Rain Bird RSD-BEx rain sensor for 9V and 24V irrigation controllers

Rain sensor for 9V and 24V controllers

The Rain Bird RSD-BEx is a wired rain sensor for automatic irrigation systems and can be used with compatible 9V battery-operated controllers as well as conventional 24V irrigation controllers. Once sufficient natural rainfall has been collected, the sensor prevents subsequent automatic irrigation starts.

This helps reduce unnecessary water consumption and prevents overwatering of lawns, planting beds and other landscaped areas. Once the sensor has dried sufficiently, the normal irrigation schedule is automatically enabled again.

Suitable for battery-operated controllers

A major advantage of the RSD-BEx is its versatility. Rain Bird specifically states that the rain sensor operates with compatible 24V or 9V controllers, allowing it to be used with both mains-powered and battery-operated irrigation systems.

The Rain Bird ESP-BAT-BT, for example, provides a direct connection for the RSD-BEx. Rain sensor shutoff can be configured globally or by individual station. The RSD-BEx itself does not require a battery.

Ideal for ESP-ME3, ESP-TM2 and ESP-BAT-BT

The RSD-BEx can be combined with numerous Rain Bird irrigation controllers. These include mains-powered controllers such as ESP-ME3 and ESP-TM2 as well as compatible battery-operated controllers such as ESP-BAT-BT.

This makes the same rain sensor suitable for different types of irrigation installations and provides a practical solution for automatically suspending irrigation when sufficient natural rainfall is available.

Adjustable rainfall shutoff from 5 to 20 mm

The required rainfall amount can be selected directly on the RSD-BEx. Multiple settings between 5 and 20 mm are available, allowing you to determine how much rainfall is required before subsequent automatic irrigation starts are prevented.

Moisture-sensitive discs inside the sensor absorb water and expand when it rains. This operates the sensor switch. As the discs dry through natural evaporation, the system automatically returns to its normal irrigation schedule.

Adjustable drying time

An adjustable vent ring allows you to influence how quickly the sensor dries after rainfall. Opening the ventilation further allows moisture to evaporate more quickly and enables irrigation sooner.

Reducing ventilation extends the drying period. This allows the sensor response to be adapted to local conditions, soil characteristics and the requirements of the irrigation system.

Wired operation without batteries

The RSD-BEx is a wired sensor and does not require its own battery, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. It is supplied with approximately 7.6 metres of two-conductor UV-resistant extension wire.

With a compatible controller featuring dedicated sensor terminals, the sensor wires connect directly to the appropriate inputs, providing reliable rain shutoff without an additional wireless connection.

Robust outdoor construction

The UV-resistant polymer housing is designed for permanent outdoor use. An aluminium mounting bracket with a latching hinge simplifies installation and helps maintain the selected sensor position.

The sensor should be installed where it can receive natural rainfall without obstruction while remaining outside the direct spray pattern of the irrigation system.

Technical data

• Manufacturer: Rain Bird
• Model: RSD-BEx / RSDBEX
• Product type: Wired rain sensor
• Suitable for compatible 9V battery-operated controllers
• Suitable for 24V irrigation controllers
• Directly compatible with Rain Bird ESP-BAT-BT
• Suitable for Rain Bird ESP-ME3
• Suitable for Rain Bird ESP-TM2
• Function: Automatic rain shutoff
• Adjustable rainfall setting: 5 to 20 mm
• Moisture-sensitive sensing discs
• Adjustable vent ring
• Connection: Two conductor
• Extension wire: approx. 7.6 m
• UV-resistant extension wire
• UV-resistant polymer housing
• Aluminium mounting bracket
• Overall length: approx. 16.5 cm
• Overall height: approx. 13.7 cm
• No sensor battery required
• No Wi-Fi required
• CE certified

Frequently asked questions about the RSD-BEx

Can I use the RSD-BEx with a 9V controller?

Yes. Rain Bird specifically states that the RSD-BEx operates with compatible 24V or 9V irrigation controllers.

Is the RSD-BEx compatible with ESP-BAT-BT?

Yes. The Rain Bird ESP-BAT-BT has a direct rain sensor connection designed to accommodate the RSD-BEx. Rain sensor shutoff can be configured globally or by individual station.

Is the sensor compatible with ESP-ME3-230V?

Yes. The ESP-ME3 supports a wired rain sensor and can be combined with the RSD-BEx.

Does the rain sensor require its own 9V battery?

No. The 9V specification refers to compatible battery-operated irrigation controllers. The wired RSD-BEx itself does not require a separate battery.

What rainfall amount can be selected?

The rain shutoff threshold can be adjusted between 5 and 20 mm of rainfall.

What happens when rainfall is detected?

Once the selected rainfall threshold has been reached, subsequent automatic irrigation starts are prevented. With certain controllers, irrigation already in progress is not immediately interrupted. Normal scheduling resumes automatically after the sensor dries.

Does the RSD-BEx require Wi-Fi or an app?

No. The RSD-BEx is wired directly to the compatible irrigation controller and does not require Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a smartphone app.