» Residential Electrical Wiring: Guide to Home Wiring
» Need Electrical Help? Get a Quick Reply! Ask the Electrician
Wiring a Thermostat
|
By Dave Rongey
Summary: Electrical Wiring Question: Replacing Honeywell t6160 room stat (Mains, 3-wire)with Horstmann DRT2(Battery operated, 2-wire). |
How to Wire a Horstmann Thermostat
Electrical Troubleshooting Question:
Replacing a Honeywell t6160 room stat (Mains, 3-wire) with a Horstmann DRT2 (Battery operated, 2-wire). Maker says live to `comm` and switched live to `no` but does not understand third wire which goes to `call` in JB then, via link to another terminal, to motor valve (3 port, motor open, motor close). It is not live whether stat calls for heat or not. Should I disconnect it and isolate?
Can the one wire make the valve actuator open to either port and return it to center as well?
Thank you Ian.
Hi Ian - Great Electrical Repair Question!
I would have to see the wiring diagram to understand the function of the valve actuator. In my experience it is essential that when replacing stats that they are a direct match to ensure that they do operate all the components of the system.
If you do have a direct replacement then you may have to look very carefully at the instructions and match up the colors of your stat wires with the terminology and abbreviations of the wiring diagrams, and many of them will be a challenge - been there, done that, and I end up making a cross reference chart to map it all out just to be sure.
The Wiring Schematic Abbreviations
Comm = Common, should be the common side of the control voltage fro the unit's transformer. NO = Normally Open
NC = Normally Closed - Normally being the un-energized state )
Call = Calling for Heating/Cooling - should be the signal back to the unit to begin the start process.
Again, you are really going to have to study the original wiring and new instructions and map it out. I always encourage others to write down the wiring of the original stat, take a picture of it, or in a case where the wires are long enough I just cut the wires off the original stat so that the original connections stay on the original stat along with the insulation colors showing so you will know what wire went to what terminal, then just transpose this pattern to the new stat.
Also - be aware that some units have fuse protection for the control voltage transformer, some do not.
|
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
|