Wired flow sensor compatibility and installation
Last Update:Oct 19 2023 8:22pm • Est. Read Time:Est. Read Time: 3 MINSummary
Interested in pairing a wired flow sensor with your Rachio controller? In this article, you can find a list of compatible sensors that you can use, as well as instructions on how to properly connect the accessory to your controller!
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.
Note
Need help adding a wired flow meter to your Rachio 3? Go here!
Flow Sensor Compatibility
Flow sensors monitor the actual flow of water running through a pipe; this allows the controller to record and report your sprinkler's actual water consumption in gallons. Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controllers are compatible with the following flow sensors:
EVERYDROP*
- 1004-EX
- 1104-EX
*Cost/performance leader in wired flowmeters
FLOWMEC
- QS200-10
Badger
- 228PV15
- 228PV20
- 735PV75
CST
- FSI-T10-001
- FSI-T15-001
- FSI-T20-001
Toro
- TFS-050
- TFS-075
- TFS-100
- TFS-150
- TFS-200
Note
Please note: The Rachio Generation 1 Smart Sprinkler Controller is not compatible with wired flow sensors.
Flow Sensor Installation
Note
Want to add a wired flow meter to your Rachio 3? Go here!
To connect a flow sensor to your Rachio Generation 2 controller, please see the wiring diagram below (note the red & black wires MUST be installed correctly for the data to send to the controller).
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 a flow sensor to either terminal.
How to enable a Flow Sensor
To configure the flow sensor in the Rachio app, please follow the steps below:
1) From the Settings Wheel tab, select "Controller Settings"
Flow Sensor Reporting (Gallons)
If the flow sensor is enabled via the Controller Settings, the usage reports in the mobile and web app will report in gallons. The gallons reported are absolute units; if the flow sensor is malfunctioning, the gallons reported will represent the measured gallons from the flow sensor.
MOBILE APP
WEB APP
What if my usage reports seem high?
If your water usage seems high after connecting a flow sensor, the likely culprit a wiring error or faulty wire. You can follow these steps to debug the issue.
Note
This test will require a multimeter to debug.
If all zone runs are measuring high usage:
Set your multimeter to measure resistance.
1) Measure the resistance between the C and SC ports on the controller. If this resistance is below 1k ohms, you have a short circuit between C and SC that needs to be disconnected.
2) Measure the resistance between C and S1 or S2, whichever has your flow sensor connected. If this resistance is below 1k ohms, you have a short circuit between C and S1/2 which needs to be disconnected.
If only one zone run is measuring high usage:
1) Set your multimeter to measure resistance.
2) Measure the resistance between the zone number that’s failing and SC ports on the controller. If this resistance is below 1k ohms, you have a short circuit that needs to be disconnected.
3) Measure the resistance between the zone number that’s failing and S1 or S2, whichever has your flow sensor connected. If this resistance is below 1k ohms, you have a short circuit that needs to be disconnected.
Why aren't my drip zones recording flow?
There is a lower limit to all flow sensors. If your drip zone is below this limit (most are), your Rachio controller cannot measure any flow and will revert to estimated usage. You can find the limits of each flow sensor below:
TORO
CST
