# Installing a Rachio Weatherproof Outdoor Enclosure
> Outdoor Installation Rachio controllers can be installed outdoors by using a Rachio Weatherproof Outdoor Enclosure . Our outdoor enclosure protects your co...
Source: https://support.rachio.com/en_us/how-do-i-install-a-rachio-controller-outdoors-weatherproof-outdoor-enclosure-r1LPLktv
Last updated: 2026-04-13T20:54:19.262Z
# Outdoor Installation
Rachio controllers can be installed outdoors by using a [Rachio Weatherproof Outdoor Enclosure](https://rachio.com/waterproof-enclosure/). Our outdoor enclosure protects your controller from the elements and keeps it safe from water damage. Are you looking for instructions on how to install your Weatherproof Outdoor Enclosure? This article can help you with that.
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#### Consult with a Professional Installer
_Installing outdoors can be more challenging than the typical indoor installation. Rachio does not have in-the-field technicians, however there are irrigation and landscape professionals all over the country who can assist you with a new installation._
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#### Video Guide
Want to preview the installation steps? Check out our video below demonstrating the outdoor installation of the [Rachio 3](https://rachio.com/rachio-3/) and Generation 2 Smart Sprinkler Controllers.
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## Installation Instructions
The Rachio Controller has a custom outdoor enclosure that makes it easy to swap out an existing controller and have a clean, elegant looking outdoor controller that can be locked up and hardwired.
##### _Closed View_
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##### _Open View (without controller mounted)_
Purchase from [Rachio.com](https://rachio.com/products/weatherproof-enclosure) or [Amazon](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019885NUQ/ref=s9_al_bw_g86_i3).
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### Installation Steps
#### Caution
Before installing this fixture or removing a previous fixture, disconnect the power by turning off the circuit breaker or by removing the fuse at the fuse box. IF YOU HAVE ANY ELECTRICAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.
**1.** 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
* Conduit opening measurements
* Hardwired power: 0-7/8 inch
* Zone wiring: 1-1/8 inch (knockout enlarges to 1-3/8 inch) 
* Mount the Rachio enclosure to the wall
* If mounting to drywall, use anchors
**2.** Hardwire Power
* The controller will use the supplied power adaptor for both outlet and hardwire applications; connect the power using the method below:
* Outdoor outlet: If your old controller had a power adapter and plugged into an outdoor rated & covered 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.
* Power Adaptor doesn't fit in your outdoor rated & covered outlet?
* First, you’ll need a couple of extra parts that are readily available on Amazon or at a local hardware store. We recommend the following:
* [AC outdoor rated power cord with pigtails](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LDYHNN4) ([alternate](https://www.homelectrical.com/6-foot-three-wire-power-cordpigtail-indooroutdoor-use-straight-plug.kic-25261.1.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAx57RBRBkEiwA8yZdUESRUJTviZG2G966YgiufeefK8ebuIK94oL1l7hwJM2jdRQYSpO6zhoCkhkQAvD_BwE))
* [Strain relief bushing](http://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group-58246-Diameter-Bushing/dp/B00MFSFAQE)
* Here’s what you should have to get started
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* Follow the steps listed in hardwiring (below), then plug the pigtail into your outlet!
* Hardwired power: If your old controller did not have a plug, you'll need to hardwire 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.
* TURN OFF POWER to your hardwire power source. Clean and straighten the wires. Attach a [strain relief bushing](http://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group-58246-Diameter-Bushing/dp/B00MFSFAQE) (not included) if you have slack in the wire -or- if you're installing a pigtail. Position the bushing about an inch below the beginning of the black insulation.
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* Feed the power supply wires through the bottom left hole of the enclosure.
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* Attach the wires using the connector caps
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* Black (or red) supply wire to the black enclosure wire. This is your power supply wire, also known as "hot".
* White supply wire to the white enclosure wire. This is typically the common/neutral 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.
* Close Hardwiring Bay of the outdoor enclosure with the cover and two screws that came with the enclosure.
**3.** 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.
Rachio user Chris Vazquez did an AMAZING job installing his Rachio 3 in a Weatherproof Outdoor Enclosure!
### Technical Drawings
#### Note
The Rachio Weatherproof Outdoor Enclosure is compatible with the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller and Generation 2.
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## 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 Years Day.