How can I use a wired rain sensor without automations on my KRX8/12 controller?

The KRX8 and KRX12 irrigation controllers are a new generation of controller which uses setting within the app, in combination with automations, to make best use of sensors.

You can still set up the controller to work with a wired rain sensor, without using those settings, if you prefer to have a more simple approach to wired rain sensor use.

In the below example, we’re working outside of the controllers in app settings and using the ‘loop’ method for a wired rain sensor:

Your wired rain sensor will cut the common for all stations when it gets wet, and then restore the common when it dried out.

Zones can be ‘opted out’ by using a separate common terminal for the zones you do not want under rain sensor control.

1: A rain sensor is normally closed (the common is cut by the discs getting wet and expanding) – so the sensor switch position is N/C

2: The bridge is removed from the controller – this little metal ‘U’ piece lets the controller know it’s under wired sensor control

3: The rain sensor wires are split – one wire goes to ‘C’ on your controller, with the other going to the common wire of the solenoid coil

The blue arrows indicate the rain sensor wire from the C on the terminal to the valve, the rain sensor wire is replacing the common wire to the controller in this case

4: The rain sensor is now mounted on a nearby gutter