Are you planning to install an ecobee3 smart thermostat at your home or office but not sure about the wiring diagram? Don’t worry! We have got you covered. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on ecobee3 wiring diagrams, including the various types of wiring diagrams, colors, and their respective functions. We will also answer some frequently asked questions to help you understand the wiring process better.
Types of Wiring Diagrams
Before we dive into the wiring diagrams, let’s first understand the types of wiring diagrams available. There are two types of wiring diagrams: heat-only and heat-cool.
The heat-only wiring diagram is ideal for systems that only have a heating system, such as a furnace, baseboard heater, or boiler. The heat-cool wiring diagram, on the other hand, is suitable for systems that have both heating and cooling systems, such as a heat pump or central air conditioning.
Once you have identified your system type, you can proceed with the wiring process.
Heat-Only Wiring Diagram
For heat-only systems, the ecobee3 smart thermostat requires a minimum of two wires for proper functioning: a red wire for power and a white wire for heat. Let’s take a closer look at the wiring diagram:
| Thermostat Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Red | 24 VAC power from the heating system transformer |
| White | To the heating system for heat |
You can also use the ecobee3 power extender kit (PEK) if you don’t have the required four wires (red, green, yellow, and white) in your system. The PEK will allow you to use the ecobee3 thermostat without the need for additional wires. The wiring diagram for the PEK is as follows:
| Thermostat Wire Color | PEK Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Red | R | 24 VAC power from the heating system transformer |
| White | W1 | To the heating system for heat |
| Green | — | Not used |
| Yellow | — | Not used |
Heat-Cool Wiring Diagram
For heat-cool systems, the ecobee3 smart thermostat requires a minimum of four wires for proper functioning: a red wire for power, a green wire for fan, a yellow wire for cooling, and a white wire for heat. The wiring diagram is as follows:
| Thermostat Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Red | 24 VAC power from the heating/cooling system transformer |
| White | To the heating system for heat |
| Green | To the fan relay in the heating/cooling system |
| Yellow | To the cooling system for cooling |
If you don’t have the required four wires, you can use the ecobee3 PEK to connect your thermostat. The wiring diagram for the PEK is as follows:
| Thermostat Wire Color | PEK Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Red | R | 24 VAC power from the heating/cooling system transformer |
| White | W1 | To the heating system for heat |
| Green | G | To the fan relay in the heating/cooling system |
| Yellow | Y1 | To the cooling system for cooling |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I install the ecobee3 thermostat myself, or do I need a professional?
You can install the ecobee3 thermostat yourself if you are comfortable with electrical wiring. However, if you are not sure, it is always better to get professional help to ensure proper installation.
2. What if my thermostat wire colors are different from those mentioned in the diagram?
Don’t worry if your thermostat wire colors are different from those mentioned in the diagram. You can use a multimeter to identify the wires’ functions and connect them accordingly.
3. Do I need to turn off the power before wiring my ecobee3 thermostat?
Yes, it is essential to turn off the power before wiring your ecobee3 thermostat to avoid any mishap.
4. What if I don’t have the required wires for my system?
If you don’t have the required wires, you can use the ecobee3 power extender kit (PEK), as mentioned earlier. It will allow you to use the ecobee3 thermostat without the need for additional wires.
5. Can I connect more than one ecobee3 thermostat to a single HVAC system?
Yes, you can connect more than one ecobee3 thermostat to a single HVAC system using the ecobee3 remote sensor.
Conclusion
The ecobee3 thermostat is an ideal smart thermostat that can help you save energy and reduce your energy bills. In this article, we have provided you with a comprehensive guide on ecobee3 wiring diagrams for both heat-only and heat-cool systems. We have also answered some frequently asked questions to assist you in understanding the wiring process better. Remember to turn off the power before wiring your ecobee3 thermostat and seek professional help if you are not sure about the wiring process.
