Introduction
The Rain Bird ZA84002 Tap Timer is a digital, easy-to-use device designed to automate your garden watering system. It is suitable for spray irrigation, drip irrigation systems, or soaker hoses. This professional-grade timer offers reliable outdoor performance throughout the season, featuring a large display and intuitive programming for efficient water management.
Safety Information
- For outdoor use with cold water only. Do not use with hot water or in indoor applications.
- Do not submerge the timer in water.
- Protect the timer from freezing temperatures. Remove batteries and store indoors during winter months to prevent damage.
- Ensure all connections are secure to prevent leaks.
- Keep batteries out of reach of children. Dispose of used batteries responsibly.
Package Contents
The Rain Bird ZA84002 Tap Timer package typically includes:
- 1 x Rain Bird ZA84002 Digital Tap Timer
- Instruction Manual (this document)
Note: AA batteries are required and sold separately.
Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the components of your Rain Bird ZA84002 Tap Timer.

Figure 1: Rain Bird ZA84002 Tap Timer connected to an outdoor faucet. This image shows the timer installed on a standard outdoor faucet, with a garden hose attached to its outlet, demonstrating a typical setup.

Figure 2: Detailed front view of the Rain Bird ZA84002 Tap Timer. This view highlights the large LCD screen, the central rotary dial for program selection, and the control buttons ('OK', 'Up/Down', 'Cancel Watering', 'Water Now') for easy interaction.
Key Components:
- LCD Display: Shows current time, program settings, and status.
- Rotary Dial: Used to select programming modes (SET CLOCK, SET START TIME, SET DURATION, SET RUN DAYS, AUTO, OFF).
- Up/Down Buttons: Adjust values and navigate settings.
- OK Button: Confirms selections.
- WATER NOW Button: Initiates manual watering.
- CANCEL WATERING Button: Stops current watering or cancels a program.
- Battery Compartment: Located on the back, requires AA batteries.
- Inlet Connection: 3/4" female threaded connection for faucet.
- Outlet Connection: 3/4" male threaded connection for hose.
Setup
1. Battery Installation
- Locate the battery compartment on the back of the timer.
- Open the compartment cover.
- Insert two (2) new AA alkaline batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
- Close the battery compartment cover securely to maintain water resistance.
2. Connecting to Faucet
- Ensure your outdoor faucet is clean and free of debris.
- Thread the timer's 3/4" female inlet onto your outdoor faucet. Hand-tighten only. Do not overtighten.
- Attach your garden hose or irrigation system to the timer's 3/4" male outlet. Hand-tighten securely.
- Slowly turn on your faucet completely. The timer is designed to operate under full water pressure.
Operating Instructions
Use the rotary dial to select the desired setting and the Up/Down buttons to adjust values. Press OK to confirm.
1. SET CLOCK
- Turn the dial to SET CLOCK.
- Use the Up/Down buttons to set the current time (AM/PM).
- Press OK to confirm.
- Use the Up/Down buttons to set the current day of the week.
- Press OK to confirm.
2. SET START TIME
You can program up to two start times per day.
- Turn the dial to SET START TIME.
- Use the Up/Down buttons to set the desired start time for the first watering cycle.
- Press OK to confirm.
- If you wish to set a second start time, use the Up/Down buttons to adjust. Otherwise, press OK to skip.
3. SET DURATION
- Turn the dial to SET DURATION.
- Use the Up/Down buttons to set the watering duration from 1 minute to 6 hours.
- Press OK to confirm. This duration applies to all programmed start times.
4. SET RUN DAYS
- Turn the dial to SET RUN DAYS.
- The display will show the days of the week. Use the Up/Down buttons to select or deselect each day. A selected day will typically be highlighted or have an icon next to it.
- Press OK to confirm your selection for each day.
5. AUTO Mode
After setting your program, turn the dial to AUTO. The timer will now operate according to your programmed start times, durations, and run days.
6. OFF Mode
To stop all automatic watering, turn the dial to OFF. This will suspend all programmed cycles until the dial is returned to AUTO.
7. WATER NOW (Manual Watering)
To manually water without affecting your program:
- Press the WATER NOW button.
- Use the Up/Down buttons to set the desired manual watering duration.
- Press OK to start manual watering. The timer will water for the set duration and then return to its previous mode (AUTO or OFF).
8. CANCEL WATERING
To stop any active watering cycle (manual or automatic):
- Press the CANCEL WATERING button. The water flow will stop immediately.
Maintenance
1. Battery Replacement
Replace batteries annually or when the low battery indicator appears on the LCD screen. Always use fresh AA alkaline batteries.
2. Cleaning
Wipe the exterior of the timer with a damp cloth as needed. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
3. Winterization
Before the first frost, it is crucial to remove the timer from the faucet. Remove the batteries and store the timer indoors in a dry, protected area where temperatures will not drop below freezing. Failure to do so may result in permanent damage to the unit due to freezing water.
Troubleshooting
- No water flow: Ensure the faucet is fully open. Check battery level. Verify that the timer is not in OFF mode and that a program is set in AUTO mode. Check for debris in the inlet filter.
- Display is blank or dim: Replace batteries with new AA alkaline batteries.
- Timer not watering at programmed times: Ensure the dial is set to AUTO. Double-check SET CLOCK, SET START TIME, SET DURATION, and SET RUN DAYS settings. Ensure batteries are fresh.
- Leaks at connections: Ensure all connections are hand-tightened. Check rubber washers for proper seating and damage. Replace washers if necessary.
Specifications
| Model Number | ZA84002 |
| Brand | Rain Bird |
| Connection Size | 3/4" Female Inlet, 3/4" Male Outlet (BSP) |
| Watering Duration | 1 minute to 6 hours |
| Daily Starts | Up to 2 per day |
| Operating Water Pressure | 1 bar (minimum) - 6 bar (maximum) |
| Power Source | AA Batteries (not included) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 18.5 x 7 x 22 cm |
| Weight | 350 grams |
| Material | Plastic |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Color | Grey |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the official Rain Bird website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.