Rain Bird RSD-BEX Rain Sensor w/Aluminum Latching Bracket & Extension Wire

These things really work. Don't be "that guy" whose sprinklers are on when it's raining...

If installing on older model Rainbird controller, disconnect the TWO common wires (mine were white) from unit's zone(s) solenoid AND the motor switch and connect BOTH to the RSD. The RSD is nothing more than an ON/OFF switch. The instructions with the device makes it appear that you should only connect the common wire from the zone(s) solenoid. If you did this, what would happen when it rains enough for the RSD to work would be the zone(s) solenoid would shut off but your pump motor would still operate. The motor would probably burn out.

Purchased this for my parents to add to their Rain Bird sprinkler system. Because their unit is placed clear across the backyard, it meant they had to go out into the rain to turn off the auto-sprinkler system. It was super easy to install and has already eliminated cross-yard walks in the rain!

The unit I needed was for an older (pre-WI-FI) Rainbird controller. It’s a normally-closed single pole switch. When it senses a certain amount of rain, the switch opens to interrupt the controller’s output to block the system from operating when scheduled. The amount of rain required to block the controller can be adjusted by the user. I’m not sure how the sensor works but it appears to rely on using the weight of the rain absorbed by the sensing element to compress a spring and thereby open the switch and block the circuit. The switch then remains open until the rain has stopped and the water absorbed by the sensing element has evaporated. As evaporation reduces the weight exerted on the spring, the spring de-compresses and allows the switch to re-close. The theory is sound, but it would take a lot of time and careful observation to prove it works as advertised and continues to do so as the sensor ages. It looks to be pretty susceptible to contamination due to insects, airborne pollen, or anything besides water that could get into it. The sensor I replaced had probably been there for at least 10 years and had probably failed years before. I don’t know, having just bought the house a year and a half ago. For now, I’m taking it on faith that that the sensor works as advertised. I’ll probably revisit that assumption in another year or two. One more thing. The wire that connects the sensor to the control box looks to be about 28 gage. It seems like it could stand to be a little heavier, say 24 gage.

This was very straightforward to install. Connect the two wires to the device on one end and the controller on the other, activate the sensor. It reliably measures rain, and my system delays watering on those days.

This product was exactly what we needed to help monitor our watering needs. The seller had it delivered quickly and wrapped very securely. Definitely recommend Sprinkler Parts Wholesale!

I had to return this as the cord was not long enough to reach outside from where my controller is located. The picture (since corrected) seemed to show it was the wireless version. Don't rely on my three star rating; I had to pick one because of the programming, but I never used the product.

Works as advertised. Only thing I wish it would do is if you are on a automatic setting for the sprinkler to come on, and instead of it just postponing until the sensor dryers out to kick back on, it would cause the sprinkler to skip that watering day cycle and just go to the next scheduled cycle. That would be a lot more efficient in saving water.