Converting Intermatic to Rachio 3

post by Golfngator on Apr 19, 2019

Hi everyone,

I’ve been debating on whether to upgrade my old Intermatic timer to the Rachio 3, and finally decided to pull the trigger. I didn’t do much other research on my system before buying the Rachio 3, and now it looks like I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.

After opening up the timer box, installation of the Rachio 3 doesn’t look as simple as I thought it would be. I live in south Florida, so I have a pump (well water) and index valve. One little problem as well, I don’t have an outlet anywhere nearby!!

Can anyone help me out with what to do? Trying not to get electrocuted, but also would LOVE to get my new Rachio set up asap!

post by DLane on Apr 19, 2019

@Golfngator - did you buy the external enclosure for the Rachio from Rachio? If so there is a plug internal to the enclosure that one hard wires to the electric source. Is the pump wired for 120 VAC or 220 VAC as that will make a difference on the wiring? With all the wires heading back to the disconnect box being red (both carrying current), I’m guessing 220 VAC. If that is the case, you’ll need to find a neutral wire to connect the Rachio enclosure plug to - hopefully there would be one in the disconnect box. Do you have access to a volt meter?

I think you will also need a pump start relay box to start the pump.

Another option is to mount the Rachio inside near an outlet and run the low voltage (24VAC) pump start wire and common wire out to the pump start relay.

Eventually, you should consider putting in a manifold in place of the index valve to get all the benefit out of the Rachio. There are several posts that show the process and it is not that difficult (compared to the electrical part).

post by hurricanewill5 on Jul 10, 2020

Were ever able to get this to work? I live in south Florida and have a similar set-up with the same Intermatic timer but it is 240v?

post by DLane on Jul 10, 2020

@hurricanewill5 - @Gene is helping someone right now do this. See ->

Intermatic Mechanical Timer Replace

TLDR - yes it will work. Best to also replace indexing valve with individual valves to get the most out of the Rachio.

post by iamdago on Jul 10, 2020

yessssir, about to test piping tonight for leaks and tomorrow do the wiring.

where in south fl are you?

post by Gene on Jul 10, 2020

How will you find a leak with all of this rain we’ve had today? Just kidding. Good luck, rooting for you!

post by iamdago on Jul 10, 2020

It leaks where it’s screwed. So tape didn’t work. So now what are my options? Cut the pipes, torque the screws off and install more pipe?

Intermatic Mechanical Timer Replace

post by Gene on Jul 10, 2020

I’ve replied in the original thread.