How to wire your controller - Basic and Advanced Wiring
Last Update:Oct 19 2023 8:06pm • Est. Read Time:Est. Read Time: 8 MINWiring your Rachio controller
Rachio 3, Generation 2, and Generation 1
Not sure how your irrigation system wires match up with your Rachio smart sprinkler controller? Have advanced wiring needs? If you're wondering how to wire your new Rachio, or are not sure of which wires from your old system you'll need to connect to Rachio, we're here to help!
This article reviews instructions for basic and advanced wiring for all Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controllers - the Rachio 3, the Generation 2, and the Generation 1. Select your controller type below for targeted instructions on wiring your controller.
Basic vs. Advanced Wiring
Wiring a sprinkler system controller is fairly straightforward and involves matching your system's wires to the correct terminals. If your system is a little more complicated, you may have more wires than zones to accommodate things like Master Valves, Pump Start Relays, and Indexing Valves. Advanced wiring requires a little extra configuration, but the instructions below will help you through most wiring situations.
Basic Wiring - Rachio 3
The wiring bay of the Rachio 3 includes terminals to house the common wire, wires for each zone, and advanced wiring components.
Zone Wires (1-16)
Zone wires correspond to your landscape's zones. Insert them into the blue numbered terminals. An 8-zone controller can accommodate 1-8 zone wires; a 16-zone controller can accommodate 1-16 zone wires.
Common Wire
Common wires are often labeled "C" or "Com." You can insert them into any of the white "C" terminals.
Master Valve Wiring
Not all systems have a master valve. A Master Valve is a “normally closed” valve installed at the supply point of the main line that opens whenever a zone is operating. It is normally labeled "M," "MV," or "Pump." Please note, Master Valves should only be wired to the "M" and "C" terminals.
Want to add a Master Valve?
If you have a master valve, wire it into the dark gray "M" terminal of the Rachio 3 wiring bay, then enable it within the Rachio App ("Settings Wheel" icon > "Controller Settings" > "Advanced Wiring (M Terminal)" > "Master Valve").
How to add wires - Rachio 3
The improved terminals on the Rachio 3 make inserting wires a breeze - no screwdriver needed! When wires are successfully inserted into the Rachio 3 terminals, the terminal buttons will fix in an upward position. Have questions? Check out our installation guide.
Advanced Wiring - Rachio 3
Rain and Flow Wired Sensors - S1 and S2 Terminals (optional)
You can connect up to two rain or flow sensors to your controller using terminals "S1" and "S2."
Sensor Wires - 24 VAC+/- (optional)
The 24 VAC + and - terminals are used for extra wires from wireless sensors. These terminals replace and perform the same function as the SP and SC terminals from the Generation 2.
- 24 VAC + is for sensor power wires (this corresponds to the SP terminal on the Generation 2).
- 24 VAC - is for sensor common wires (this corresponds to the SC terminal on the Generation 2).
For more information, go to rachio.com/sensors.
Pump Start Relay Wiring
A Pump Start Relay serves as a switch that activates 110-220VAC power to the pump when the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller's master valve is enabled. Since the Rachio 3 controller outputs 24VAC, a pump start relay is required when using a pump with the Rachio 3.
CAUTION!
In order to avoid potential damage from electrical interference, relays should be installed at least 15 feet away from the Rachio 3.
Want to add a Pump Start Relay?
If you have a Pump Start Relay, wire it into the dark gray "M" terminal of the Rachio 3 wiring bay, then enable the 'Well or Pump Start Relay" within the Rachio App ("Settings Wheel icon > "Controller Settings" >"Advanced Wiring (M Terminal)" > "Well or Pump Start Relay").
Make sure that the total draw of the Pump Start Relay plus the draw of the valve does not exceed 1.3 amps at 24 VAC, 60 Hz. The controller does not provide main power for a pump.
Note
We recommend using the Munro StartBox or SmartBox. Specific model recommendations below:
StartBox models
- MPSR242W11 110 volt up to 2 Horsepower pump
- MPSR242W22 220 volt up to 5 Horsepower pump
SmartBox models
- MPLC242W11T 110 volt up to 2 Horsepower pump
- MPLC242W22T 220 volt up to 5 Horsepower pump
Indexing Valve Wiring
Indexing Valves offer a central hub to automate multiple zoned irrigation systems. Usually consisting of 1 inlet and 3+ outlets, Indexing Valves can operate on city water or pumps.
How an Indexing Valve works
An Indexing Valve will water on a zone by zone basis, diverting the water supply from one outlet to another in a rotational direction. The order of the zones cannot be changed on an Indexing Valve and are predetermined by the order in which they were installed. For more information, please see this support article.
Want to add an Indexing Valve?
If you have an Indexing Valve, wire it into the dark gray "M" terminal of the Rachio 3 wiring bay, then enable the Master Valve within the Rachio App ("Settings Wheel" icon > "Controller Settings" > "Advanced Wiring (M Terminal)" > "Master Valve").
Tip
If your system’s water supply comes from city water, install by following the Master Valve wiring instructions above. A pump start relay is required when using a pump with an Indexing valve.
Sharing a Wire Across Multiple Devices?
If you need to share a common wire or Master Valve wire between two Rachio 3 controllers, please click here for more information.
Rain Sensor Wiring
Rain sensors normally have a fairly basic wiring setup. If you are unsure how to set up your rain sensor with the Rachio 3, click here for further instructions.
Basic Wiring - Generation 2
The wiring bay of the Rachio Generation 2 includes terminals to house the common wire, wires for each zone, and advanced wiring components.
Zone Wires (1-16)
Zone wires correspond to your landscape's zones. Insert them into the blue, numbered terminals. An 8-zone controller can accommodate 1-8 zone wires; a 16-zone controller can accommodate 1-16 zone wires.
Common Wire
Common wires are often labeled "C" or "Com." You can insert them into any of the white "C" terminals.
Master Valve Wiring
A master valve is a “normally closed” valve installed at the supply point of the main line that opens whenever a zone is operating.
Want to add a Master Valve?
- Add Wire
Install in the “M” terminal slot.
- Enable in Rachio app
Enable the Master Valve within the Rachio App ("Settings Wheel" icon > "Controller Settings" > "Advanced Wiring (M Terminal)" > "Master Valve").
How to add wires - Generation 2
When inserting or releasing wires into the Generation 2, push IN on terminal block with a small screwdriver, as demonstrated below. This will ensure a solid connection.
Advanced Wiring - Generation 2
Rain or Flow Wired Sensors - Terminals S1 and S2 (optional)
You can connect up to two rain or flow sensors to your controller using terminals "S1" and "S2."
Sensor Power - Terminals SC and SP (optional)
SC is designated for a sensor common wire. SP is reserved for sensor power for a wireless rain sensor.
Pump Start Relay Wiring
A pump start relay serves as a switch that activates 110-220VAC power to the pump when the Generation 2 Smart Sprinkler Controller's master valve is enabled. Since the Generation 2 controller outputs 24VAC, a pump start relay is required when using a pump with the Generation 2.
CAUTION!
In order to avoid potential damage from electrical interference, relays should be installed at least 15 feet away from the Generation 2.
Want to add a pump start relay?
Install in the “M” terminal slot, and enable the Master Valve within the Rachio App ("Settings Wheel" icon > "Controller Settings" >"Advanced Wiring (M Terminal)" > "Well or Pump Start Relay").
Make sure that the total draw of the Pump Start Relay plus the draw of the valve does not exceed 1.3 amps at 24 VAC, 60 Hz. The controller does not provide main power for a pump.
Indexing Valve Wiring
Indexing valves offer a central hub to automate multiple zoned irrigation systems. Usually consisting of 1 inlet and 3+ outlets, Indexing Valves can operate on city water or pumps.
How an Indexing Valve works
An Indexing Valve will water on a zone by zone basis, diverting the water supply from one outlet to another in a rotational direction. The order of the zones cannot be changed on an Indexing Valve and are predetermined by the order in which they were installed. For more information, please see this support article.
Want to add an Indexing Valve?
Install in the “M” terminal slot, and enable the Master Valve within the Rachio App ("Settings Wheel" icon > "Controller Settings" > "Advanced Wiring (M Terminal)" > "Master Valve").
Tip
If your system’s water supply comes from city water, install by following the Master Valve wiring instructions above. A pump start relay is required when using a pump with an Indexing Valve.
Sharing a Wire Across Multiple Devices?
If you need to share a common wire or Master Valve wire between two Generation 2 controllers, please click here for more information.
Rain Sensor Wiring
Rain sensors normally have a fairly basic wiring setup. If you are unsure how to set up your rain sensor with the Generation 2, click here.
Basic Wiring - Generation 1
The wiring bay of the Rachio Generation is designed to accommodate one sensors, a master valve or pump relay, and up to 8 or 16 zones (depending on which model you have). The wiring guide below will help identify terminals.
COLOR | WIRE |
White | Common (use any or all) |
Green | Zone # (reference old timer wiring) |
Blue | Master Valve or Pump Relay; see Advanced Wiring below |
Yellow | Sensor (Rain) |
Tips for Wiring:
- 24VAC and ground wires are not needed.
- An enclosure is required for hard wiring installations and/or outdoor installation.
- When inserting or releasing wires, push IN on terminal block with a small screwdriver. This will ensure a solid connection.
- Solid 18 gauge single-strand copper wiring is ideal. If you have thicker gauge wires we recommend retrofitting with 18 gauge wires using a terminal strip.
- Keep all wiring within the recessed triangular area of the Wall Mount. This ensures the Front Panel will properly attach.
Advanced Wiring - Generation 1
Rain Wired Sensors - Terminals S1 and S2 (optional)
You can connect up to two rain sensors to your controller using terminals "S1" and "S2." Note that Generation 1 does not accommodate wired flow sensors.
Pump Start Relay Wiring
A pump start relay serves as a switch that activates 110-220VAC power to the pump when the Generation 1 Smart Sprinkler Controller's master valve is enabled. Since the Generation 1 controller outputs 24VAC, a pump start relay is required when using a pump with the Generation 1.
CAUTION!
In order to avoid potential damage from electrical interference, relays should be installed at least 15 feet away from the Generation 1.
Want to add a pump start relay?
Install in the “M” terminal slot, and enable the Master Valve within the Rachio App ("Settings Wheel" icon > "Controller Settings" >"Advanced Wiring (M Terminal)" > "Well or Pump Start Relay").
Make sure that the total draw of the Pump Start Relay plus the draw of the valve does not exceed 1.3 amps at 24 VAC, 60 Hz. The controller does not provide main power for a pump.
Indexing Valve Wiring
Indexing valves offer a central hub to automate multiple zoned irrigation systems. Usually consisting of 1 inlet and 3+ outlets, Indexing Valves can operate on city water or pumps.
How an Indexing Valve works
An Indexing Valve will water on a zone by zone basis, diverting the water supply from one outlet to another in a rotational direction. The order of the zones cannot be changed on an Indexing Valve and are predetermined by the order in which they were installed. For more information, please see this support article.
Want to add an Indexing Valve?
Install in the “M” terminal slot, and enable the Master Valve within the Rachio App ("Settings Wheel" icon > "Controller Settings" > "Advanced Wiring (M Terminal)" > "Master Valve").
Tip
If your system’s water supply comes from city water, install by following the Master Valve wiring instructions above. A pump start relay is required when using a pump with an Indexing Valve.
Sharing a Wire Across Multiple Devices?
If you need to share a common wire or Master Valve wire between two Generation 1 controllers, please click here for more information.
Video - Understanding Advanced Wiring
Video Note
Our navigation has changed within the app. To edit your advanced wiring, see the instructions below.