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A rain sensor is an irrigation shutoff device that prevents an automatic irrigation or sprinkler system from turning on during and after a rain storm. Rain sensors are available in several designs, and are usually wired to an irrigation system controller. These devices override a scheduled irrigation when a water collection cup or sensor on the shutoff device detects water.

When the collected rainwater has evaporated from the device, scheduled irrigations resume. Rain sensors are simple, economical and useful tools for preventing irrigation that would be wasteful. Two common types of rain sensors are pictured below.

1. What is a rain sensor?
   
2. What is the ideal installation location for a rain sensor?
   
3. Is a rain sensor required?
   
4. Do I need a permit to install the rain sensor?
   
5. Will a rain sensor affect the schedule of my automatic timer?
   
6. Who can install rain sensors?
   
7. Where can I purchase a rain sensor for my sprinkler system?
   
8. What are the advantages of having a rain sensor?
   
9. How long will the system stay off after it rains?
   
10. Which setting do I use?
    
11. After it rains, sprinklers stay off too long. What is wrong?
    
12. Can I use 1 rain shut-off device for two controllers?
    
13. How long do the disks last?
    
14. Will I lose my controller settings if the rain sensor shuts my system off due to rain?
    

Courtesy of Dr. Dorota Hamon, Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida