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Many people wonder what Building Automation Systems do. Building Automation Systems are
mainly used in commercial HVAC control systems and energy management system applications.
Building Automation itself is an energy management system which saves management
companies and building owners by efficiently controlling air conditioning and heating comfort
systems. BAS is where mechanical and electrical systems and equipment are joined with
microprocessors that communicate with each other and possibly to a computer. This computer
and controllers in the building automation system can be networked to the internet or serve as a
stand alone system for the local peer to peer controller network only. Additionally, the BAS
controllers themselves do not need a computer to operate efficiently as many of these controllers
are designed to operate as stand-alone controllers and control the specific equipment they are
assigned to control. With a few exceptions, each building automation controller has their own
program and has the ability to communicate to other DDC building automation controllers. It is
important for the building automation system controllers to communicate to each other. If the
network fails for whatever reason then the system may still function (because the BAS
controllers in building automation systems are stand-alone) but it will not function as efficiently
as designed. Building Automation Systems grows more and more complex as time passes but it
will save in energy and maintenance costs if installed and programmed properly. Energy
Management Systems and Building Automation Systems (can be one in the same) are definitely
the way of the future and are replacing older less efficient systems everyday.
A set-up in a multi-story automated building would have many building automation controllers
serving different types of air conditioning and heating equipment (BAS is not limited to just hvac
applications). Every building is different and it is important for the BAS engineer to select the proper HVAC BAS control system and programs to control the various types of HVAC systems in
a particular automated building. For building automation systems to be effective, it is important that the BAS system is installed and tuned properly. Some advantages of a good HVAC BAS
building automation system are:
o Building Automation System (BAS) should allow the owner to set up schedules of operation for the equipment and lighting systems so that energy savings can be realized
when the building or spaces in the building are unoccupied.
o Building Automation System (BAS) should allow the equipment optimal start with adaptive learning. Optimal start is allowing the equipment to be brought on in an ordered
and sequential manner automatically on a schedule before the building is reoccupied so that space set points can be realized before occupation. Adaptive learning allows the
system to compare space temperature, outside air conditions, and equipment capabilities so that the equipment can be turned on at an appropriate time to ensure space set
points are achieved before occupation.
o Building Automation System (BAS) should have trim and respond capabilities. Based on zone demand the set point for various heating and cooling sources will change
according to demand from the zones. In a VAV system all the VAV boxes are served from a
BAS Controlled Actuators Controlling a Hot Water Bypass Valve
o central air handling unit. If all the zones are at set point then the supply air temperature set point of the air handler is automatically changed to prevent mechanical cooling
from occurring when it is unnecessary. When the zones grow warmer the supply air temperature set point is automatically lowered to allow mechanical cooling to satisfy
demand. Older systems have a single supply air temperature set point of 55° Fahrenheit which requires the compressors to cycle even when it is not necessary.
o Building Automation System (BAS) should have the ability to monitor energy usage including the ability to meter electric, gas, water, steam, hot water, chilled water, and fuel
oil services.
o Building Automation System (BAS) in conjunction with the appropriate mechanical system set-up should offer economizing based on enthalpy calculations and/or CO2 set
point control.
o Building Automation System (BAS) should have such BAS control algorithms as reset schedules for heating plants, static pressure control, and other systems where energy
savings can be realized through these predictive programs.
o Building Automation System (BAS) should offer load shedding when power companies are at peak demand and need business and industry to cut back on power usage to
prevent brown outs. Building Automation Systems allow the owner to cycle various things off like water heaters or drinking fountains where use of these things will not be
noticed even though they are off.
o Building Automation System (BAS) should offer the ability to send alarms via email, pager, or telephone to alert building managers and/or technicians of developing problems
and system failures.
o Management companies who acquire a good building automation system (BAS) can have BAS set up to bill tenants for energy usage.
o Building Automation Systems (BAS) should have the communications abilities to be integrated with other building automation control systems and TCP/IP. BACnet compatible
or other open source communication protocol is a plus.
To understand Direct Digital Control (DDC) we must understand the basic control loop. Even the most adept HVAC controls technicians benefit in their work from going back to the basic
control loop to solve problems or break down and understand complex DDC control algorithms. For a basic DDC Controls or building automation control loop we need three things:
1. Input from a sensor or device. This can be analog or digital. (See DDC/Building Automation page two for descriptions of analog and digital). In this step we are Measuring temperature or
C.F.M.'s (any variables) and collecting data. DDC building automation inputs basically measure a medium or monitor the HVAC systems such as smoke detectors and high/low limit switches.
DDC inputs measure temperature, humidity, pressure, current, wattage, and air and water flow among other things.
2. A DDC or building automation controller to process information and which holds the logic or programming. In this step the DDC or building automation controller is processing the
information from the input device(s) and based on the algorithm, possibly sending an output signal to a device to take appropiate action if necessary. The input device(s) does not need to
be hard wired to the local equipment controller nor does an output response from the local equipment DDC building automation controller going to effect the DDC building automation
controllers local equipment. Over a communication trunk the DDC or building automation controller can receive input signals from distant automation controllers and issue output commands
to those same or other distant building automation or DDC automation controllers. It really depends on the program and set-up of the entire system in the algorithms of the building
automation system as a whole.
3. The actual device being controlled based on what the input is feeding to the DDC controls controller. In this step the controlled device is taking action to maintain the program based on
program variables. Output devices can be damper actuators, valve actuators, relays (electrical and or pneumatics (p-e or e-p), variable frequency or speed drives, compressors, blowers, and
pumps.
Example of a DDC Controls Loop: A VAV box is reading 600 C.F.M.'s and the zone temperature is 68 degrees F. The controller
takes this input information and processes it based on pre-programmed set points. In this situation the zone is too cold so the DDC
controller sends an output signal to the damper actuator to close it (some to maintain a minimum heating C.F.M. set point), energize
a heating relay for heat and (with a parallel box) turn the fan on. (For more on VAV boxes see DDC/Building Automation (BAS) page
3). Because the output device is taking an action it is reasonable to assume that our input sensor variables are going to change. The
process starts all over again until all set points in the DDC building automation algorithm are satisfied.
o floating control - example: an actuator controlled vortex damper that moves within a setpoint range to control static pressure. Floating control commonly uses deadbands.
In the example above, when the static pressure is in the deadband, the damper does not move.
*Proportional (P), proportional plus integral (PI), and proportional plus integral plus derivative (PID) control responses are very complex algorithms. To read a detailed report on these
algorithms and how they work click here
HVAC Control DDC Controls and Building Automation Systems Quickpage Jump Links
Analog Outputs
1. Smoke Detector
2. Supply Fan Status
3. Compressor Status (Only one compressor status for the first stage. We assume this compressor has two unloaders for the other two stages.)
4. Freezestat
Analog Inputs
Now, your asking yourself what analog, and binary, and digital
inputs and outputs are?
o Binary or Digital Inputs - Again, binary and digital are the same. Some DDC manufacturers use binary and some use digital when they describe their inputs and outputs.
This is where DDC monitors some dry contacts like the smoke detector. These contacts are normally closed and when the detector detects smoke the contacts open. DDC
sees this and stops all blowers and sends alarms to the appropriate sources. (We don't necessarily rely on DDC to stop all the blowers. There should be a hard wired interlock
that will stop all blowers if the smoke detector alarms.) The supply fan and compressor status inputs can come from either contacts on a CT or from aux contacts on the
appropriate starters. Depending on how the program is set up, DDC simply wants to see an open or closed position from these sources.
o Analog Inputs - Again, an analog signal is a modulating signal. In this case, we have analog inputs. Input to DDC from a device or piece of equipment. Our temperature
sensors are usually thermistors. Depending on the temperature, the resistance of a thermistor will change. DDC sends a small amount of current through the thermistor
circuit. DDC will take the input current coming back through the thermistor circuit and translate it into a temperature. This is done in the program through tables in the
database which are matched up to the rated resistance/ temperature of the thermistor. For the duct pressure transducer we are going to get a different type of signal back to
DDC. We are going to power the transducer up with a separate 24 volts. According to different manufacturers, this 24 volts can be either AC or DC (read the instructions for
the device). There may be optional settings on the transducer allowing you send (from the device) either a milliamp or a voltage signal to the input of DDC. For simplicities
sake we'll select a 0-10 volt signal from the device to the input of DDC. There should be range settings on both the device and in the DDC program. These settings should be
synchronized. Let us say for example that the range setting is 0-10 inches H2O. Therefore, with a 0-10 signal setting at the device and configured in DDC, when we get a 0
volt signal back from the device we have 0 inches H2O pressure. When we get 5 volts back from the device we have a pressure of 5 inches H2O and so on and so forth as the
pressure changes so does the voltage coming from the device to DDC which will translate that into a pressure.
HVAC DDC Controls Variable Air Volume VAV Box Quickpage Jump Links
DDC HVAC Controls Page Two: The (Field) Technical Aspects of DDC Controls
The three main types of VAV boxes available are series, parallel boxes (both these boxes (series and parallel) are fan powered) and just a plain old VAV without a fan. Either type of box can
offer zone comfort and energy savings if the proper controls are installed, they have the appropriate programming for sequence of operation, and the system is properly balanced and
calibrated. All that being assumed, let's look at a sequence of operation for a DDC controlled VAV box. We start at the thermostat which is reading the zone temperature. If the zone
temperature is too cold the DDC backs down on the damper which allows air from the primary source (VAV AHU) to feed the zone. Depending if the box is parallel or series then the blower
fan kicks on. This allows air from the plenum (or above ceiling) to be redistributed into the zone (this air is usually warmer than the primary air supply). If the zone temp continues to drop
then DDC will close the damper to minimum position (not closed but an engineered rate of CFM minimum flow) maximizing the use of warmer plenum air and activate electric or hydronic
heat. Additionally, in the background, the zone controller is sending a heat request back through the network to the AHU equipment controller. As long as the equipment controllers (which is
receiving input back from all the zone controllers) does not have any requests for cooling then it should adjust the Supply Air Temperature set point up (with the proper programming). This
prevents the compressors (or chilled water valves from opening) from cycling using unnecessary energy. Additionally, as more zones call for heat and their particular dampers begin closing,
the static pressure will rise. Through DDC, the variable frequency drives should slow the speed of the AHU blower allowing the static pressure to settle at a predetermined pressure. This
application uses only the amount of energy necessary to keep the zones satisfied and is far better than systems which used to run flat out with little control. Note that some systems do not
have variable frequency drives to control static pressure but use vortex dampers on the blowers.
Additionally there are VAV boxes that are fan powered and there are VAV boxes that are not fan powered. The main purpose of fan powered VAV boxes is to make use of the plenum air
above the ceiling where the fan powered VAV box is located. This air is usually warmer than the air supplied by the VAV air handler. So in the sequence of operation for a fan powered VAV
box, and a non fan powered VAV box, would include closing the damper to allow minimal air from the air handler and at the same time energize the fan contactor so that the fan in the VAV
box comes on and pulls warmer air from the plenum. Plenum air in most VAV box applications is also, usually, the return air for VAV air handling unit. When the fan in the fan powered VAV
kicks on it pulls this plenum air into the VAV box where it mixes with the minimal airflow coming from the VAV air handler. Then it either hits a reheat hot water coil or electric heat strips and
is warmed further to a desired supply air temperature (SAT) setpoint in the DDC program if the VAV system is so equipped. The are also other setpoints which the DDC program will monitor
including CFM's. The analog signal coming from the DDC controller will modulate the damper open and close (and everywhere in between to maintain the programmed setpoint) to maintain
the desired CFM's in either the fan powered VAV boxes or the non fan powered VAV boxes. Fan powered VAV boxes are used to help increase efficiency by making use of the warmer plenum
air and mixing it with the cooler air handler air. It takes less BTU's to heat 70 degree air than it does to heat 60 degree air.
Direct Digital Controls Systems in HVAC control has taken leaps and bounds in the last few years in being user friendliness, ease of designing systems, troubleshooting system problems, and
increasing efficiency over the older energy managment systems. When discussing increasing efficiency of systems the idea of economizing always comes up. Economizers can be found in
many different forms like using outside air when conditions are right to cool inside spaces, recovering heat loss from the relief air leaving the building, or making full use of the heat a boiler
produces by recovering heat from the flue gases. There other ways to capture and conserve energy and for the sake of brevity we'll cover the basic way many buildings make use of
economizers. That is using the outside air to cool the inside spaces instead of using mechanical cooling for the same thing.
First of all we have to understand that the mechanical code book requires
so many changes of air per hour in commercial buildings. Many building
owners rely on a manual fixed damper system to meet these
requirements. Other systems have stand-alone dampers that will actuate
to the open position based on certain rudimentary input devices. The
accuracy of these devices and the function they serve are rarely set up
properly and hardly ever calibrated to ensure they function as designed.
Typically, within a year of installation they are disabled and the damper is
closed off permanently in some way.
Additionally, it doesn't hurt to set up pressure transducers on each floor of the building to monitor building pressure. The building pressure can maintained at a slight positive pressure using
the economizer and/or a make-up air unit to control the building pressure.
The Or Gate
DDC programming in HVAC Control can be rather complex especially to those who don't understand software or programming. Some DDC software and hardware manufacturers utilize
symbols to build their logic programs for HVAC DDC control. Some of these logic blocks are rather complex but others are very simple. These are the basic logic blocks which, when
combined, make up the DDC algorithm pr DDC control program. Everything from And gates to Or gates to Timers blocks to complex mathematical blocks allow a DDC Control programmer or
DDC Control engineer to assemble programs in little time simple by arranging a set of logic blocks in a software program and then compiling this set of logic blocks into a basic machine line
code and necessary tables which the casual observer and even the engineers never see. When this program is downloaded into the controller one can use the logic page in the DDC software
to observe real time information from inputs to outputs to alarms and schedules. To someone skilled with this they can use the logic page in the DDC software to troubleshoot problems. It is
simply a tool along with trend charts and graphics to watch the system, collect data, and make changes as necessary or to use to find a problem in the program or in the HVAC or Electrical
equipment which the program is controlling. We'll start with simple blocks and work our way up to the more complex blocks. Understanding of ladder diagrams and basic electrical circuitry is
necessary to follow these logic gates and symbols.
o The Binary output logic block will get its instructions from other logic blocks in the DDC program and give a binary output response based on the input from the program.
An example of a Binary output logic block would be a Binary out logic block assigned to a motor start/stop. When the program called for the motor to energize the Binary
output logic block would energize the output and a really would energize the motor starter.
o The Analog output logic block will do the same as the Binary output logic block except the signal coming from the Analog output logic block will be an analog signal.
An example of an Analog output logic block would be an Analog output logic block assigned to control a variable frequency drive which works off of an analog signal
like 0 to 10 volts or 4 to 20 milliamps.
And Gate
The And gate is simply a series switch. In the DDC graphic to the left is
an And gate and it is the same as the series switch to the right of the
And gate. If a single input to the And gate is open the And gate will
not allow an output. The input side of the And gate can have as many
gates as necessary for proper functioning whatever is being controlled.
Or Gate
The Or gate is simply a circuit that says on or the other or both. If one
or the other have an input signal to the Or gate the Or gate will allow
an output. For example, you could have a three gate Or gate which
would be linked to three specific alarms like the smoke detectors, the
freeze stat, and the high static pressure switch. If one or the other
tripped then the Or gate would send an output signal to an alarm logic
block and an emergency shutdown logic block.
The Not gate is a simple gate which will change a 0 input to a 1 output or a 1 input to a 0 output. It used for various logic
programming to change a binary value from a 0 to a 1 or from a 1 to a 0.
This is basic line code programming that goes back to the basics of if, else, then. An example of the usage of these blocks
would be if the outside air temperature was less than 65° then it is okay to use the economizer. Of course the program would
have other conditions which may be linked through an And Gate logic block but the If Less Than logic block would be one
of the conditions to enable the economizer. There are other If logic blocks such as If Equals to and others which can give an
analog or a binary output to the program.
The Low Limit analog signal block will place a low limit an analog signal coming from the program going to the analog output. An example of this
would be a minimum speed for a VFD or a minimum damper position for a modulating damper.
The High Limit analog signal block will place a high limit an analog signal coming from the program going to the analog output. An example of this
would a high analog limit to the analog output of a damper that you only want to open to maximum of 80%.
Delay on Make Logic Block
Every control or HVAC control technician knows the value of a Delay on Make logic block. You can delay fans and compressors using this control logic
block and prevent short cycling.
Again, every control or HVAC control technician knows the value of a Delay on Break circuit in HVAC Controls. You
can delay a fan shut down or damper closing using this block.
Proportional (P), Integral (I), and Derivative (PID) control responses are very complex algorithms. This is the logic block which will help the DDC control
program tune the device being controlled using PID tuning calculations and parameters. This logic block allows user input to tune different devices with PID
control to prevent overshoot and undershoot. It prevents devices from under responding or over responding to program inputs and allows for smoother
operation based on the PID control algorithm.
Programmable Thermostats
Honeywell Thermostat
Thermostat Video
Honeywell thermostats are by far the most popular and rugged you
can purchase. Honeywell thermostats lead
the market in thermostat sales because of
their features and usability. Honeywell thermostats are highly
recommended by many professionals in the HVAC field.
• Wake - this is the setting you want the temperature to be at when you
wake. If you wake at 6 a.m. you probably want to set the wake time
and temperature for 5:30 a.m. and whatever the desired temperature
is for you.
• Leave - this is the time the last person leaves the home for the day. If
that person usually leaves at 8 a.m. then the thermostat can be set to
change the temperature to say 60 degrees Fahrenheit at 7:30 a.m.
• Return - this is the time that the first person arrives home for the day.
If that person arrives home at 4 p.m. then the time and temperature
can be set for say 70 degrees Fahrenheit at 3:30 p.m. That way when
the person arrives home, the home is at the desired temperature.
• Sleep - this is the time when everyone goes to bed for the night. If
everyone is in bed by 10:00 p.m. then the thermostat can be set to
change the temperature to a lower setting (say 60 degrees Fahrenheit)
for the night.
You can buy the Honeywell VisionPro Thermostats at Pex Supply: Buy
the Honeywell VisionPro Thermostats
Great video about the different types of thermostats available and a
thermostat High Performance HVAC recommends for you.
The main connection between the air conditioning and heating system and the end user is the thermostat. Beyond the air
conditioning and heating thermostat many people know nothing about their systems that keep them comfortable year
round. There comes a time when the thermostat has a problem or the end user wants to replace the thermostat because
they think it is a broken thermostat. It is not uncommon for a person to call an HVAC contractor and tell the secretary that
they think the thermostat is broken because their air conditioner or heating system does not work. In some instances this is the case while in others the thermostat is not broken but
something is wrong with the air conditioning and heating equipment that needs to be repaired. In either case it is usually best to call an HVAC professional to look at the problem especially if
you want to replace the thermostat. There are a few things you can check with your thermostat before you call an HVAC professional. A little thermostat troubleshooting is in order.
o An air conditioning and heating thermostat, even if it is a digital thermostat, is simply a temperature switch that turns the air conditioning and heating system on and off. As
with any switch it needs electricity to function or cause a function with the air conditioning and heating equipment. Most residential and light commercial thermostats are
powered by 24 volts A.C. The thermostat gets this 24 volts A.C. from the air conditioning and heating equipment. Usually this power comes from an air handler in an air
conditioning and heating split system and from the main unit for air conditioning and heating package systems. Check the circuit breaker for the air handler to make sure it is
not tripped. Also check the power switch which should be located near the air handling unit. It is not uncommon for people to mistake these switches for a light switch and
turn them off. They unknowingly just turned the power off for their air conditioning and heating equipment including their thermostat. That is when they begin to think they
have a broken thermostat. If you have a digital thermostat the power display and the thermostat power display light may not function if you have this problem. Some air
conditioning and heating thermostats use batteries to power the back light which takes us to number two in air conditioning and heating thermostat troubleshooting. Check
the power switch and breaker to ensure the power is on before assuming you have a broken thermostat
o The back display light for the digital thermostat does not function but the air conditioning and heating system works fine. Check the batteries as some digital thermostats
require AA or AAA batteries for the back light to function on the thermostat. There are two main types of digital thermostats; Digital thermostats that use batteries for the
back light to function and digital thermostats that use the power from the air conditioning and heating equipment. If you don’t know which kind of air conditioning and
heating thermostat you have then open the thermostat up and look inside. If you don’t see any batteries or a battery compartment inside the thermostat then your
thermostat uses power stealing technology. It is probably an older model digital thermostat and if it is a programmable thermostat then every time you lose power you will
lose the program inside which takes us to the next step in air conditioning and heating thermostat troubleshooting.
o The programmable thermostat is always losing its program. This is most likely one of the older thermostats that use the power from the air conditioning and heating
equipment and every time you lose power you lose the program inside the thermostat. Programming an air conditioning and heating programmable thermostat can be a
chore for many people to figure out so a problem like this can be frustrating especially if you live in an area where there are constant power failures. The only solution to this
problem is to replace the programmable thermostat with one that uses power stealing technology (it uses power from your air conditioning and heating system to hold the
programs) and has a battery back-up just in case you lose power. This can save you lots of trouble and frustration in the long run keeping you from reprogramming the
thermostat over and over again when power failures occur.
o If the problem is persistent with the thermostat it is important get back to thermostat basics.
1. Is the thermostat installed in the proper location. This is very important as a thermostat installed on a wall that has high heat gain or heat loss will never
offer you comfort as it will react mostly to the temperature of the wall and not the air in the living space. Additionally, thermostats installed where direct
sunlight can hit the thermostat is going to be a problem also. A thermostat located near an outside door or window will be affected every time the door or
window is opened or closed. A thermostat should be located close to the return (where the filter is installed) so that it sense and reacts to the air returning to
the air handler for conditioning. Additionally, thermostats located near heat sources like hot or cold water pipes, radiant heaters, fireplaces, electrical devices
which produce heat, etc... will never offer accurate temperatures and conditioning for the space.
2. Is there a big hole behind the thermostat that will feed cool or warm drafts to the back of the thermostat? All thermostats have a hole behind them where the
wires come into the thermostat from the air handling unit. Check this and if you find a big hole behind the thermostat stuff some insulation in this hole and
cover it with a piece of tape. This will prevent drafts from affecting the thermostat.
3. Has the heating anticipator been properly set by a qualified air conditioning and heating technician? The heat anticipator is on mechanical non-digital
thermostats and needs to be set according to the amp draw on the heating control circuit. The heat anticipator offers a small amount of energy savings and
prevents thermostat overshooting for you as it shuts off the main burners because the fan will continue to run and dissipate the heat which remains in the
furnace or heat. Digital and programmable thermostats have built in heating and cooling anticipators which automatically set themselves with no manual
adjustments. The mechanical thermostat needs a manual adjustment and you need a tool called an amp meter to determine the proper setting. The cooling
anticipator in the mechanical thermostat requires no manual adjustment.
4. If you have a mechanical thermostat with a mercury bulb switching mechanism inside it this thermostat needs to be level. If the thermostat is not level you
never get an accurate temperature in the residence or business.
Other problems that can occur with your air conditioning and heating thermostat need to be discussed with an HVAC
professional as these problems can be technical and require special tools to fix. It is always a wise choice to call in an
HVAC professional when you have problems with your air conditioning and heating equipment including you air
conditioning and heating thermostat.
Thermostat Installation
Thermostats Troubleshooting
High Performance HVAC Thermostat Terminal Designations and Thermosat Color Chart
R – The R terminal is the power for Red for the R terminal. *Although be
the thermostat. This comes from aware that this may have changed
the transformer usually located in especially if the person who wired the
the air handler for split systems but thermostat didn’t use conventional
you may find the transformer in the color coding.
condensing unit. For this reason, it
is a good idea to kill the power at
the condenser and the air handler
before changing or working on the
wiring at the thermostat. If you
have a package unit then the
transformer is in the package unit.
RC – The RC terminal is designated Red for RC terminal. *Although be
for the power for cooling. Some aware that this may have changed
HVAC systems use two especially if the person who wired the
transformers. A transformer for thermostat didn’t use conventional
cooling and a transformer for color coding. Most installers use the
heating. In this case the power color coding as noted but be aware
from the transformer in the air that some do not use the thermostat
conditioning system would go to the color coding.
thermostat terminal. It should be
noted that a jumper can be
installed between RC and RH for a
heating and cooling system
equipped with a single transformer.
RH – The RH terminal is designated Red for RH terminal. *Although be
for the power for heating. See RC aware that this may have changed
above for an explanation. It should especially if the person who wired the
be noted that a jumper can be thermostat didn’t use conventional
installed between RC and RH for a color coding. Most installers use the
heating and cooling system color coding as noted but be aware
equipped with a single transformer. that some do not use the thermostat
color coding.
Y – This is the terminal for cooling Yellow for Y Terminal. *Although be
or air conditioning and goes to the aware that this may have changed
compressor relay. Typically a especially if the person who wired the
thermostat wire pull is made to the thermostat didn’t use conventional
air handler on split systems and color coding. Most installers use the
then this wire is spliced for the color coding as noted but be aware
separate wire pull which is made to that some do not use the thermostat
the condenser. Some manufacturers color coding.
put a terminal board strip near the
control board in the air handler so a
splice is not needed.
Y2 – This is the thermostat terminal *The most common color I’ve seen
for cooling second stage if your used for this terminal and wire
system is so equipped. Many designation is light blue but this
systems only have a single varies and is completely up to the
compressor but if you have two installer what color to use. Most
compressors which should only installers use the color coding as
operate off of one thermostat then noted but be aware that some do not
you need the Y2 thermostat use the thermostat color coding.
terminal for second stage cooling.
W – This is the thermostat terminal White for W Terminal. *Although be
for heating. This wire should go aware that this may have changed
directly to the heating source especially if the person who wired the
whether it be a gas or oil furnace, thermostat didn’t use conventional
electric furnace, or boiler, color coding. Most installers use the
color coding as noted but be aware
that some do not use the thermostat
color coding.
W2 – This is the thermostat *The most common color I’ve seen
terminal used for second stage used for this terminal and wire
heat. There are gas furnaces with designation is brown but this varies
low fire and high fire and some and is completely up to the installer
depend on control from a two-stage what color to use.
heating thermostat with a W2
terminal. Heat Pumps use staging
for auxiliary heat and need a W2
terminal.
G – This is the thermostat terminal Green for G Terminal. *Although be
used for the fan relay to energize aware that this may have changed
the indoor blower fan. On a split especially if the person who wired the
system the blower fan is in the air thermostat didn’t use conventional
handler while with a package unit color coding. Most installers use the
the blower fan is in the outdoor color coding as noted but be aware
package unit. that some do not use the thermostat
color coding.
C – This is the thermostat terminal C stands for common and there is no
which originates from the universal color used for this terminal
transformer and is necessary to although black is the most common
complete the 24 volts power circuit color I’ve seen.
in the thermostat but only if the
thermostat consumes electricity for
power. Many digital thermostats
require 24 volts for power so the
common wire is necessary.
O or B – These thermostat Orange for O and Dark Blue for B
terminals are for heat pumps and depending on the installer of the heat
the B thermostat terminal is used pump and the manufacturer. If you
on for Rheem or Ruud and any have a Trane, Carrier, Goodman,
manufacturer that energizes the Lennox, Ducane, Heil, Fedders,
reversing valve in heating mode for Amana, Janitrol, or any other
the heat pump. Most other manufacturer other than Rheem or
manufacturers of heat pumps will Ruud you will be utilizing the orange
utilize the reversing valve for wire for reversing valve. Rheem and
cooling and the O thermostat Ruud will usually utilize the blue wire
terminal will be utilized for this for reversing valve.
purpose. This wire goes to outside
heat pump condenser where the
reversing valve is located.
E – This thermostat terminal is for E – There is no universal color used
heat pumps and stands for for this thermostat terminal
Emergency Heating. If for whatever designation but this should be wired
reason the heat pump condenser directly to the heating relay or the E
fails and it is necessary to run the terminal on a terminal strip board in
heat there is an option on heat the air handler or package unit if you
pump thermostats for emergency have a heat pump package unit.
heating. Basically this simply
utilizes the back-up heat source
many heat pumps have to heat the
home without sending a signal to
the condenser to run for heat.
Aux – This thermostat terminal is Aux - There is no universal color used
for back-up on a heat pump and for this thermostat terminal
allows for auxiliary heating from the designation but this should be wired
back-up heat source usually located directly to the heating relay or the
in the air handler. Aux terminal on a terminal strip
board in the air handler or package
unit if you have a heat pump package
unit.
Thermostat Installation
Thermostats Troubleshooting
High Performance HVAC Thermostat Terminal Designations and Thermosat Color Chart
R – The R terminal is the power for Red for the R terminal. *Although be
the thermostat. This comes from aware that this may have changed
the transformer usually located in especially if the person who wired the
the air handler for split systems but thermostat didn’t use conventional
you may find the transformer in the color coding.
condensing unit. For this reason, it
is a good idea to kill the power at
the condenser and the air handler
before changing or working on the
wiring at the thermostat. If you
have a package unit then the
transformer is in the package unit.
RC – The RC terminal is designated Red for RC terminal. *Although be
for the power for cooling. Some aware that this may have changed
HVAC systems use two especially if the person who wired the
transformers. A transformer for thermostat didn’t use conventional
cooling and a transformer for color coding. Most installers use the
heating. In this case the power color coding as noted but be aware
from the transformer in the air that some do not use the thermostat
conditioning system would go to the color coding.
thermostat terminal. It should be
noted that a jumper can be
installed between RC and RH for a
heating and cooling system
equipped with a single transformer.
RH – The RH terminal is designated Red for RH terminal. *Although be
for the power for heating. See RC aware that this may have changed
above for an explanation. It should especially if the person who wired the
be noted that a jumper can be thermostat didn’t use conventional
installed between RC and RH for a color coding. Most installers use the
heating and cooling system color coding as noted but be aware
equipped with a single transformer. that some do not use the thermostat
color coding.
Y – This is the terminal for cooling Yellow for Y Terminal. *Although be
or air conditioning and goes to the aware that this may have changed
compressor relay. Typically a especially if the person who wired the
thermostat wire pull is made to the thermostat didn’t use conventional
air handler on split systems and color coding. Most installers use the
then this wire is spliced for the color coding as noted but be aware
separate wire pull which is made to that some do not use the thermostat
the condenser. Some manufacturers color coding.
put a terminal board strip near the
control board in the air handler so a
splice is not needed.
Y2 – This is the thermostat terminal *The most common color I’ve seen
for cooling second stage if your used for this terminal and wire
system is so equipped. Many designation is light blue but this
systems only have a single varies and is completely up to the
compressor but if you have two installer what color to use. Most
compressors which should only installers use the color coding as
operate off of one thermostat then noted but be aware that some do not
you need the Y2 thermostat use the thermostat color coding.
terminal for second stage cooling.
W – This is the thermostat terminal White for W Terminal. *Although be
for heating. This wire should go aware that this may have changed
directly to the heating source especially if the person who wired the
whether it be a gas or oil furnace, thermostat didn’t use conventional
electric furnace, or boiler, color coding. Most installers use the
color coding as noted but be aware
that some do not use the thermostat
color coding.
W2 – This is the thermostat *The most common color I’ve seen
terminal used for second stage used for this terminal and wire
heat. There are gas furnaces with designation is brown but this varies
low fire and high fire and some and is completely up to the installer
depend on control from a two-stage what color to use.
heating thermostat with a W2
terminal. Heat Pumps use staging
for auxiliary heat and need a W2
terminal.
G – This is the thermostat terminal Green for G Terminal. *Although be
used for the fan relay to energize aware that this may have changed
the indoor blower fan. On a split especially if the person who wired the
system the blower fan is in the air thermostat didn’t use conventional
handler while with a package unit color coding. Most installers use the
the blower fan is in the outdoor color coding as noted but be aware
package unit. that some do not use the thermostat
color coding.
C – This is the thermostat terminal C stands for common and there is no
which originates from the universal color used for this terminal
transformer and is necessary to although black is the most common
complete the 24 volts power circuit color I’ve seen.
in the thermostat but only if the
thermostat consumes electricity for
power. Many digital thermostats
require 24 volts for power so the
common wire is necessary.
O or B – These thermostat Orange for O and Dark Blue for B
terminals are for heat pumps and depending on the installer of the heat
the B thermostat terminal is used pump and the manufacturer. If you
on for Rheem or Ruud and any have a Trane, Carrier, Goodman,
manufacturer that energizes the Lennox, Ducane, Heil, Fedders,
reversing valve in heating mode for Amana, Janitrol, or any other
the heat pump. Most other manufacturer other than Rheem or
manufacturers of heat pumps will Ruud you will be utilizing the orange
utilize the reversing valve for wire for reversing valve. Rheem and
cooling and the O thermostat Ruud will usually utilize the blue wire
terminal will be utilized for this for reversing valve.
purpose. This wire goes to outside
heat pump condenser where the
reversing valve is located.
E – This thermostat terminal is for E – There is no universal color used
heat pumps and stands for for this thermostat terminal
Emergency Heating. If for whatever designation but this should be wired
reason the heat pump condenser directly to the heating relay or the E
fails and it is necessary to run the terminal on a terminal strip board in
heat there is an option on heat the air handler or package unit if you
pump thermostats for emergency have a heat pump package unit.
heating. Basically this simply
utilizes the back-up heat source
many heat pumps have to heat the
home without sending a signal to
the condenser to run for heat.
Aux – This thermostat terminal is Aux - There is no universal color used
for back-up on a heat pump and for this thermostat terminal
allows for auxiliary heating from the designation but this should be wired
back-up heat source usually located directly to the heating relay or the
in the air handler. Aux terminal on a terminal strip
board in the air handler or package
unit if you have a heat pump package
unit.