| General Information
In most installations, the Rain-Clik acts as a switch to break the circuit to the solenoid valves of the irrigation system when it has rained. This allows the timer to advance as scheduled, but keeps the valves from opening the water flow. Once the Rain-Clik has dried sufficiently, the switch closes again to allow for normal operation.
| Mounting
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Standard Mount:
Using the screws provided, mount the Rain-Clik on any surface where it will be exposed to unobstructed rainfall, but not in the path of sprinkler spray. The switch-housing portion must be upright (as pictured), but the swivel-bracket can be moved for mounting on any angled surface. Loosen the locknut and screw before swiveling bracket, and then re-tighten.
Conduit Mount:
The conduit acts as the mounting support for the unit. Therefore, place and mount the conduit to allow for the desired sensor location as described in the main instructions for the standard model. Be sure to support the conduit sufficiently along its various lengths.
Gutter Mount:
Clip the enclosed gutter mounting bracket over the inside lip of the gutter. Attach the Rain-Clik to the gutter mounting bracket with the screws provided.
Helpful Hints for Mounting:
- When looking for a suitable location such as on the side of a building or post, the closer the Rain-Clik is to the controller, the shorter the wire run will be. This will also minimize the chance for wire breaks.
- The ideal location for mounting is not always the most practical location. In the case where a compromise must exist (such as low location on a side wall rather than the preferred high location), note that the Rain-Clik will still work as it will always receive some rainfall – it just will not be as accurate in its gauging as it could be.
- As described in the “Operation” section of this manual, “reset rate” refers to the amount of time it takes the Rain-Clik to dry out sufficiently for the sprinkler system to be allowed to come back on. The mounting location will affect this rate and should be taken into consideration should extreme conditions exist. For example, mounting the Rain-Clik on a very sunny, southern end of a building may cause the Rain-Clik to dry out sooner than desired. Similarly, mounting on the northern end of a building with constant shade may keep the Rain-Clik from drying soon enough.
Once the Rain-Clik is mounted, run the wire to the controller, and fasten it every few feet with wire clips or stapled for best results. If an extension to the wire provided is needed, use the following table to determine the minimum wire gauge needed:
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If the extension needed is:
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25-50 ft. |
50-100 ft. |
100 ft. or more |
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use:
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20 AWG |
18 AWG |
16 AWG |
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| Wiring to your Irrigation System
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| Important: The Rain-Clik is sold and designed for hook up to 24 Volt irrigation controllers only.
The two most common situations are shown below.
- 24 Volt Solenoid Valves Only (No booster pump) (See Figure 1)
With the two wires from the Rain-Clik at the controller, locate the “common ground” wire of the solenoid valves. If it is connected to the common terminal on the controller, disconnect it. Attach one wire of the Rain-Clik to the “common” terminal (usually marked “C”) on the controller. Attach the other wire of the Rain-Clik to the common wire leading to the valves. Note: The common wire to the valves does not have to be interrupted at the control-ler. The Rain-Clik may be wired anywhere along the common wire line.
- 24 Volt Solenoid Valves with Booster Pump (See Figure 2)
Locate the common wire to the solenoid valves and the common wire leading to the coil of the relay that starts the pump. If these two wires are connected to the “common” terminal on the controller, discon-nect both of them. Twist together these two wires along with one wire from the Rain-Clik, and secure with a wire nut. Attach the other wire of the Rain-Clik to the “common” terminal on the controller. Note: The pump circuit output must be 24 Volts in this situation. Do not proceed if 110V.
- Controllers with Sensor Inputs
Route the wires from the rain sensor up through the same conduit opening used for valve wiring. Connect one wire to the terminal labeled “SEN” and the other wire to the other “SEN” terminal.
- Controllers Requiring a Normally Open Switch
The Rain-Clik 503-NO “normally-open” switch must be used. Attach two wires of the Rain-Clik to sensor inputs terminals on the controller.
Operation Check to Verify Correct Wiring (See Figure 3)
Turn on one zone of the irrigation system that is visible while you are in reach of the Rain-Clik. Manually depress the spindle at the top of the Rain-Clik until you hear the switch “click” off. The sprinkler zone should stop instantaneously. If it does not, check wiring for correctness. It is not necessary to “wet” test the Rain-Clik, although it will test the operation fine, if desired.
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Adjustments and Operation
 The Rain-Clik can keep the irrigation system from starting or continuing after rainfall.
The time that it takes the Rain-Clik to reset for normal sprinkler operation after the rain has stopped is determined by weather conditions (wind, sunlight, humidity, etc.). These conditions will determine how fast the hydroscopic discs dry out, and since the turf is also experiencing the same conditions, their respective drying rates will roughly parallel each other. So when the turf needs more water, the Rain-Clik is already reset to allow the sprinkler system to go at the next scheduled cycle.
There is an adjustment capability on the Rain-Clik that will slow down the reset rate. By turning the “vent ring” (see Figure 4) to completely or partially cover the ventilation slots, the hydroscopic discs will dry more slowly. This adjustment can compensate for an “overly sunny” installation location, or peculiar soil conditions. Experience will best determine the ideal vent setting.
Bypassing the Sensor
Should you desire to bypass the operation of the Rain-Clik for any reason (i.e., turn on your system even though the Rain-Clik has shut “off” due to rainfall), there is a simple way to do this – add our Bypass Switch Box. This mounts on or next to the controller, and by simply moving the switch, the Rain-Clik is bypassed.
Note: Using the “manual” switch on most irrigation controllers typically will not bypass the sensor.
Maintenance
There is no required maintenance for the unit. The Rain-Clik does not have to be removed or covered for “winterizing” purposes.
Troubleshooting
Follow these simple checks first before assuming the unit is bad and replacing it.
System will not come on at all:
- First, check to see that the Rain-Clik discs are dry and the switch “clicks” on and off freely by pressing the top of the spindle.
- Next, look for breaks in the wire leading to the Rain-Clik and check all wire junctions.
- Finally, if the Rain-Clik is dry and the wire leading to it is good, check the Rain-Clik switch by nicking the insulation of the two “outer” wires near the unit to expose copper. Turn one sprinkler zone on, and apply a “jumper wire” across the two exposed wires. If the sprinkler now comes on, the switch is bad. Wrap all nicked wires with electrical tape.
System will not shut off even after heavy rainfall:
- Check wiring for correctness (see “Operation Check to Verify Correct Wiring”).
- Check sensitivity setting on Rain-Clik – move cap to more sensitive setting. The Rain-Clik is an accurate rain gauge and can be verified by setting up a “tube” type rain gauge in the same vicinity and making periodic readings.
- Is the rainfall actually hitting the Rain-Clik? Check for obstructions to rainfall such as overhangs, trees or walls.
All Rain-Clik™ models are listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL). Samples of these devices have been evaluated by UL and meet the applicable UL standards for safety. |
