The Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller is an extremely popular device that can greatly improve your sprinkler system. So if you want a system that will schedule and water your yard and plants without you having to lift a finger, you may have a few questions about this device. Let’s find out: Can Rachio 3 be hardwired?

Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controllers can be hardwired, in fact, they need to be hardwired to your sprinklers in order to function properly. If you already have a sprinkler system, you do not need to rewire the Rachio 3; simply exchange the old control box for the Rachio 3. 

In this article, we are going to learn how to install the Rachio 3 if you already have a sprinkler system hardwired and what you need to do if you don’t. So keep reading; you are going to understand how Rachio needs to be hardwired in no time. 

Can Rachio 3 Be Hardwired?

One of the reasons why people are so confused as to whether or not the Rachio 3 can and should be hardwired is because controlling the system is not done on the actual controller but through the Rachio app. 

However, you must understand that the device does need to be hardwired to the sprinklers themselves in order to function properly. 

It cannot be hardwired to a physical control center; all scheduling and controlling must be done on a smartphone or through Alexa on a smart home hub after it’s hardwired to your sprinklers. 

How Does the Rachio 3 Work?

We won’t go through all the ins and outs of how the Rachio 3 smart sprinkler control works to schedule the watering of your lawn.

However, we do need to talk about how it actually connects to the sprinklers themselves to understand why it needs to be hardwired. 

The Rachio 3 is controllable via the Rachio app over WiFi, but the device controls the sprinklers themselves through hardwiring, just as any other sprinkler system. 

In other words, in order to properly install the Rachio 3 to connect with the sprinklers around your yard, it needs to be hardwired into the system. 

You will not need to hardwire the Rachio 3 to a control center as the device is only controllable via the Rachio app. 

So, now that you know that the Rachio 3 can and needs to be hardwired to work, let’s talk about how to make it happen! 

How to Install Rachio 3 

It’s important to understand that there are two options for installing a Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller, and which option you will use depends on whether or not you already have a sprinkler system. 

If you do not have a system in place, you will need to hire an electrician to install the Rachio 3 and hardwire it to connect to your sprinklers. 

However, if you do have a sprinkler system, you can simply remove the old controller and rewire the existing system to connect to the Rachio 3, and we can show you how to do that right now! 

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Grab your toolbox with a Phillip’s head screwdriver, hammer, and an electric drill. Navigate to your existing sprinkler controller. Take a photo of how the wires are connected. Tape up the mounting template that came with the Rachio 3 and ensure the wires reach the drill icon. Verify that the holes are level and mark the holes with a pencil. Install the drywall anchors. Remove the magnetic face plate on the Rachio 3.Screw the controller to the wall. Install the wires into the correct spaces after lifting the small covers. Plug the controller into a nearby outlet. Replace the magnetic face plate.

That’s all there is to it! If you need a little more help, you can watch this step-by-step video on how to install the Rachio 3 to an existing system. 

Remember, these instructions will connect your Rachio 3 to the hardwiring already in place in your home; if your system is not already hardwired, you will need a professional for the job. 

Final Thoughts

As promised, you are now an expert when it comes to understanding how hardwiring a Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller works! 

But just to recap: The Rachio 3 needs to be hardwired into your home to connect to the sprinklers it will be controlling. 

However, it cannot be hardwired to a control center as you have to use the Rachio app to adjust all the settings and scheduling. 

Luckily, you now not only know how the Rachio 3 works, but also how to install it yourself if your home is already hardwired for a sprinkler system, and the fact that you need to call a professional to do the hardwiring if it doesn’t.