DIY Automated Thermostats - $20

D

disinmtl

Member
Hi,

I'm new here so I thought I would try to start off with a contribution and then start asking questions. This one doesn't seem to be in the diy section, though I am surprised. If it is, I am a moron and sorry. Great site, thanks for all info.

Supplies:

1. 120v/240v line voltage thermostat: Ace Hardware, $15.99.

2. Two junction boxes, switch type: around $1 each.

3. Some wire, about 2 ft, although less works, but more may be needed it depends on placement of junction boxes, read on, a couple feet is a $2

4. Receptacle - .67 cents

Like I said, around 20, but the catch is that is for one thermo, either heat or cold, a thermo that does both is like 30 something on the net, or you can buy two and use one for each.

So, here goes it: (note I am not going into where to source your power, I start at an available line.)

1. Install one junction box where you want the thermostat, position in your room is important, so where you are most concerned with temp.

2. Install other junction box near the appliance being used for heating/cooling.

3. Install the line thermostat in the jb. Works just like a simple wall switch.

4. Run that line to the other jb and install the receptacle. Plug heating/cooling device into receptacle and set thermostat.

Done

So, for example, I have a cold room and it gets colder at night, so I plugged a radiator into the thermostat and set it for 68. Once heat becomes an issue, I'll do up a cooling one to run my exhaust and/or a/c.

So, you save at least 20 bucks and you can put the thermostat anywhere in the room unlike the store bought which is locked to the locale of the appliance.

I can post more details or pics if anyone wants. Hopefully not a double post.

I not responsible for any liability associated with this guide, use at your own peril
 
D

disinmtl

Member
whatapothead said:
pics would be great. i would def. make a couple of these.
Click to expand...
Okay, so I already built mine, so no cool supply list pics, but I will link you to products.

Supplies and some general wiring items:

1. Switch boxes: Either Plastic or metal, needs to be switch type, i.e. for your wall light switch. notice mine are doubles, you only need a single.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xi0/R-100404058/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

2. Romex: I tend to use 12-2 even if it is a 15 amp, but that's cuz I'm paro. Remember, watts/volts = amps.

by the foot or bundles at discount:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xi0/R-100684022/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

3. 120v/240v line thermostat (used in homes to control baseboard radiant heat, DO NOT BUY A MINIVOLT THERMOSTAT (most are b/c central heat/air is most common) AND HOOK IT UP TO A 120v LINE, let me hear you say "FIRE").

http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/ace-double-pole-line-voltage-thermostat-p-33021.html?ref=42

Note, mine was cheaper in the local store, so check there first.

4. receptacle, note that you can use as many receptacles as you want and still control with one thermostat (e.g., fan and a/c) or whatever, just don't overload the circuit. w/v=amps

http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/leviton-grounding-duplex-receptacle-p-75314.html?ref=42

5. Wire nuts or ideal brand quick connects, see the clear plastic thing, you stick all your white, or all black, or all ground, into one and your done, no twisting, twisting, twisting, my favorite, disregard my wire colors, this is a ground using random color wire:



6. These you don't need but are real helpful when wiring, note the traditional wire nut on the bag. The bag is for wire clamps and you need a hammer to install them, but very easy and cheap. The pic after is a wiring wrench, indispensble if you do even basic household wiring
.




Here is the whole thing for me, but again your wires can be as along as you want and your number of receptacles is limited only by the circuit.


note the wires running from the thermo to the jb containing the recepticle.


So review of starting out:

ALWAYS DISCCONECT POWER TO THE CIRCUIT BEFORE WORKING ON WIRING, oh yeah, a $7 voltage sniffer kicks ass for making sure, sure, sure.

This assumes you found an available line, ran new from it to the new jb and then install the thermo like a wall switch.


hooking up the thermo:

So, you take your line, break off the hot at the thermo, and tie the hot to the L1 terminal on the thermo back, its a black wire. Tie the other end of the broken black wire, i.e., the one running to the recepticle you want to control. Tie it to T1, the only other black wire.

Make sure the red wires dont stick out, cut them back and cover with electricians tape, they come with an uninsulated portion, and then don't use them, its a dual thermo, were using 120v, not 240v.

then take cover off thermo, install like a wall switch and recover, set.

Moving on:

Then run the new line to the new jb, install receptacle, and wire new line to it.

Using:

Then use the thermo like a wall switch, set it and it will come on when temp level reaches the desired temp, and it will then supply power to the receptacles.

More pics:

here is the thermo with the housing in the jb.


here is the thermo uncovered, see the two screws, goes in just like a wall switch, tie the wiring in back first.


here is my space heater, goes up to 1500w, oil filled so good efficiency and super safe, $25.00, so zoned heat for about $50.00


So, that's it.

Again with the disclaimer, I am not responsible for any liability arising from this post. These are not even instructions, but instead a love letter I wrote to my gf.
 
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