Well, these smart thermostats need power for themselves. Since they’re supposed to be getting “R”, the instructions say connect “C”. Of course if your transformer is wired backwards, the terminal labeled “C” on the transformer already goes to the thermostat, so connecting another wire does nothing.

Why is my C wire not working?

Quick Check for an Existing C-wire:





If it has batteries, remove them. If the thermostat loses power it does not have a C-wire, and you may need an add-a-wire kit. If it doesn’t lose power, locate your breaker panel. Flip the breaker for the wall with the thermostat on it.

What is the C wire on a wireless thermostat?

WHAT IS A C-WIRE? A C-wire, or a common wire, runs from your low voltage heating system (24v) and carries continuous power to your thermostat. In today’s electric market, most newer heating and cooling systems have C-wires, which guarantees compatibility for the installation of all smart thermostats.

Why does my thermostat have extra wires?

An extra unused wire in the wall can be used as the C wire for your new thermostat. The extra wire will also need to be connected to the C (common) terminal at the heating and cooling system. This will provide power to your new thermostat.

Why would C wire not have power?

A “C” wire does not supply power it is used as a return wire (a grounded or neutral conductor). You will also need a power source conductor, it’s usually red. So your thermostat should have at least five conductors labeled R-power, C-common, G-fan, Y-cool, W-heat and if you have a heat pump O-reversing valve.

How do I know if my C wire is working?





You should see 24 Vac. It could be as high as 29 Vac when nothing is running, and nothing will be with your thermostat removed. If you have the voltage then the C wire is real and you can continue. If not consider having your system updated to include it.

What color is C wire on thermostat?

Blue wires

Blue wires are also called “C” wires because they are the Common wire. C wires are necessary for any “smart” thermostat that needs to be connected to a power source 24/7, regardless of your heat pump type.

How do you run a C wire on a thermostat?

Remove the access panel from the furnace and locate the thermostat wires and terminals. Connect an 18 AWG wire to the C terminal at the furnace. Next, remove the thermostat face plate. Now, run the new C wire from the furnace to the back of the new thermostat.

Is RC and C wire the same?



Hi there! The C and Rc wires are not the same. To install this thermostat you should follow the exact same wiring of the previous thermostat.

Where do I connect the C wire on my furnace?

On the C-Wire Adapter’s “Equipment” side, connect the wires to the corresponding terminals on the control board. Note: Be sure to remove the plastic tip on each wire before connecting to a terminal. Use the included mount and adhesive pad to attach the C-Wire Adapter inside your furnace or heating system.

Why am I not getting power to my thermostat?

A quick fix to restore your thermostat’s power is a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse, depending what you have in your home. Sometimes a surge can cause this issue. If you check your electrical box and a circuit breaker is tripped, just flip it back. If you have fuses, replace the fuse.

Is blue wire C-wire in thermostat?



The C, or common wire, provides smart thermostats with continual power. It’s usually blue, but it may also be black, brown or purple. The O or orange wire connects to your heat pump (if applicable).

Can I use G wire for C-wire?

Option #3: Use a G-Wire as a C-Wire

If there is no hidden C-wire, you can use a G-wire instead. However, you will not be able to use your fan independently when the heating or cooling isn’t running. Also, many HVAC systems are incompatible with this solution, including: HVAC systems using electric heat.

Is C-wire a ground?

C stands for common. The common wire is the ground or negative wire. To complete the circuit that provides power to the thermostat you need a positive and negative wire from the 24V transformer.

Is the C-wire hot or ground?



Typically, the wires that provide the power (often called the “hot” wires) are labeled Rc (cooling) and Rh (heating).

How many wires do you need for a WIFI thermostat?

4 Wire Thermostat Wiring (Heat Pumps, HVAC)

Smart thermostats like Nest and Ecobee thermostats require 4 wire thermostat wiring to function properly. In addition to heating (2 wire thermostats) and C or fan (3 wire thermostats), 4 wire thermostats include the cooling wire, usually in blue or yellow color.

What if my thermostat has only two wires?

If your heating system has only two wires, the job of the thermostat is simple. All it has to do is turn the heat or the cooling on and off. There’s no auxiliary fan to worry about and no heat pump.

Can I install nest without C-wire?



You can install a Nest Thermostat without a C-wire by using a C-wire adapter, that mimics a traditional C-Wire without you having to wire it.

Can I install ecobee without C-wire?

Even though it comes with an adapter for missing c-wires, ecobee is what we’d pick even for systems with a c-wire. If you’ve got a 24v HVAC system but no C-wire, check out the ecobee product line. Every ecobee ships with an adapter that you can install yourself at your furnace to make up for a missing C-wire.