thermostat wires
#1
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thermostat wires
I understand running normal 120 volt wire but for thermostat wire how does it go. It seems that there are gauges and the number indicates how many wires are in the line. As small as 2 and as large as 8. I only need to control a heater so I imagine all I need is the 2 wire one. For the guage the wire will be around 50 feet long so I probably could choose something smaller but I was just going to use the 18 gauge wire. Also the wire will be run along an exterior wall so it needs to be weatherproof. Mayby all thermostat wires are weatherproof but I better make sure all is ok. THanks
#2
> As small as 2 and as large as 8.
2 wires -> Heater only
4 wires -> Heater, A/C, and Fan (most common)
5+ wires -> Heat Pump, multiple burners, special thermostat, etc
> I only need to control a heater so I imagine all I need
> is the 2 wire one.
Yep. They'll be red and white with a brown jacket usually.
> For the guage the wire will be around 50 feet long
> so I probably could choose something smaller but
> I was just going to use the 18 gauge wire.
50' is a fairly short distance, so something smaller than #18 would be okay.
> Also the wire will be run along an exterior wall so it
> needs to be weatherproof.
It also needs to be UV resistant so sunlight doesn't ruin the insulation.
2 wires -> Heater only
4 wires -> Heater, A/C, and Fan (most common)
5+ wires -> Heat Pump, multiple burners, special thermostat, etc
> I only need to control a heater so I imagine all I need
> is the 2 wire one.
Yep. They'll be red and white with a brown jacket usually.
> For the guage the wire will be around 50 feet long
> so I probably could choose something smaller but
> I was just going to use the 18 gauge wire.
50' is a fairly short distance, so something smaller than #18 would be okay.
> Also the wire will be run along an exterior wall so it
> needs to be weatherproof.
It also needs to be UV resistant so sunlight doesn't ruin the insulation.
#4
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It is 24v. When I run the wire outside I am just going to use cable staples to keep it against the house siding and simply drill holes in the house where it enters and seal up the hole with caulking.