Thermostat selection & Help with wiring it?

[rocket21]

I am attempting to purchase new thermostats for my 4 unit building with one heating system, 4 zones (in hopes of not getting creamed this winter).

After a fair amount of research I have decided on the Robertshaw 9700i or 9701i series(link below):

http://www.icca.invensys.com/robertshaw/index.htm

This has a lockout code, temperature max setting features and can be set to partial lockout whereby tenant can adjust temperature temporarily up to the max limit. I am hoping this will work out well and not have me fielding "I am too hot , i am too cold "phone calls. (any other suggestions?)

In any event the 9700 is battery powered and the 9701 is 24VAC powered. I'd rather have the VAC powered but cannot figure out if it will work with my current wiring.

I Looked at my current wiring on my manual thermostat and it looks like there is only two wires (red and white) attached to it, perhaps there are more behind the wall but I doubt it.

How do I know whether the VAC tstat will work, and for that matter will the battery one even work.

I looked at the furnace and do see the power line coming in to a red, I assuming transformer box and four small wires extending up to the untis which I assume are the red and white wires.

I would appreciate any help, this forum is great!!!

Thanks.

[Sparks]

The battery powered stats will work with just 2 wires. Their meant for this application. Other than pulling in new thermostat wire to every stat, you don't have much of a choice than to settle for the battery powered stats.

[rabadger]

Your asking for all kinds of 2:00 AM calls from the renters. Get a thermostat with adjustable temperature limits, not lock out. Don't get a auto changeover stat.

They will not be happy campers if the thing shows a call for cooling in December and can't adjust it.

[rocket21]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Sparks - I guess you saying there is no way I have 24VAC with only two wires?

rabadger= - A little clarification: This thermostat has a full lockout and a "partial lock" feature + adj temperature limits, thereby allowing the tenants to temp overide the program temperature up to the limit. the default is the lesser of 3 hrs or the next programmed event, but you can change the 3 hrs when you overide the temp, but it will set back to the program at the next event. some thermostats let you set the overide time default timing , but those I found do not have either temperature limits , coded kepad lockout or partial lock. (white rogers 19& was close but no partial lock)

Also I do not have central A/C or cooling system, so autochangeover will not be an issue correct?


I have been driving myself crazy on thermostat research and can't find the perfect on with all the functions I need but the robertshaw is pretty close. I should get web-enabled ones but I am guessing that will be cost prohibitive. Thanks again.

[Sparks]

I don't blame you for trying to control the bills a little, tenants have no regard for this, unless of course they are paying. Correct, you will not be able to use the 24 vac stats with your current wiring, you would need to pull in new stat wire or just setlle for the battery powered units. Personally, I would settle for the battery powered units, pulling new stat wire is not always an easy endeavor.

[rabadger]

You could purchase one, put in the batteries, sit at the kitchen table and play with it. That way it will be ready to go for mounting and wiring.

[rocket21]

Thanks guys, I was thinking battery might be easier as I can disconnect to program, plus I currently live there and could just reprogram my unit and switch them out when changes are necessary.

$30 more expensive for the battery units for some reason & just didn't feel like having to change batteries constantly, believe me most tenants are useless when it comes to things like that.

Should save me a bundle in the long run, it is not just the money but the peace of mind to know it is controlled somewhat and I am not getting beat....of course as long as they keep their windows closed in the winter

[Sparks]

.of course as long as they keep their windows closed in the winter

Unbelievable, but true! They do that all the time when they're not paying the bills. I would tell them if they want it any warmer than 68-70 f in the winter they should move closer to the equator.

[rocket21]

Lousy wiring instructions with them...Ok heat only system 2 wires red and white.
Old manual has no terminal markings

New tsat has Y,W,RC,RH THEN G,B,O
I assume the red goes to Rh and white to W..assuming they wired corectly from transformer? correct? If the wires were switched I can't hurt the system can I? I have no vac tester here

****there is jumper installed between the Rh and Rc, can/should I leave this in place?

Thanks VERY MUCH!

[rabadger]

Yep, R to red, W to white. Just the same way it came off the old one.

[Sparks]

Doing this type of work with no vac meter, well, you should be ashamed of yourself! :)

[rabadger]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZAAAPPPP :!:

[rocket21]

I know went to two places couldn't find meter.

I'll check the transformer to be sure, leave jumper in right?

[rocket21]

Oh I know you are just bustin me, cause I am clue less but 24v zaps are invisible....I got myself a few times changing outlets though

[rabadger]

I forgot to ask wich direction will the thermostat face. That will effect the polarity and electrons might leak out. You may have to turn the house around.

[Sparks]

It really won't matter if you remove the jumper or not in your case, Just turn the breaker or switch on the unit off before swapping out the stats.

[rocket21]

Done...appears to work, of course had to move the damn hole and wires over to fit tstat flush, never plug and play

thanks for all the attention sparks and rabadger!

[rabadger]

I didn't see you on the news so I figured you got it.

You know..........

Man hooks up stat....State goes dark, story at 10:00


Sorry, that wasn't nice.