What are the 5 thermostat wires?
5 Wire Thermostat Wiring (Any HVAC Device – Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Furnaces, etc.)
- Red wire for power (24V).
- White wire for heating (connected to W or W1 terminal).
- Green wire for fans.
- Blue or yellow wire for cooling (connected to Y).
- Black wire for “C” or “Common” wire.
What’s the difference between a four wire thermostat and a five wire thermostat?
These older thermostats require 4 wires, but newer more sophisticated thermostats require a 5th wire known as the Common wire to power the digital display. This will allow the fan to turn on when the thermostat is calling for cooling or heating but it will not give you independent fan control from the thermostat.
What kind of wire is used for thermostats?
The most common thermostat cabling is 18/5 (18 gauge, 5 conductor), because 5 conductors typically offer enough functions for a modern thermostat/low voltage device.
How many wires does a thermostat need?
Most systems today require a minimum of 5 wires when both heating and air conditioning equipment is included in the system. Our pro recommendation is to use 18/8 wire.
Why does my thermostat have 6 wires?
If your system has six wires, it’s because it features second-stage heating, second-stage cooling or heat-pump cooling but not all three. The extra wire signals the additional function to come on. If your system has second-stage heating and cooling as well as a heat pump, then the thermostat needs eight wires, not six.
Why does my thermostat have 3 wires?
If you have a heat-only system, you may notice that your thermostat has three wires—R, G, and W. In this scenario, the Power Extender Kit (PEK) is not compatible. There are three options available to create a C wire and make the ecobee compatible.
How do I know what wire to get for my thermostat?
Look for connectors that have labels that are the same as your thermostat. For instance, you might find labels like R, W, G, Y, C or O/B. You should find wires attached to these connectors that are the same color as the wires that connect to your thermostat.
Can I replace my thermostat myself?
A thermostat is a tool that regulates heating and cooling, whether it be in your home or in your car. Replacing inefficient thermostats can help you save money on utility bills or, in your vehicle, keep you safe on the roads. Whatever your situation, replacing it yourself is a task that is surprisingly simple.
What if there is no C wire for thermostat?
If you don’t see a wire you can identify as the C-wire, though, don’t despair yet – you may need to look behind your existing thermostat. If your current thermostat didn’t need a C-wire, it (or a wire that can be used as a C-wire) might be rolled up inside the wall.
How do you wire a thermostat?
Twist the wires to the connectors on the back of the thermostat or follow the directions provided with the manufacturer’s instructions. Attach the thermostat face to the new wall plate. Push all wires back into the wall, and slide the plate onto the wall plate.
How many wires for thermostat?
Generally speaking, a thermostat that controls only heat in your home will have two wires, and one that also controls air conditioning must have at least three or four wires. If your system also includes ventilation or a heat pump, the thermostat can have as many as seven wires.
What is the wire gauge for a thermostat connection?
18 gauge thermostat wire is recommended for any distances up to 250 feet. For shorter runs use 20 gauge . A thermostat wire uses low voltage signals to transfer data.
What is the RC wire on a thermostat?
Two thermostat wires that are critical to the operation of the thermostat are the RH wire and the RC wire. The RC wire (C for Cooling), if connected properly, controls your HVAC cooling. The RH wire (H for Heating) provides power to your HVAC heating.