Attic fans help to reduce energy consumption and save money on electricity bills. They are designed to remove hot air from the attic, preventing the hot air from entering the living space. Attic fans work alongside the traditional air conditioning system in the home, reducing the load on the air conditioning system and consequently reducing energy consumption. One important component of the attic fan is the thermostat. This article will cover everything you need to know about the 120V attic fan thermostat wiring diagram.
What is an Attic Fan Thermostat?
An attic fan thermostat is a device that regulates the temperature in the attic. It is responsible for turning the attic fan on when the temperature reaches a certain threshold and turning it off when it falls below that threshold. The thermostat ensures that the fan only runs when required, thus reducing energy consumption in the home.
Types of Attic Fan Thermostat
There are two types of attic fan thermostat:
- Line-Voltage Thermostat
- Low-Voltage Thermostat
Line-Voltage Thermostat
A line-voltage thermostat is designed to work with 120V power supply. It is less expensive than a low-voltage thermostat and is easy to install. It is, however, less efficient than a low-voltage thermostat and is known to cause voltage spikes on the fan motor, which can damage the motor over time.
Low-Voltage Thermostat
A low-voltage thermostat is designed to work with a low-voltage transformer. It is more expensive than a line-voltage thermostat but is more efficient and reliable. It does not cause voltage spikes on the fan motor, thus protecting the motor from damage.
Wiring Diagram for a 120V Attic Fan Thermostat
The wiring diagram for a 120V attic fan thermostat is quite simple. It requires three wires – a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a load wire. The hot wire is the power supply wire, the neutral wire is the return wire, and the load wire is the wire that connects the fan motor.
| Wire | Color | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Wire | Black | The power supply wire |
| Neutral Wire | White | The return wire |
| Load Wire | Red | The wire that connects the fan motor |
The wiring diagram for a 120V attic fan thermostat is as follows:
Step 1: Turn off the power supply to the thermostat by switching off the circuit breaker.
Step 2: Remove the cover of the thermostat to expose the wiring terminals.
Step 3: Connect the hot wire to the terminal marked “L” (Line).
Step 4: Connect the neutral wire to the terminal marked “N” (Neutral).
Step 5: Connect the load wire to the terminal marked “LOAD”.
Step 6: Replace the cover of the thermostat.
Step 7: Turn on the power supply to the thermostat by switching on the circuit breaker.
FAQs
1. What is the function of the attic fan thermostat?
The function of the attic fan thermostat is to regulate the temperature in the attic. It turns the fan on when the temperature reaches a certain threshold and turns it off when it falls below that threshold.
2. What is the difference between a line-voltage thermostat and a low-voltage thermostat?
A line-voltage thermostat is designed to work with 120V power supply while a low-voltage thermostat is designed to work with a low-voltage transformer. A low-voltage thermostat is more efficient and reliable than a line-voltage thermostat.
3. What are the benefits of using an attic fan?
An attic fan helps to reduce energy consumption and save money on electricity bills. It removes hot air from the attic, preventing the hot air from entering the living space. It works alongside the traditional air conditioning system in the home, reducing the load on the air conditioning system and consequently reducing energy consumption.
4. How do I know if my attic fan thermostat is faulty?
If your attic fan is not turning on or off at the appropriate temperature threshold, then your thermostat may be faulty. You can test your thermostat using a multimeter to check for continuity.
5. Can I install an attic fan thermostat myself?
Yes, you can install an attic fan thermostat yourself. However, if you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, it is best to hire a licensed electrician to do the installation for you.
