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More and more homeowners are upgrading to smart thermostats and HVAC technologies these days.
Once you complete your HVAC training and start working in the field, you could find yourself switching out old bimetallic thermostats for their modern counterparts.
One of the first things you’ll see when you dismantle the thermostat is a system of low-voltage wires. They connect the thermostat to the air conditioner or furnace.
Many people are confused by how these wires are labeled, especially when replacing an older model thermostat with a newer one.[1]
Learn more about how these wires work and are typically labeled below.
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The Role of Thermostat Wiring
In the majority of residential HVAC equipment, you’ll find a low-voltage control system. A control transformer usually powers the system with 24 volts of alternating current.[2]
The transformer powers the thermostat, allowing it to switch on the relays that turn on the power to the furnace, fan or air conditioner.[3]
Low-voltage wires transmit power to all of these components. They connect to the terminal screws on the air conditioner or furnace and the control terminals on the thermostat.
Markings on these strips of terminals indicate the following connections:
- Heating
- Cooling
- Fan
- Heat Pump
- Power[4]
Standard Thermostat Wire Labels and Colors
How do you know which colored wire goes to which terminal? That’s the tricky part of replacing a thermostat.
A common practice among manufacturers is to use a standard terminal identification lettering system. The colors of the wires match the letters: the red wire would go to the R terminal, the yellow wire to the Y terminal, and so on.
The chart below illustrates the standard terminal identification lettering and wire coloring system. [5][6]
| Terminal Purpose | Terminal Letter | Terminal Color |
| Transformer Power | R | Red |
| Cooling-Only Transformer Power | RC | Red |
| Heating-Only Transformer Power | RH | Red |
| Relay or Heat Valve | W | White |
| First-Stage Heat | W1 | White |
| Second-Stage Heat | W2 | White |
| Fan Relay | G | Green |
| Heat Pump Changeover Valve to Heating Alternating Use (Common on Some Systems) | B | Blue |
| Compressor Contactor | Y | Yellow |
| First-Stage Cooling | Y1 | Yellow |
| Second-Stage Colling | Y2 | Yellow |
| Emergency Heat Relay | E | Brown |
| Change-Over to Cool Relay | O | Orange |
It’s important to note that the wiring colors, terminals and number of wires in a low-voltage thermostat control system can vary.
It’s not uncommon for HVAC technicians to find that the thermostat wiring provided doesn’t include the exact colors they need.[7] Always use the wiring diagram from the thermostat manufacturer to find precise connection directions.[8]
Safety First
Taking safety precautions is the first step whenever working with electrical equipment. Always turn off the circuit powering the thermostat before attempting to replace the unit or handle the low-voltage wires.[9]
Learn more about Electrical Safety for HVAC Technicians.
Additional Sources
[1] https://www.thespruce.com/what-thermostat-terminal-letters-mean-1152699
[2] Title: Fundamentals of HVAC; Authors: Carter Stanfield and David Skaves; Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute; Second Edition; Textbook page 643
[3] https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-thermostat3.htm
[4] https://www.thespruce.com/what-thermostat-terminal-letters-mean-1152699
[5] https://www.thermostatcenter.com/thermostat-wiring/
[6] http://www.wifithermostatreviews.com/the-thermostat-wiring-color-code-guide/
[7] Title: Fundamentals of HVAC; Authors: Carter Stanfield and David Skaves; Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute; Second Edition; Textbook page 643-644
[8] https://www.thespruce.com/what-thermostat-terminal-letters-mean-1152699
[9] https://www.thespruce.com/what-thermostat-terminal-letters-mean-1152699
