What Is an Irrigation Rain Sensor and How They Work

Irrigation sensors are among the most useful key tools for modern gardening and agricultural water management. They help optimize water usage and ensure that plants receive the exact amount of water they need. These sensors can provide real-time environmental conditions and ensure that plants are watered only when they need it.

The controller plus a rain sensor completes your irrigation system. Rain sensors, also known as rain shutoff devices, can benefit irrigation systems in many ways. This guide is all about irrigation rain sensors and their benefits.

What Is an Irrigation Rain Sensor?

Irrigation rain sensors, as the name suggests, detect the rainfall in the environment and stop watering in the irrigation system. These sensors help save water and are especially beneficial during the rainfall season. Irrigation rain sensors ensure that the system does not operate unnecessarily. You can easily integrate these sensors into your irrigation system and enhance the watering efficiency in rainfall seasons.

How Does an Irrigation Rain Sensor Work?

The irrigation rain sensor's working concept is based on detecting the presence and amount of rainfall. There are two main types of rain sensors.

Expansion disk rain sensors

These sensors contain disks made of hygroscopic material, which swells when exposed to water. As the material expands, it triggers a switch that interrupts the irrigation system's operation, stopping it from watering your garden.

Electronic rain sensors

Also called capacitance rain sensors, these devices use electronic probes to measure precipitation. When the sensing pole absorbs water, it alters the electrical capacitance, activating the relay switch to halt your irrigation controller.

Both types of sensors effectively reduce water usage and promote responsible irrigation practices.

Types of Rain Sensors

1. Mini Clik Rain Sensor

These sensors are very famous for their reliability. Mini-clik sensors are a popular choice for gardeners. The reliable and cost-effective Mini-Clik rain sensor is equipped with state-of-the-art moisture detection technology to automatically shut off irrigation when it detects a preset precipitation level has fallen. Once the storm passes, the Mini-Clik allows the controller to resume normal irrigation.

2. Wireless Rain Sensors

These sensors offer ease of wireless installation and wireless communication to irrigation control from a distance. Wireless sensors save the system installation time and cost of wiring. The Rain Bird Wireless Rain/Freeze Sensor is designed to help you conserve water and will turn off your irrigation when it rains. These advanced sensors have two different capabilities: detecting rainfall and measuring temperature. They prevent irrigation during freezing conditions to offer extended safety to the irrigation system.

Irrigation Sensors

These brands offer various preferences and needs of the market. Here are two top brands of rain sensors.

Hunter

Hunter is famous for its durability and reliability. You can easily integrate their sensors with various irrigation systems. Their sensors offer seamless integration with different irrigation controllers and provide efficient water management. The market prefers Hunter for its precision and ease of installation. Hunter offers the following range of sensors.

Mini Clik Rain Sensor: This sensor stops scheduled irrigation when it detects a preset level of rain has fallen to stop water waste.

Rain Clik: This sensor prevents waste, built in Quick Response technology instantly shuts down irrigation as soon as it detects moisture.

Rain Bird

Rainbird is also an industry leader, offering various rain sensors. These sensors cater to different needs, from wireless functionality to freezing point detection. Rain Bird is famous for its innovative approach and supportive performance. They are well-known for versatility, wireless options, and energy efficiency. Rain Bird comes with many sensors, such as:

Rain Bird RSD Series: Effective and reliable rain sensor that stops over-watering during rain.

WR2 Wireless Rain/Freeze Sensor: A wireless sensor that detects rain and freeze conditions and protects plant and irrigation systems.

Toro

Toro is famous for its innovative solution and offers sensors that provide higher water efficiency.

Toro Wired RainSensor: a trusted wired sensor capable of shutting the system during rain.

Toro Wireless RainSensor: Toro offers wireless rain sensors with the same functions as wired rain sensors.

Integration and Installation of Irrigation Rain Sensor

Installation of the rain sensor is straightforward and brings precision and perfection to your irrigation system. Most modern irrigation controllers have dedicated ports for sensor connection and easy installation and integration. Here are further details of the installation and integration of sensors.

1. Mount the Sensor

You need to find an open area where sensors can easily detect the amount of rainfall. It should be installed in an area that is unobstructed by trees, roof over hangs, or anything else that might block rain from getting to the sensor. Placement is generally near the sprinkler controller if it is a wired sensor.

2. Connect the Controller

Wire the sensor to the irrigation control according to the manufacturer's instructions. Connect the sensor wires to the designated sensor terminal on the controllers. These sensors usually come with easy-to-read instructions and clear diagrams.

3. Configure the Sensors

Also, make sure that you have configured the sensors to open or close normally as per your required preferences. This configuration will determine the sensor's interaction plan with the controller circuit. If you are unsure of how to program and install a rain sensor consult with a local landscaper.

Benefits of Using Irrigation Rain Sensors

1. Water Conversion

The first and utmost benefit of using irrigation sensors is water conservation. These sensors will avoid unnecessary watering of plants during rainfall.

2. Plant Health

Overwatering is a serious threat to plants' health and can cause disease or death. Irrigation rainfall sensors prevent overwatering and keep plants healthy.

3. Cost Saving

It allows you to conserve water, which results in lower water bills.

4. Improved Efficiency

Modern sensors can integrate with smart home systems and offer precise and automated water management, as required by certain landscapes.

Conclusion

Using irrigation sensors offers numerous benefits, such as water cost savings, plant health, and water waste prevention.

At DripWorks, you can explore a diverse range of brands like Hunter, Rain Bird, and Toro. This variety ensures that you can find the perfect sensor that fits your needs, offering smart and eco-friendly watering solutions.