Replacing Honeywell t6160 room stat (Mains, 3-wire)with 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 centre 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 abbreviations are as follows:comm = Common, should be the common side of the control voltage fro the unit's transformer.no = Normally Open (and 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.
Dave Rongey
Electrical Wiring Video #2
Electrical Wiring Tips for Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Tripping Circuit Breaker, Outlet at a Wall Switch, Light Fixture without a Ground Wire, Help with Home Electrical Wiring Projects.
See more House Wiring Videos from Ask The Electrician:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
See How to Wire it Right!
Learn more about Residential House Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
RELATED
More about Thermostat
How To Wire a Thermostat How do I know which wires to connect to my new Thermostat Terminals? Typical Thermostat Wiring for HVAC Furnace Heating and Air Conditioning, Thermostat Wire Connections.
Tanning Bed 220 Volt Electrical Wiring How do I wire a tanning bed for use on a dedicated 20 amp breaker? Installing an Electrical Circuit for an Indoor Tanning Bed.
How to Wire a Honeywell Thermostat How do I connect the wires for a heater thermostat? Wiring Instruction Heating Thermostat, Typical Thermostat Wiring for Furnace Heating and Air Conditioning.
How To Heat A Cold Garage What is the best way to heat my cold garage? How to Install Electric Wiring for a Floor Heat System, and the Electrical Circuit for a Floor Heating System.
Installing Programmable Thermostats How should I install a programmable thermostat for my Baseboard Heaters? Installing a Programmable Thermostat, Thermostat Compatibility with Heating Units.
All home electrical wiring projects should be performed correctly by trained and qualified individuals who understand the principles of electrical circuit wiring and the basic fundamentals of home construction.
Detailed information is provided throughout areas of this website about the complexity of specific projects to help assist with you to understand the scope of work involved.
The following categories will provide more specific information for each project - below is an Example:
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety:
Identify the electrical circuits found in the project area, turn them OFF and Tag them with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Home Electrical Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that 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.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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.
A wire stripping tool used 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.
» How To Wire It RIGHT!« Wire it with Confidence! Fully Illustrated Instant Download Now You Can Wire it like a Pro!
Recent Testimonials
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU! Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts
I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web. George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania
I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring. Bill, from New York City, New York
This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first. Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going. Mike, from Chicago, Illinois
