thermostat wires


  #1  
Old 11-03-06, 01:31 PM
M
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 95
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
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  
Old 11-03-06, 01:41 PM
I
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Near Lansing, Michigan
Posts: 9,785
Upvotes: 0
Received 45 Upvotes on 43 Posts
> 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.
 
  #3  
Old 11-03-06, 01:42 PM
Ed Imeduc's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Mountain Williams Missouri
Posts: 17,505
Upvotes: 0
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
Wink

You dont say what the heater is. If 24V yes run 18 gauge.
 
  #4  
Old 11-04-06, 09:58 PM
M
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 95
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
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.
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: