Rain Bird pop-up rotor sprinkler 3504-PC-SAM (4.6 - 10.7m) part and full circle

Rain Bird 3504-PC-SAM rotor with check valve

The Rain Bird 3504-PC-SAM is a compact gear-driven pop-up rotor for automatic irrigation of small to medium-sized lawns. Its 4.6 to 10.7 m radius and adjustable 40° to 360° watering arc allow the same sprinkler to be used for both part-circle and full-circle irrigation.

The key feature of this version is the integrated SAM Seal-A-Matic check valve. It holds back up to approximately 2.1 m of elevation difference, helping prevent water remaining in the irrigation pipe from draining through lower sprinklers after the system shuts down. This makes the 3504-PC-SAM particularly suitable for sloping lawns and irrigation zones with different elevations.

Rain Curtain nozzle technology

Rain Curtain nozzles distribute water across the complete watering radius using larger, wind-resistant droplets combined with effective close-in watering. This helps provide uniform irrigation from the area immediately around the sprinkler to the outer edge of its coverage.

A set of six Rain Curtain nozzles is included with the sprinkler. Different nozzles allow the flow and watering performance to be matched to the irrigation layout. Depending on nozzle and pressure, the specified flow range is approximately 2.0 to 17.4 l/min.

Installation and adjustment

The 3504-PC-SAM has a 1/2-inch female threaded bottom inlet for connection to an underground irrigation system. A flexible swing pipe or suitable swing joint makes it easier to position the sprinkler accurately and set the correct installation height.

The body is approximately 16.8 cm high and the riser extends approximately 10.2 cm during operation. The top of the retracted sprinkler should be installed approximately level with the finished lawn surface.

Part-circle and full-circle operation

The watering arc can be adjusted from 40° to 360° from the top using a small flat-blade screwdriver. This allows the rotor to be used in lawn corners, along boundaries or as a complete 360° sprinkler within an open lawn area. The arc is factory preset to 180°.

SAM Seal-A-Matic technology

On sloping irrigation zones, water remaining in the pipe can move towards the lowest sprinkler after the valve closes. The integrated SAM check valve helps prevent this low-head drainage by holding back up to approximately 2.1 m of elevation difference. This reduces puddling, water loss and erosion around lower sprinkler positions.

3504-PC or 3504-PC-SAM?

Both models provide the same basic radius, 10.2 cm pop-up height and adjustable 40° to 360° watering arc. The important difference is the check valve. The standard 3504-PC does not include a SAM valve, while the 3504-PC-SAM is designed specifically to prevent low-head drainage.

Technical data

• Manufacturer: Rain Bird
• Series: 3500
• Model: 3504-PC-SAM
• Type: gear-driven pop-up rotor
• Radius: 4.6 to 10.7 m
• Watering arc: 40° to 360°
• Operating pressure: 1.7 to 3.8 bar
• Flow: 2.0 to 17.4 l/min
• Flow: 0.12 to 1.04 m³/h
• Precipitation rate: approximately 9 to 21 mm/h
• Pop-up height: 10.2 cm
• Overall body height: approximately 16.8 cm
• Bottom inlet: 1/2-inch female thread
• Nozzles included: 6 Rain Curtain nozzles
• Check valve: SAM Seal-A-Matic
• SAM elevation hold: up to approximately 2.1 m

Accessories and frequently asked questions

Are the Rain Curtain nozzles included?

Yes. Six Rain Curtain nozzles for different flow rates and watering requirements are supplied with the sprinkler, allowing you to adapt the 3504-PC-SAM to your irrigation layout.

When should I choose the SAM version?

The SAM version is particularly useful on sloping lawns or irrigation zones where sprinklers are installed at different elevations. The integrated check valve helps prevent drainage through the lowest sprinkler after irrigation stops.

What accessories are required for installation?

The sprinkler requires a suitable 1/2-inch connection to the irrigation pipe. A flexible swing pipe with appropriate fittings or a swing joint is useful for positioning the sprinkler at the correct height. These installation components are selected separately to suit the irrigation system.

Can the 3504-PC-SAM water a complete 360° circle?

Yes. The arc can be adjusted from 40° to 360°, allowing the same rotor to operate as either a part-circle or full-circle sprinkler.

Is the 3504-PC-SAM suitable for automatic irrigation?

Yes. It is designed for permanent underground irrigation systems and can be combined with electric valves and an irrigation controller for fully automatic lawn watering.