Picture of Steven Simmons

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

Wiring Tip for Zoning

When a house has zoning, it feels like there are wires going everywhere! And if you suspect that some of the wires may be crossed, you already know you could be in for a LONG DAY!!

It doesn’t matter whether its Infinity/Evolution, Honeywell, EWC, April Aire, or any other brand – we have a tip that can save guess work and give you confidence in the wiring.

When pulling new wires for zone installation or simply pulling a new wire for one zone, BEFORE you cut the wire off the spool, decide and announce a color or color combination. Use the SAME color(s) on both ends to be wrapped around the wire casing. THEN, no matter what the device is (thermostat, damper module, outdoor unit, etc.) when you get to the zoning board, where ALL of the wires meet up, you can KNOW what wire is going where.

Can’t remember where they go? Don’t remember what zone #2 wire is which? Pull zone #2 thermostat off and look at the wire color wrapped- now you know what wire is Zone#2 at the zoning panel.

Keep in mind you have to keep the same exact color(s) on BOTH ends of the wire.

The color chosen for my example were for an example, please choose the color combinations that best fit your job.

If you choose a color you later want to use, you could substitute it.

Here is an example of a 3-zone setup to show one possible way to help identify wiring at the zone panel:

The zone thermostats would be identified as #1-Red/ #2- Blue orange/ #3-Orange:

The zone damper wires would be identified as #1-yellow/ #2- Blue/ #3-green:

Zone equipment would be identified as indoor unit- blue black/ outdoor unit-blue green:

Now get out there and organize some zone wiring!

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.

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