I havent done one yet, but if I remember correct, a communicating t-stat is normally wired over UTP. Can you wire a communicating thermostat over conventional T-stat wire? I pulled the stat, and it IS an 8 conductor wire, just not UTP. Running UTP if needed will NOT be an easy chore.

If you are using Aprilaire or Crestron, can you place a remote sensor on the wall instead and place the Tstat somewhere else?

I am not familiar with Aprilaire or Crestron stats, but HAI allows remote temp sensors (either flush or wall mount, the flush is skimed over and painted). They use 3 conductors and are a pain in the butt to solder. Also, their stats use 3 conductors to communicate with the controller and stat line goes back to the mechanical. We have had to tie in off the 24 volt p.s. for the mechanical with all radiant stats we've installed. I know it's not the product you asked about but, I hope it helps.

I will use whatever stat I need that will do the job. I realize I may be a bit vague, but communicating t-stats are new to me. I wil be typing this to a HomeLogic system. In reality I guess a visible stat is not really needed, as in the end the HVAC will be controlled via the Homelogic in-wall TP that will be in an adjacent wall.

So your saying I could use the original stat wiring for a remote temp sensor, and maybe just mount the stat whever needed (that I can get a cat5 cable to from the h-run?

SO I take it this means NON UTP cable is not a good idea, even though theyre both 8 conductor?

We have not used UTP. We have typically run 24/4 shielded but have also used standard security wire (22/4 unsheilded) with no issues. I do think that you could use the stat wiring (most likely 4 conductor) for a remote temp sensor but, make sure you have pulled it from the mechanical power supply first. Do not short the mechanical's hot line. You can easily kill it's relay (depends on the system). I would not try to push long distance on the remote temp sensor and if you use an HAI rc-80 or rc-122 or what have you, you'll have a bear of time soldering the stat line inside the stat. They do not leave you much room to work with inside the stat itself either.

I am unfamiliar with Homelogic. Make sure the equipment is compatible.

I do think

I checked, and it is 8 conductor. looks to be maybe 18/8? (Not sure what the normal t-stat awg is, but its NOT 22awg. ) Its in the normal t-stat brown jacket.

Yeah it's probably 18 gauge. If it's forced air with A/C they probably use 4, if radiant it's probably 2. If there is a place where you can tap into that line you may be able to just piggy back it and run your comm. on 3 conducters (HAI). then from where you splice, run to your headend. Works in theory. I checked www.homeauto.com and found that Home logic is not listed as an HAI "connectivity partner" making all of this moot.

Homelogic does support communications with the HAI RC series stats.

jcmitch

[Link: homelogic.com]

This specifys cat5 cable for the stat, bit i tlook slike it only uses 2 of the 4 pairs. So this is why Im wondering if I can use standard HVAC 18/8 instead of UTP