Reference

HVAC Wiring ReferenceColor-coded HVAC cable guideFeatures of Reference

  • Allied Cable has some wire specially color coded for thermostat/HVAC use
  • It is available in two-conductor up to ten-conductor versions
  • Choose 20-ga. for runs up to 250 ft. up to 4A and 18-ga. for runs over 200 ft. up to 8A

Color-Coded Cable Reference

This color-coded cable specifically supports thermostat/HVAC use and helps you easily track which color wire operates each function (i.e. Black=Ground, Red=24VAC, White=Heat, Green=Fan, Yellow=Compressor, and so on). This reference helps installers and technicians maintain clarity and consistency during wiring, ensuring accurate connections and efficient system performance.

Conductor Requirements for Different Systems

For heating only systems, 2-conductor cable will often be present, the thermostats in this case can be the mercury switch or other mechanical types which don’t require power. Most systems that provide heating or cooling will have a 4 or 5 conductors cable. Multi-stage systems need cable with upwards of 7 conductors. Use 20-ga. for runs up to 250 ft. up to 4A, 18-ga. for runs over 200 ft. up to 8A.

Notes on grounding: If no blue or black wire connects to a COM terminal, the thermostat is likely a mechanical or mercury bulb type that does not require power. It may also be a ‘power stealing’ type which doesn’t require the ground or ‘common’ from the transformer since these types scavenge a very small amount of power that returns through the various outputs of the thermostat without actually turning on the equipment. Because Bravo communicating thermostats draw more power than can be scavenged, they must use a separate COM connection to the transformer

In a new installation, this is not a problem, but in an existing retrofit application you may need to run an extra conductor if there isn’t a spare available in the existing cabling. Sometimes installers snip spare wires inside the wall, so check the cable all the way up to where the stripping starts for cut wires. Final note: since you are (probably) running a new communications cable to the Bravo communicating thermostat anyway, you will have a GND conductor on the RS485 cable which could be used, in which case you will tie the transformer for the particular HVAC equipment in with the network GND.

Notes on Grounding

Notes on Existing Cabling: In a retrofit situation you will often see the Rc and Rh wires jumpered on an existing installation, in this case a single transformer powers both the heating and cooling equipment which is the most common type. If you see the Rh and Rc as separate conductors not jumpered at the thermostat, you can likely conclude that two separate transformers power the system—one for heating and another for cooling.

This reference serves as a practical guide for selecting the right thermostat/HVAC wiring, ensuring proper installation, grounding, and reliable system performance.