Orbit B-hyve Smart Controller Wiring

Why Go Smart?

The Orbit B-hyve Smart Sprinkler Controller lets you control your irrigation system from anywhere using your smartphone. With smart watering features, it automatically adjusts schedules based on weather conditions to save water and keep your lawn healthy.

• WiFi Connected: Control from anywhere with the B-hyve app
• Weather Smart: Automatically skips watering when rain is expected
• Water Savings: EPA WaterSense certified for efficiency
• Rebate Eligible: Qualifies for water conservation rebates in many states
• Easy Install: Simple wiring - if you can use a screwdriver, you can do this!

1 Choose Your Location

Select an indoor location for your controller that meets these requirements:

• Near a standard electrical outlet (the controller plugs in)
• Within WiFi range for app connectivity
• Accessible for running sprinkler wire to the valve box
• Protected from moisture (garage, utility room, or inside the house)

2 Mount the Controller

1. Hold the mounting plate against the wall and mark screw locations
2. Drill pilot holes (use wall anchors if mounting to drywall)
3. Secure the mounting plate with screws
4. Snap the controller onto the mounting plate

Make sure the controller is level and secure before proceeding with wiring.

3 Understand the Wiring

Sprinkler controller wiring is simple - you're connecting low-voltage wires from your valves to the controller terminals:

• Zone Wires: Each valve has its own wire that connects to a numbered terminal (1-8)
• Common Wire: All valves share one common wire that connects to the "C" terminal
• Direct Burial Wire: Multi-conductor wire rated for underground use

4 Connect the Wires

1. Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire end
2. Connect the common (white) wire to the terminal marked "C" or "COM"
3. Connect Zone 1 wire to terminal 1, Zone 2 to terminal 2, and so on
4. Push each wire firmly into its terminal and tighten the screw
5. Give each wire a gentle tug to make sure it's secure

The B-hyve controller has easy-to-use screw terminals - no special connectors needed!

5 Power Up and Connect to WiFi

1. Plug the controller's power adapter into a wall outlet
2. Download the Orbit B-hyve app on your smartphone
3. Create an account or sign in
4. Follow the app's instructions to connect your controller to WiFi
5. Name your zones (Front Lawn, Back Yard, Garden, etc.)

6 Test Each Zone

1. Use the app or the controller's manual buttons to run each zone
2. Walk the yard and verify each zone activates the correct sprinklers
3. Check for any leaks at valve connections
4. Adjust zone names if they don't match the actual areas

B-hyve Smart Features

The Orbit B-hyve is packed with intelligent features that make watering effortless:

WeatherSense Technology

• Automatic Weather Adjustment: Uses local weather data to adjust watering - shuts off when rain is expected, increases water during hot spells, decreases in cooler weather
• Real-Time Data: Considers rainfall, wind, cloud cover, freezing temperatures, and evapotranspiration
• Historical ET: Uses historical evapotranspiration data for your area to optimize schedules

Zone Customization

• Smart Zones: Add details about each zone's soil type, sun exposure, slope, and plant types
• Individual Schedules: Each zone waters on its own optimal schedule - flowers may need more water than shrubs
• Photo Labels: Add photos to zones for easy identification

Smart Connectivity

• App Control: Full control from the B-hyve app on iOS, Android, or web browser
• Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
• Dual Control: Use the wall-mounted panel or your smartphone
• User Access: Grant temporary access to contractors or permanent access to family members

Water Conservation

• EPA WaterSense Certified: Meets EPA standards for water efficiency
• SWAT Certified: Smart Water Application Technologies certified
• Estimated Savings: WaterSense estimates up to 15,000 gallons saved annually compared to standard controllers
• Rebate Eligible: Qualifies for rebates from many water utilities (see below)

Water Conservation Rebates

Many water districts offer rebates for installing EPA WaterSense certified smart controllers like the Orbit B-hyve. Rebates can range from $50 to $400+ depending on your location!

Find Rebates in Your State