2 Master Valve and up to 2 zone Operation wiring for Less than $20 Tested no more Master valve zone Fault

[msbelectricalengr]

Finally figured out annoying zone Fault error for master valve operation when multiple master valve connected to the M terminal along with the regular zones Operation for about less than $20 wiring work, Really simple wiring and thanks to amazon for selling such simple devices to help rescue in this matter.

It’s shame that rachio engineers didn’t design enough power for each channel especially when there is M terminal available for use. Customer should not need to buy anything else to make it work all together. At least they should have allowed up to 5 Amps of power usage for simultaneous multiple zones operations and multiple master valve operation. Which is very common these days.

Anyways. I highly recommend, using individual master valves for front and back if you have multiple pipes feeding irrigation at your home, to save on leaks, and protect your irrigation and extend valve life using these available master valve terminals on Rachio 3. It is very simple, to wire up. I got all links for the product and wiring diagram shown below that has been tested and work prefectly. This is all you need.

I have got 2 Master valves (1 for front yard, 1 for back yard), hooked up to external power source of 24VAC plugin type, using this simple DIN mount $10 24vac contactor, Amazon.com

And this power supply, 24VAC, wired externally to power up these master valve Amazon.com it works flawlessly,

I am using these master valves Amazon.com which shows 5W power consumption which is great for the application, however always have higher rated power supply purchased, to be safe to handle inrush (higher current for start up) current of valves when they open initially.

I was able to simplify the circuit and use these externally powered master valve with any zones without any zone fault error or compatibility issues with Rachio 3. The product I shared above have been tested by myself, and I guarantee it works as long as you wire them correctly. if you have any questions then please let me know. If you use my link to purchase, it would tremendously help me provide support for your need, feel free to text me here if you have any questions. Hopefully, these photos with wiring diagram helps you out. If not just shoot me question here.

The wiring for external pump would be very similar, but I can help you with that if you have unique situations for your case. Just ping me here and be happy to prepare your circuit diagram.

[ADPfarming]

Hello

I bought the items you listed and am attempting to wire it up. The contractors they sent have a slightly different number BCT-20/11. Im attempting to just use the Rachio to turn on the contractor and send power to my zone valves that have more than one valve on the zones. Do you have some pictures that show exactly what you connected to in the same picture? Your help is greatly appreciated.

[msbelectricalengr]

sure, the Part number is fine as long as you have at least 1 pair of NO (Normally Open) terminal. Which you do in your part number. (Terminal 1 and 2),

Take a look below and let me know if that if you have any questions.

As long as 24VAC Adapter is sufficient enough to power your zone valves, it should just work.

Keep me posted if you run into issues interpreting my wiring below.

[msbelectricalengr]

To add more details,

you can run as many valve as you wish using external 24VAC power supply, AS LONG AS, the power supply is large enough (VA ratings) to satisfy all motorized valves that are connected to the Terminal 1 and 2 (basically, all of your zone valves, etc.), AND the cables going to each are sized enough to not to cause significant voltage Drop (this is due to all motors kicks in all the same time as soon as C/M contacts gets energized by the Rachio 3 Controller).
Always remember, Motors have inrush current (which is typically 2-5 times of their current ratings) which last only few milli seconds. However they can be a problem if 24VAC adapter you have not sized properly. I always try to recommend higher power 24VAC power source to handle larger loads, such as multiple zone/master valves, etc.)
hope that helps.

[ADPfarming]

Thanks for your timely response. I have another question. Can the transformer share the same common wire with the Rachio?

[msbelectricalengr]

I think it’s best to keep them separate!

I would keep them individual common.

[ADPfarming]

I have one common wire to all my valves. Some are over 1000’ from the controller so I have no way to separate the wires back to the contractor. I just tried it on an old iiritrol controller and it seems to work.

[msbelectricalengr]

Cool. Thanks for letting me know.

Let me know how it goes.

Did it all work for you?

No errors on Rachio 3? Right?

[ADPfarming]

Yes I got the contactors all working however the common ground issue interfered with the operation of the system. I saw there were isolators you could install but I was not sure that would solve the problem. I’m going to try a more industrial Wi-Fi Hunter controller using the Rachio cell router.

[msbelectricalengr]

Okay. I see.

That is why I suggested sperate common especially when multiple equipment introduced in an overall system. It may get complicated.

If you just separate out common for 24vac terminal, it may work. But again, I don’t know your entire system, and given you have long runs or cables, it may be tricky to resolve.

Good luck. I am glad atleast solution I put out worked as intended for you.