Hey there,
I'm having problems w/ my heating (as discussed in a previous thread),
and I want to double check the connections between the thermostat and
the boiler isn't the problem. I'm almost sure the connection is fine
(the boiler clicks whenever I set the thermostat above the current
temperature, or below the current temperature), but I want to have
direct measurements that show me that the connection is solid. What is
the best approach to doing this?

I just purchased a multimeter, with the following idea in mind -- hit
the breaker on the power to the thermostat, disconnect the R & W cables
from the thermostat, place the multimeter to 50V DV (the thermostat is
24V, 50 the closest higher reading in the multimeter), flip the breaker
back on, and then place the black test lead on the W cable, and the red
test lead on the R cable. If my understanding is correct, this should
complete the circuit and my multemeter should read the voltage level.

Does this make sense, or am I misunderstanding how this works? I'm
working off of reading about cabling and doing electrical work, but all
the voltage meter docs I've seen are for wall sockets and such. I
thought I'd ping the experts before causing any havok.

Thanks

Leave the thermostat in place and the wires connected normally.

When the power is on but the thermostat circuit is open (that is, NOT
calling for heat) you should see 24VAC across the thermostat terminals.
When the thermostat is closed (calling for heat) you should see zero volts.

coldguy wrote:
Hey there,
I'm having problems w/ my heating (as discussed in a previous thread),
and I want to double check the connections between the thermostat and
the boiler isn't the problem. I'm almost sure the connection is fine
(the boiler clicks whenever I set the thermostat above the current
temperature, or below the current temperature), but I want to have
direct measurements that show me that the connection is solid. What is
the best approach to doing this?

I just purchased a multimeter, with the following idea in mind -- hit
the breaker on the power to the thermostat, disconnect the R & W
cables from the thermostat, place the multimeter to 50V DV (the
thermostat is 24V, 50 the closest higher reading in the multimeter),
flip the breaker back on, and then place the black test lead on the W
cable, and the red test lead on the R cable. If my understanding is
correct, this should complete the circuit and my multemeter should
read the voltage level.

Does this make sense, or am I misunderstanding how this works? I'm
working off of reading about cabling and doing electrical work, but
all the voltage meter docs I've seen are for wall sockets and such. I
thought I'd ping the experts before causing any havok.

Thanks

What Travis is telling you will prove your 24 vac circuit through your
thermostat, however if turning the stat up and down causes the relay to
energize and deenergize, you've already proved it. The next step is to see
if the circulator that the relay is connected to is getting 120 volts and if
its actually spinning. open the splice box on the circulator and carefully
check for 120 volts when the relay is energized. If you get your voltage at
the circulator you need to be sure the pump isn't jammed and that there is
no restrictions in the line, and that the flow control valve is set
correctly
"Travis Jordan" wrote in message
...
Leave the thermostat in place and the wires connected normally.

When the power is on but the thermostat circuit is open (that is, NOT
calling for heat) you should see 24VAC across the thermostat terminals.
When the thermostat is closed (calling for heat) you should see zero
volts.

coldguy wrote:
Hey there,
I'm having problems w/ my heating (as discussed in a previous thread),
and I want to double check the connections between the thermostat and
the boiler isn't the problem. I'm almost sure the connection is fine
(the boiler clicks whenever I set the thermostat above the current
temperature, or below the current temperature), but I want to have
direct measurements that show me that the connection is solid. What is
the best approach to doing this?

I just purchased a multimeter, with the following idea in mind -- hit
the breaker on the power to the thermostat, disconnect the R & W
cables from the thermostat, place the multimeter to 50V DV (the
thermostat is 24V, 50 the closest higher reading in the multimeter),
flip the breaker back on, and then place the black test lead on the W
cable, and the red test lead on the R cable. If my understanding is
correct, this should complete the circuit and my multemeter should
read the voltage level.

Does this make sense, or am I misunderstanding how this works? I'm
working off of reading about cabling and doing electrical work, but
all the voltage meter docs I've seen are for wall sockets and such. I
thought I'd ping the experts before causing any havok.

Thanks

On 1/8/05 2:53 PM, in article
, "coldguy"
wrote:

Hey there,
I'm having problems w/ my heating (as discussed in a previous thread),
and I want to double check the connections between the thermostat and
the boiler isn't the problem. I'm almost sure the connection is fine
(the boiler clicks whenever I set the thermostat above the current
temperature, or below the current temperature), but I want to have
direct measurements that show me that the connection is solid. What is
the best approach to doing this?

The best way to check connections usually is to redo them if you think
they might be a problem. Loosen the screw, wiggle the wire, and then
retighten. A bad connection many times will cause an intermittent problem.

I just purchased a multimeter, with the following idea in mind -- hit
the breaker on the power to the thermostat, disconnect the R & W cables
from the thermostat, place the multimeter to 50V DV (the thermostat is
24V, 50 the closest higher reading in the multimeter), flip the breaker
back on, and then place the black test lead on the W cable, and the red
test lead on the R cable. If my understanding is correct, this should
complete the circuit and my multemeter should read the voltage level.

Does this make sense, or am I misunderstanding how this works? I'm
working off of reading about cabling and doing electrical work, but all
the voltage meter docs I've seen are for wall sockets and such. I
thought I'd ping the experts before causing any havok.

Thanks


The meter might give you a false reading with the wires unhooked. Check
voltage with the wires connected and power to the load. A meter does not
put a load on the wiring or switching so you won't gain much by doing a test
the way you suggested.
I don't do HVAC work but the few units I've been around use AC voltage to
the thermostat and at least some of the controls. You'd have to set your
meter accordingly.

Dean



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Just measure the low voltage at the termnal strip of the Boiler : R and
C....then again at the terminal strip on the Boiler : W and C ; Do this
when the thermostat is calling for heat. There shouldnt be much
difference between the two readings but there is typically a small
voltage drop ; So long as the voltage between W and C is no less than
approx. 22 volts ... you are within safe and proper conditions and you
can figure you arent loosing an excessive amount of voltage due to loose
or poor connections. Hope that helps.