Orbit 57069N Rain & Freeze Sensor for Sprinkler Controllers

Overview

The Orbit 57069N Rain and Freeze Sensor is designed to automatically pause your sprinkler system when weather conditions threaten optimal watering. Mounted on an eave or open-air spot, a weather-resistant wire runs up to 30 feet to the rain sensor port on your controller, so the sensor can trigger a delay without manual intervention. When rain ceases and the disks dry, watering resumes on the next cycle. A built-in thermistor also helps detect low temperatures, providing an additional safeguard against unnecessary irrigation during cold snaps.

How it works

Two sensing mechanisms work together to keep watering in sync with conditions:

• Rain detection: Water-absorbing disks expand as they become wet, signaling the controller to suspend watering. The delay threshold is adjustable to match your local rainfall amounts (1/8 inch to 1 inch).
• Freeze detection: The thermistor monitors air and water temperature, triggering a pause when conditions threaten freezing.

Installation and wiring are designed for reliability: place the sensor on a roof overhang or other exposed area for accurate readings, then route the conductor to the controller up to 30 feet away. The unit is compatible with 24 VAC controllers from Orbit, Hydro-Rain, and other major brands, making it a versatile addition to many irrigation setups.

What you gain

• Potential water savings by pausing during rainfall and extended delay periods.
• Protection against unnecessary irrigation during wet or cold conditions, reducing waste and stress on pipes.
• Broad compatibility with Orbit and other leading brands, enabling easier integration with existing systems.

Practical tips for setup

Choose a mounting spot with a clear sky view to ensure accurate readings, and use the adjustable rain threshold to tailor delays to your local climate. Plan for a reliable connection from sensor to controller, and test the system after installation so that rain and temperature changes trigger pauses as expected.