I am looking into getting Ranco thermostat, and, since the "raw" versions are cheaper than the pre-wired, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with wiring one of these, and if so, how difficult is it?
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Thermostat Wiring
kk123
Apr 17, 2007 10:51 AM
Replies (3)
markg
Apr 17, 2007 10:02 PM
Really depends on your comfort level and experience with wiring 120 VAC circuits.
If you have no experience, I would get help by someone who does, or else buy the ready-wired unit, open it up and see how it is done. You'll learn alot that way.
Here is a site - www.mgreptiles.com
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Mark
kk123
Apr 20, 2007 07:28 AM
I have some limited experience, but my dad used to be contractor, and an electrician. Maybe I will ask him what he thinks. Thanks for the reply.
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chrish
Apr 20, 2007 11:21 AM
I bought a Ranco a few years back and it is very dependable. I bought a heavy duty grounded extension cord and wired the thermostat "into" the cord. I have also seen people do this with multiple outlet power strips as well.
The wiring is easy, but the instructions are a bit confusing at first. That said, I have almost no wiring experience, and I got it done if a few minutes.
I got some tips from people here and wrote them down for myself for future reference. Here's what my notes say -
The relay has 3 terminals - C, NO and NC - and a coil.
C= Common or wiper
NO = Normally Open with relay coil de-energized
NC = Normally Closed with relay coil de-energized
When the Ranco is in heat mode and the temperature sensor registers a temp LOWER than the setpoint temp (the temp you set for the Ranco to trip at), the relay coil is energized and the C becomes connected to the NO contact. This happens inside the relay. A little metal arm that the C contact is connected to is pulled to the NO contact by the electromagnetic force of the energized relay coil.
When the Ranco senses the setpoint temp, C swings back to the NC contact by a spring as the coil is de-energized.
Coil energized (temp below setpoint) - C connects to NO
Coil de-energized (temp at or above setpoint) - C connects to NC
- I have mine set on the NO setting so that it will come on when the temperature is below the setpoint. This way it comes on when the temperature is too cool (NO position) and shuts off when it gets warm enough (NC position).
If that sounds confusing, don't worry about it. Wire it to the NO position and it will turn heating stuff off and on at the appropriate temps.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas
