How to install a thermostat

[Robert Davis]

Hello folks,

Can we install a thermostat ourselves or do we need an electrician to do that? If so please suggest me a good electrician in Canada . I have heard about  'Shock Doctors' from my friend. Any other choices ?

 

Thank you..

 

[larryllix]

Most install the thermostat themselves. They run at 24vac for most systems

 

If your thermostat runs baseboards or has larger wiring on the terminals it could be 120vac and you should get an Electrician if you are not confident in doing this.

 

There are many threads on this forum about wire colours and connecting them.

 

I would suggest taking a picture of the wiring in the back of the stat and posting it here, in a post. Need to use the "Use Full Editor" editor though.

Edited February 3, 2016 by larryllix

[jerlands]

I'm sure if you post the model thermostat you currently have, the type of system (singe/multi staged heat cool) and the type of thermostat you're going to install someone will help.

Thermostats can have 2-10 wires but they're color coded and connect to defined terminals so that usually isn't a problem.

pictures help <<-- if you're able, open up the thermostat and take a picture of the current wiring.

 

 

Jon...

[Robert Davis]

Ok..I wil do

Thanks 

[KeviNH]

Wiring up a new thermostat is pretty easy on most systems, just need to go slow and label everything.

 if you're able, open up the thermostat and take a picture of the current wiring.

 

This is key -- take a picture of the wiring going into the thermostat.   The color of the wiring insulation can vary, and isn't the key point.

If you look carefully at your thermostat, a newer one will have molded or printed labels where each wire is connected, something like "C", "R", "Y1", "G", "W2".   I take a labelmaker and label each wire, while it is still attached, with the corresponding letter code for the terminal it is connected to.   Then you just need to connect to the same-labeled terminals on the new thermostat.