# Wiring Your Sprinkler Controller - Basic and Advanced Wiring
> Wiring your Rachio controller Rachio 3, Generation 2, and Generation 1 Not sure how your irrigation system wires match up with your Rachio smart sprinkler ...
Source: https://support.rachio.com/en_us/wiring-your-sprinkler-controller-basic-and-advanced-wiring-B1njPIyYD
Last updated: 2026-04-13T20:22:21.789Z
## Summary
This article details instructions for basic and advanced wiring for all Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controllers. Wiring a sprinkler system controller is fairly straightforward and involves matching your system's wires to the correct terminals. If your system is complex, 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.
## Contents
1. [Removing the Faceplate](#section-4)
2. [Tips for Wiring](#section-0)
3. [Basic Wiring](#section-1)
4. [Advanced Wiring](#section-2)
* [Sensors](#section-2a)
* [Pump Start Relay Wiring](#section-2b)
* [](#section-2c)[Indexing Valves](#section-2c)
5. [Sharing a Wire Across Multiple Devices](#section-3)
### Tips for Wiring:
* The Rachio controller is only compatible with AC solenoids.
* 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. 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.
## Removing the Faceplate
Follow the steps below based on your controller model.
**Rachio 3**
The Rachio 3 features a magnetic faceplate design, making it easier to remove.
1. Place your fingers on the sides or bottom edge of the faceplate.
2. Gently pull the faceplate straight outward from the controller.
3. The magnets will release, allowing the faceplate to detach easily.
**Tip:** When reinstalling the faceplate on a Rachio 3, simply place it back onto the controller and the magnets will automatically align and secure it.
**Rachio Gen 2**
1. Locate the tab at the bottom of the controller and push up and in.
2. At the same time pull the faceplate up and away from the controller.
**Rachio Gen 1**
1. Locate the small gap between the lines at the bottom of the controller.
2. Insert a flathead screwdriver, or another small, flat tool into the gap to use as a lever.
3. Gently apply pressure to pry the faceplate outward until it releases from the controller.
## Basic Wiring
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. Here are the wiring bays for our Rachio controllers:
#### Rachio 3
#### 
#### Gen 2
#### Gen 1
### Zone Wires (1-16)
Zone wires correspond to your landscape's zones. Insert them into the blue numbered terminals (blue for Rachio 3, green for Gen 1). An 8-zone controller can accommodate 1-8 zone wires; a 16-zone controller can accommodate 1-16 zone wires.
####
### Common Wires
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.
####
### Adding a Master Valve in the App
If you have a master valve, wire it into the dark gray "M" terminal (blue for Gen 1) of the Rachio 3 wiring bay , then enable it within the Rachio App (_"Settings" tab > "Advanced Wiring (M Terminal)" > "Master Valve"_).
####
### Wire gauge and maximum distance
The maximum distance depends on what gauge of sprinkler wires your system includes. Review the table below and locate your wire gauge size to determine the maximum distance.
Common Wire Size
Zone Wire Size
18 AWG
16 AWG
14 AWG
18 AWG / 1.0 mm
850 ft
1040 ft
1210 ft
16 AWG / 1.2 mm
1040 ft
1340 ft
1650 ft
14 AWG / 1.6 mm
1210 ft
1650 ft
2150 ft
## Advanced Wiring
###
### Sensors (optional)
####
#### S1 and S2 Terminals
You can connect up to two rain or flow sensors to your controller using terminals "S1" and "S2."
####
#### 24 VAC+/- Terminals
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 on sensors and compatibility, visit [this article](https://support.rachio.com/ryoUGYT4bg).
###
### Pump Start Relay Wiring
If you’re running your irrigation system from a well, pond, or stream rather than city water, you most likely have a pump that requires advanced 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.
1. When wiring a pump relay, you will find it has two leads on your old controller; one connected to the common terminal and another connected to the "master" or “pump” terminal (which may be labeled as ‘M’, ‘MV’, ‘P’, or a combination such as “MV/P”). We recommend labeling each wire to avoid confusion.
2. On the Rachio controller, refer to your model’s wiring diagram to identify a common terminal and the “M” terminal. For tips on inserting the wire(s), please refer to this video.
### Video Guide
#### CAUTION!
Keep in mind that the pump should never be wired directly to the controller; doing so will damage your Rachio controller, as well as void your warranty.
In order to avoid potential damage from electrical interference, relays should be installed **at least 15 feet away** from the Rachio 3.
####
#### Adding a Pump Start Relay in the App
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**" tab > "**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.
#### Disclaimer
We recommend using the following Munro StartBox or SmartBox models as these are the only tested Relays with the Rachio controller. The Rachio Support Team is unable to assist or troubleshoot PSR by other manufacturers. Munro also has their own dedicated and knowledgeable support team:
StartBox models
* **MPSR242W11** 110 volt up to 2 Horsepower pump
* **MPSR242W22** 220 volt up to 5 Horsepower pump
* Max inrush: 2amp
Total Holding Current: 1amp
SmartBox models
* **MPLC242W11T** 110 volt up to 2 Horsepower pump
* **MPLC242W22T** 220 volt up to 5 Horsepower pump
* Max inrush: 2amp
Total Holding Current: 1amp
###
### Indexing Valves
**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.
To connect an indexing valve to the Rachio controller, simply connect the wiring from your old timer (usually an Intermatic). Install them in the “M” terminal slot and “C” terminal slot.
####
#### 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.
####
#### Adding an indexing valve in the App
If you have an Indexing Valve, check if you have only 2 wires ("M" and "C" terminal) in the Rachio 3 wiring bay, then enable the Master Valve within the Rachio App \["**Settings**" tab > "**Advanced Wiring (M Terminal)**" > "**Well or Pump Start Relay**" (even if you don't have a pump)\].
####
#### What if I have an Index Valve and a Pump?
It's important to know if your water supply is coming from the house (city) or a well (pump). If pump fed, a pump relay is required to run your system. Check the Pump Start Relay Wiring for more details.
####
#### Indexing valve scheduling and limitations
Our **Delay Between Zones** setting is a way to set up schedules on an indexing valve. With the delay between zones feature enabled, you eliminate the need for separate schedules. To activate the **Delay Between Zones** feature, you must first enable a well or pump start relay within your controller settings. When enabled, we suggest setting a 5-minute delay between the zones.
### 
###
#### Note
There are 3 limitations to indexing valves:
1. Since we cannot activate individual "chambers" on demand (see animation above), indexing valves **_are not compatible with Flex Daily Schedules_**. You may use Fixed or Flex Monthly.
2. Indexing valves require you to run the valves in order to rotate through the valve chambers accordingly. As such, you cannot manually run an indexing valve, as it will cause your chambers to get out of order with your zones. You can, however, **_manually run your entire schedule once the Delay Between Zones is set up_**.
3. Since indexing valves are dependent on the water supply being turned on and off, our **_Smart Cycle feature cannot be used with an Indexing Valve_** without causing your chambers to get out of order with your zones. But you don't have to manually disable it. The **_Delay Between Zones will take its place_** once you've set it up.
###
### Sharing a Wire Across Multiple Devices
If you need to share a common wire or Master Valve wire between two Rachio 3 controllers. Installation is a bit more elaborate, you'll need to share the wires with isolators, please visit [this article](https://support.rachio.com/BkhiPIJFD) for more information.
##
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### **Winter Hours (October-March)**
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