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 | Automatically Shut Off Sprinklers
When It Rains |
Since weather forecasting is never 100-percent accurate, it's not unusual to see your neighbor's sprinklers on during a rainstorm. But with a few affordable products, your sprinkler system can automatically sense rain and override the timed schedule.
| | | Basic Method | |
 If you have a basic sprinkler system on a timer and you simply want a way to override the schedule when it's raining out, you can simply add a Rain Sensor (Normally Closed) to your system, which you can do in less than half an hour. This low-voltage sensor connects between the controller and the solenoid valves that control the water (click here for a diagram). Just make sure you mount the actual sensor in an area where it's exposed to rainfall but won't get wet from the sprinklers.
Another option is to install the Mini-Click Rain Sensor, a simple rain sensor that works with any 24-volt automatic sprinkler control system with normally closed contacts. The Mini-Click shuts sprinklers off the moment it detects rain and keeps them off for the amount of time needed to compensate for the amount of rainfall that occurred. And thanks to its unique Quick Response™ feature, the Mini-Click is the only rain sensor available that can command controllers to shut off the moment it starts to rain, not after it accumulates 1/4" or 1/2" of rain.
How do these systems work? These sensors contain hygroscopic disks, which absorb water when it rains and simulate the drying of turf. When the disks get wet, the sensors open, activating a switch that signals the controller. On the Rain Sensor, rainfall sensitivity is adjustable from one-eighth inch to 1 inch, so you can adjust it to ignore light showers and only interrupt the system for heavy rain.
When the hygroscopic disks dry out, the low-voltage contacts close again, so the next time your sprinkler timer tries to turn on the valves, your system will operate as normal. The reset rate (the speed at which the sensor "dries out") is also adjustable on both of these products to optimize the system for the climate in your region.
| | Installing New Programmable Sprinkler Systems and Sensors
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If you're just getting started setting up a programmable sprinkler system in your garden, select one that's designed to work with a rain sensor for easy installation and programming.
Whether you use a lawn sprinkler to water your grass or a line system to water plants, you can automate your watering by adding a programmable timer to your system. The Automatic 1-Line 2-Cycle Water Timer is a one-line water timer that provides up to two irrigations a day, so you'll be able to schedule watering to suit your garden's needs best. Featuring just three buttons for easy programming, the large display clearly denotes all information by means of easy-to-understand symbols and numbers. A 2-Line 3-Cycle programmable timer is also available for two separate lines for watering plants and your lawn on different schedules.
Both of these systems can connect to the Rain Sensor for Auto Water Timer, which will turn the sprinklers off automatically in the event of an unexpected rain shower. This sensor will also connect to the Auto1-Line 15 Pre-Set Cycle Water Timer, a simple controller that has a turning knob for easy timed watering.
Run a fully automatic, semi-automatic or a manual watering program with an easy-to-program controller that even comes with a remote. The 6-Station Sprinkler Timer With Remote combines the simplicity of mechanical switches with the accuracy of digital electronics, using push-button keys and a rotary dial for setup. This system will water six different areas of your yard; a 12-Station Sprinkler Timer With Remote is also available for larger or more complex gardens. It works with a Rain Sensor to interrupt the watering cycle automatically during rainfall, with an adjustable shutoff level.
| | | Want to Turn off Sprinklers on Windy Days? | |
 Another problem with automated sprinkler schedules is the effect of windy days, where the water ends up going everywhere. For that situation, simply substitute the Wind Sensor for the Rain Sensor.
Smarthome has a variety of lawn irrigation products. Choose the ones most appropriate for your needs.
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