Preventing Low Voltage Issues

In this episode, Bryan and Bert dive deep into the world of low voltage wiring in HVAC systems. They discuss common mistakes, best practices, and troubleshooting techniques that technicians and contractors should be aware of when dealing with control wiring.

The conversation begins with a focus on mechanical issues, such as running wires in places where they can be damaged and poor splicing techniques. Bryan and Bert emphasize the importance of proper wire stripping, both for the outer jacket of control cables and individual conductors. They share tips on how to avoid damaging wires during installation and stress the significance of planning wire placement, especially behind thermostats.

The discussion then shifts to common miswiring issues, including incorrect terminal connections and misunderstandings about system configurations. They explore the challenges of wiring heat pumps, straight cool systems, and gas furnaces, highlighting the importance of understanding how different thermostats and equipment interact. The hosts also delve into the complexities of dehumidification control wiring and the need to comprehend how various controllers operate.

Bryan and Bert also address communicating systems and offer advice on preventing communication issues. They stress the importance of running new control wiring, considering shielded cable for long runs, and being meticulous about connections.

Topics covered in the podcast:

Proper wire stripping techniques for control cables
Common miswiring issues in HVAC systems
Thermostat wiring and configuration challenges
Dehumidification control wiring complexities
Heat pump vs. straight cool/gas furnace wiring differences
Communicating systems and preventing communication issues
Using shielded cable for long control wire runs
Troubleshooting intermittent low voltage problems
The importance of reading manuals and understanding system configurations
Tips for managing wires behind thermostats and in control panels
Using megameters for testing control wires
Encouragement for technicians dealing with low voltage issues

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

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##hvacschool #dehumidifcation #hvac #HVACR #HVACTechTips #lowvoltage #splicing #voltage

Author:

Bryan Orr

Company: HVAC School

Position: Founder

Bert Testerman

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In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers Edward’s question about how to deal with customers who ask, “Why didn’t you notice it last time?”

There isn’t an easy answer to that question. The truth is that air conditioning and home health and comfort issues are complicated, and it’s entirely possible that an issue simply went unnoticed (or the symptoms simply weren’t apparent yet). The HVAC industry doesn’t have a standard slate of tests that can give a comprehensive view of everything that’s wrong with a system all at once. It’s similar to how a doctor can offer a second opinion that differs from the first doctor you saw.

You have to determine whether the customer wants to place blame or solve the problem when they ask, “Why didn’t you notice it last time?” Sometimes, we need to dig deeper to find the root of the problem. We can offer advanced diagnostics and be honest about what that will entail (including pricing), though it’s natural for customers to be apprehensive about being sold options. However, we don’t want to avoid pursuing solutions either.

There are ways to talk about previous sloppy or incomplete work without placing blame on another technician. The immediate problem is what requires attention, not the last person who worked on the system. Ask the customer to state their goals and the results they want to see, and you can forge a path ahead.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.