Rain Bird XFS dripline 2.3 l/h - 33 cm emitter spacing - 100 m - subsurface

Subsurface irrigation with Rain Bird XFS

Rain Bird XFS is a flexible, pressure-compensating dripline specifically designed for subsurface irrigation. It is suitable for lawns, planting beds, hedges, shrubs, ground cover and other landscaped areas where the irrigation system should remain permanently hidden below the surface.

This version combines a 2.3 l/h emitter flow rate with 33 cm emitter spacing and a 100 m coil. Water is delivered directly into the soil close to the plant root zone, reducing the need to irrigate the entire surface.

Copper Shield protection against root intrusion

A key feature of Rain Bird XFS is Copper Shield technology. It protects the integrated emitters against root intrusion, allowing the dripline to be permanently installed below the soil surface.

No additional chemicals need to be routinely added to provide root protection. This distinguishes XFS from Rain Bird XFD, which is primarily intended for on-surface installation, and makes XFS particularly suitable for permanent subsurface irrigation systems.

Pressure-compensating 2.3 l/h emitters

The integrated emitters are pressure compensating and help maintain consistent water delivery along the dripline. This is particularly beneficial for longer lateral runs and installations with moderate elevation changes within an irrigation zone.

Each emitter delivers 2.3 litres of water per hour. With emitters positioned every 33 cm, there are approximately three emitters per metre, resulting in a calculated water delivery of approximately 6.9 l/h per metre of dripline.

33 cm spacing for uniform soil moisture

The 33 cm emitter spacing provides closely positioned watering points below the soil surface. Moisture can spread between individual emitters to create a relatively continuous irrigated zone along the dripline.

Actual water movement depends strongly on soil type. Water tends to spread further sideways in heavier and loamy soils, while it moves more quickly downward through sandy soils. Spacing between parallel dripline runs should therefore be adapted to the soil type, plants and irrigation requirements.

Suitable for subsurface lawn irrigation

Rain Bird XFS can also be used for subsurface irrigation of lawn areas. Water is delivered directly below the surface, eliminating visible drip tubing or above-ground irrigation lines.

This type of irrigation is particularly useful for narrow, irregular or difficult-to-irrigate lawn areas. It can also reduce unwanted watering of paths, walls and neighbouring areas outside the intended irrigation zone.

Flexible dripline for permanent installation

XFS dripline has an outside diameter of approximately 16 mm, an inside diameter of 13.6 mm and a wall thickness of 1.2 mm. Its flexible construction makes installation easier in curved and irregularly shaped landscaped areas.

The dual-layer tubing construction provides resistance to UV exposure, chemicals and algae growth. The integrated emitters also feature a wide flow path and self-flushing design to improve resistance to small particles and potential clogging.

Operating pressure and filtration

Rain Bird specifies an operating pressure range of 0.58 to 4.14 bar for XFS dripline. Suitable filtration is required for reliable long-term operation. Rain Bird specifies 120 mesh filtration, equivalent to approximately 125 microns.

Maximum water temperature is approximately 38 °C and maximum ambient temperature is approximately 52 °C. Rain Bird XF Dripline insert fittings should be used for subsurface XFS installations.

Choosing between 2.3 l/h and 1.6 l/h

The 2.3 l/h version delivers more water than the 1.6 l/h XFS version when the emitter spacing is identical. At 33 cm spacing, this version delivers approximately 6.9 l/h per metre, compared with around 4.8 l/h per metre for the 1.6 l/h version.

The higher emitter flow can be useful when more water needs to be applied within a shorter irrigation period. However, it also increases the total flow requirement of the irrigation zone. Available water flow, lateral length, soil type and irrigated area should therefore be considered when designing the system.

Technical data and dimensions

• Manufacturer: Rain Bird
• Series: XF / XFS
• Model: XFS2333100
• Rain Bird part number: X48311
• Product type: Pressure-compensating dripline
• Installation: Subsurface
• Technology: Copper Shield
• Coil length: 100 m
• Emitter flow: 2.3 l/h per emitter
• Emitter spacing: 33 cm
• Emitters per metre: approx. 3
• Water delivery per metre: approx. 6.9 l/h
• Outside diameter: approx. 16 mm
• Inside diameter: 13.6 mm
• Wall thickness: 1.2 mm
• Operating pressure: 0.58 to 4.14 bar
• Required filtration: 120 mesh / approx. 125 microns
• Maximum water temperature: approx. 38 °C
• Maximum ambient temperature: approx. 52 °C
• Colour: Copper brown
• Integrated pressure-compensating emitters
• Self-flushing emitter design
• Copper Shield protection against root intrusion
• Compatible fittings: Rain Bird XF insert fittings
• Suitable for lawns, beds, hedges, shrubs and ground cover

Frequently asked questions about Rain Bird XFS

What is the difference between XFS and XFD?

Rain Bird XFS is specifically designed for subsurface installation and features Copper Shield technology to protect the emitters against root intrusion. XFD is primarily intended for on-surface drip irrigation.

How much water does this XFS dripline deliver?

Each emitter delivers 2.3 l/h. With emitters positioned every 33 cm, there are approximately three emitters per metre, resulting in a calculated water delivery of approximately 6.9 l/h per metre.

What does Copper Shield technology do?

Copper Shield protects the integrated emitters against root intrusion, allowing XFS to be permanently installed below the soil surface without the routine addition of chemicals for root protection.

Can XFS be installed below a lawn?

Yes. XFS is designed for subsurface irrigation of lawns as well as planting beds, shrubs, ground cover and other landscaped areas.

Is the 2.3 l/h version better than the 1.6 l/h version?

Not necessarily. The 2.3 l/h version delivers more water in the same period but also requires a higher total system flow. The best choice depends on soil type, irrigated area, lateral length, available water flow and the desired irrigation duration.

Which fittings are compatible with XFS?

Rain Bird XF insert fittings are designed for the XF dripline system. Rain Bird identifies the compatible fittings as 17 mm XF fittings even though the dripline itself has an outside diameter of approximately 16 mm.

Does XFS require filtration?

Yes. Rain Bird specifies 120 mesh filtration, equivalent to approximately 125 microns. Suitable filtration helps protect the integrated emitters and supports reliable long-term operation.