors, using Saturation Skip or Flex Daily Schedules to skip watering schedules BEFORE it rains based on estimated moisture levels. ### Wiring Diagram ### ### Rachio 3 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/d0a03ecb23441ca81968149912bec3d0.png) ### Rachio Generation 2 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/a5ea80fca6b0b11343387d7dc00ab95f.png) ### Rachio  Generation 1 ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/d4dfae08bbc4ebd7892f4d40aeed62eb.jpg) ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/e5cb1ed0ca72d0ff68250b12d16d2aa0.jpg) ## RAIN BIRD SMRT-Y Sensor To install a SMRT-Y Soil Sensor, please reference the wiring diagrams below for assistance with the wiring on your Rachio controller. Please note that wiring colors may vary on your system. ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/c5303be55c5ce1f1ff356cef5e148ac0.png) ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/93cf81a25341182a478e464ed039e731.png) ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/ff1df1e7ebda21d25cb8235f4c3bc1d4.png) ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/cb497a351e71db24e51270ac475e2479.png) ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/d975495af20818d2c56f0147685e45fc.png) ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/69d0236cb91fcee0cc33d03a6cf5ca75.png) ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/48f8e57454a8d28d32ab6be39fc4a2a4.png) ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/c415404c57ed6cd6a5485143f4359cc7.png) ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5f775c7b7cad407e578daa84/2403d5b0666138f8e17d765879fa06d6.png) ## Moisture & Soil Sensors Moisture and Soil Sensors sensors operate similarly to a rain-tipping bucket on a weather station, in which data is collected and sent back to the Rachio controller. The data can be used as input to scheduling algorithms to override local ET data and create a closed-loop system. Rachio doesn't directly support soil moisture sensors, but using IFTTT, watering events can be triggered using the following moisture sensors: * [Wireless Tag](https://wirelesstag.net/) * * * ## **Do you still need help?** We have a chat support team ready to assist you! You can submit a support request by selecting the chat icon in the bottom right of this page, and a member of the support team will contact you live. ### **Summer Hours (April-September)** 7 am - 5 pm (MST), 7 days a week. ### **Winter Hours (October-March)** 8 am - 5 pm (MST), Monday - Saturday. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. \-->