Automatic irrigation system controllers are programmed to enter and leave in a given day and at any given time. The controller does not know if it's sunny and dry outside or raining. For this reason every lawn sprinkler system should have a rain sensor.
The rain sensor determines whether there has been enough to skip a watering cycle. There are three basic types of rain sensors. All have the same goal: to keep the system from over-watering the lawnor your garden. How? The electrical connection between the sensor and the sprinkler system controller is interrupted when a certain amount of rain triggers the device. The sensor breaks the electrical connection so that no current can flow both to sprinkler valves, or to start a pump (if your system is on a well without a pressure tank).
One type is the connection by weighing the water in a container for collecting rainfall. The problem with this is that the leaves,Sticks, or the occasional lizard found its way into the collection tank and then shut down the system.
The next type uses electrodes to determine how much water is in the collection container. This type of rain sensor device also has a system problem of collecting things that rainfall in the basin of the reservoir.
The most common type of rain sensor is used by professionals in the expanding disk does not use this type of sensor is a glass collection, but the rainfall causes corkTo extend the drive. This device uses a pressure switch for the electrical connection should be discontinued. These can be adjusted in increments of ¼ "to the desired setting rainfall. This approach is usually to pass the sprinklers after ½" of rain fell.
The most important aspect of installing a rain sensor is where it should be placed. Should be in an area devoid of trees, roof hangs, or anything else, the rain against the blockade of the sensor can be installed. Ifit is a positioning of the sensor cable is generally near the sprinkler controller. The wires must be connected within the panel of the valve controller wiring. This facilitates troubleshooting the electrical system, as the sensor can be easily separated.
In recent years, the FM wireless rain sensors have become very popular. Although they are more expensive than the wired devices, balanced, easy installation and increased placement opportunities cost. Most wireless devices haveBypass switch built into the device. Some digital controllers also offer by-pass options for both wired and wireless rain sensors.
Regardless of the type of rain sensor you choose, all rain sensors offer many advantages over not adding this detector for automatic irrigation system. Some of the immediate and long term benefits include:
or save money. Whether you pay for city water or spend electricity running the pump, the money you save over time pay more thanfor the rain sensor.
advanced life or sprinklers. Irrigation systems consist of moving parts. If parts of the system are less frequently used (in the rainy season), they last longer.
o Protection of water resources. Run-off, limiting the use of the irrigation system, rain sensors reduce excess water that carries fertilizers and pest control chemicals in our water supply policy.
or conserve water. Less water is wasted when less water is needed morefor your lawn and your garden.
How much money can you save with a rain sensor device?
It is based on your water source (city, re-claim or good) and where you live (water costs, electrical rate, climate) may vary. Here's an example showing the benefits listed above:
Seminole County, Florida.
System description:
Developed or water, one quarter acre of grass and can be programmed to apply ½ "of water each time the system is running.
o This program6788 liters per irrigation cycle would be the same.
o The system (on City Water) pays $ 2.30 per thousand gallons.
o Each time the rain sensor interrupts a watering cycle, you could save $ 15.61
According to a recent study in Florida, on average, the use of a rain sensor device in water savings of 45% for single family residential water consumption.
The next time you see a sprinkler running in the rain, you now know, should not be so. Rain sensors are availableSolutions for the protection of our waters, protect our water resources and save money.
