Close-up of a blue electronic circuit board with a digital display and connectors

Kevin Thigpen

Technical Services Manager North Alabama District

January 5, 2022

How to Check the CTB During a Cooling Call

The CTB (central terminal board) is a board that is often replaced unnecessarily. A CTB is simply a junction board since there aren’t any logics or relays on the board to fail. Below we will cover the steps for checking the CTB:



1. Check for 24VAC on Y1 & common at the thermostat connection.

Close-up of a circuit board with labeled connectors and terminal blocks, with red rectangles highlighting two areas

2. Check for 24VAC on the ECON plug pin 1 blue wire – this is an output to the ECON

Circuit board with a red box highlighting a vertical row of white connectors.

3. Check for 24VAC on the ECON plug pin 2 gray wire – this is a return wire from ECON.


Note: if you don’t have 24VAC, you will need to check the ECON PLUG in filter section or wire.

Circuit board with relays and connectors, one component area outlined in red.

4. Check for 24VAC on the CLO1/COMP1 Plug pin 4. If you read 24VAC here, this will indicate there isn’t an issue with the ECON Section.

Circuit board with connectors and a red box highlighting a white pin header on the right side.

5. Check for 24VAC on pin 6 of the CLO1 PLUG


Note: if you don’t read 24VAC here, you have a pressure switch open.

Control board circuit board with terminals, connectors, and a red-highlighted connector area on the right.

Follow the information provided and you will be able to determine the cause of a compressor malfunction or if a compressor is not starting during a cooling call.


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Disclaimer: The technical statements, information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof, but Mingledorff’s does not make representations or warranties, express or implied, as to its accuracy, its completeness, or the results to be obtained. The information is being provided for informational purposes only and is intended for use by persons having adequate skill and expertise regarding the proper selection, use and application of the products and recommendations and at their own risk and discretion. 
By Jesse Van Atta September 16, 2026
Disclaimer: The technical statements, information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof, but Mingledorff’s does not make representations or warranties, express or implied, as to its accuracy, its completeness, or the results to be obtained. The information is being provided for informational purposes only and is intended for use by persons having adequate skill and expertise regarding the proper selection, use and application of the products and recommendations and at their own risk and discretion.