Introduction
The Toro RainSensor connects to your irrigation
system controller/timer to suspend automatic
watering operation in the event of rain. Designed
for ease of installation, your sensor-controlled
irrigation system will be up and running in minutes.
Before attempting to install the RainSensor, please
read through these instructions in their entirety.
Since the RainSensor is designed to work with
most makes and models of controllers, you should
also refer to the instructions provided with your
irrigation system controller for specific information
regarding the connection and use of a rain sensor
or rain switch.
Important: Please note the following information regarding
installation and use of the RainSensor.
• The RainSensor is designed to operate with 24 V ac power
only. Connecting the RainSensor control wiring to 120/240 V ac
power may result in severe equipment damage.
• Installation methods must comply with all applicable national
and local building codes. If you are unsure about proper wiring
practices, have a qualified contractor perform the installation
for you.
• The RainSensor unit should never be submerged in water or
installed inside a rain gutter.
RainSensor Components (Figure 1)
1 -
Test Spindle - Press down to man-
ually test RainSensor operation.
2 -
Rainfall Adjustment Cap - Enables
the RainSensor to be adjusted for
detection of rainfall from 1/8" to 1".
3 -
Universal Mounting Bracket with
Quick-Clip
TM
- Simplifies installation
on rain gutter, side of roof, etc.
Enables the RainSensor to be
mounted on an angled surface
then easily adjusted to the vertical
position.
4 -
25' of outdoor-rated RainSensor
control wire provided.
Installation Instructions
Rainfall Adjustment
Prior to installing the RainSensor, check the
current setting on the Rainfall Adjustment
Cap. The RainSensor can be adjusted to
detect average rainfall amounts of 1/8", 1/4",
1/2", 3/4" or 1" before suspending watering.
To adjust, turn the cap from the current set-
ting and engage the stationary pins with the
desired slot position in the cap. Be sure to
align the slot and pin properly as this adjust-
ment does not require excessive force. See
Figure 2
.
Note:
Avoid using the 1/8" setting in high-humidity conditions.
Changing the RainSensor Configuration
The RainSensor is designed to work
with Normally Closed or Normally
Open sensor circuits. If connecting
the RainSensor to the controller’s
sensor terminals, first verify which
type of sensor circuit is required by
referring to the controller user guide.
The RainSensor is set for Normally
Closed sensor operation. If Normally
Open operation is required; i.e., for
the Toro ECx
TM
and GreenKeeper
®
controllers, configure the RainSensor
as follows:
1.
Refer to
Figure 3
. Remove the
bottom cover by gently pressing
in the lower opposing tabs using
a small flat-blade screwdriver.
Carefully slide the switch board assembly out.
2.
Carefully pull the wire connector from the left tab of the switch
and attach it to the center tab. Leave the right wire connected.
3.
Reassemble the RainSensor making sure the switch board is
properly inserted and the strain-relief knot in the RainSensor
control wire is inside of the housing.
Mounting the RainSensor
Select a mounting site for the RainSensor as close to the controller
as possible. If the 25' RainSensor control wire will not reach the
controller, it can be extended up to 100' using 18 AWG outdoor-
rated wire. The installation site must provide unobstructed rainfall
and sunlight conditions similar to those of the landscape being
watered. Make sure the RainSensor will not be in contact with spray
from the sprinklers or runoff from the roof.
A rain gutter is an ideal location for the RainSensor. Simply position
the bracket with the thumbscrew under the gutter lip and tighten to
secure (do not over-tighten). See
Figure 4
below.
The RainSensor can also be mounted on any suitable solid struc-
ture such as the side of the roof, a shed or fence using the two sup-
plied stainless steel screws. See
Figure 5
below.
Once securely fastened, adjust the RainSensor on the mounting
bracket as needed to align the RainSensor housing vertically.
Routing the RainSensor Control Wire
Route the RainSensor control wire back to the controller. Avoid run-
ning the wire over sharp edges where cutting or abrasion of the
wire insulation may occur. For best results, hide the wire where
possible by it tucking it under shingles and/or moldings. Seal any
holes made by passing the wire through structure walls.
1
2
3
4
Figure 1
Figure 2
1/4
"
1/2
"
1
"
3/4
"
1/8
"
Stainless
Steel
Screws
Figure 5
To Controller
Normally Open
Normally Closed
Figure 3
Rain gutter
(cross section view)
Thumbscrew
Figure 4
To Controller
RainSensor
™
Model 53769
User’s Guide