Updated On 01 Apr, 24

How to Set up Nest Thermostat E Without C Wire?

If you are looking forward to knowing how to setup the Nest Thermostat E without c wire, then these are some of the steps that you are required to follow. 

Step 1: Power off Your Thermostat

This protects you as well as prevents equipment from being fused out. Please ensure that the thermostat is turned off and increase or decrease the temperature of your present thermostat and wait for the next 5 minutes to make sure that the system does not get turned on. 

Step 2: Remove the Cover

Covers of some thermostats tear off and on the the other hand it needs to get unscrewed. Old thermostats also have a second plate that needs to be taken off or removed so that it can expose the wires. 

Step 3: Click a Photo of the Wires

In the next step to install the Nest Thermostat , click the pictures of the wires of your thermostat and keep it safe for later use. Also, you need to ensure that you can read the wire label terminals. 

Step 4: Check the Compatibility Using the Compatibility Checker

In case you have not tested the compatibility of the wires of your thermostat, then you must do so by going to the  nest.com/works website. 

  • All you have to do is to put-in the connectors of your thermostat, which have wires in it. 
  • There is no need for you to use the wire colors. Also, you must enter the connector labels. 
  • You must not put-in the jumper wires in the checker. 

If you find that your system is compatible, then you will get to see a custom diagram, which you will require for installing the Nest Thermostat. Either take a print out or e-mail it to yourself. 

Incompatible Wiring and Voltage

Standard Wires

If you are using the standard wires, then you must know that they are not compatible with the Nest Thermostat. So, they will not be helpful when you install the Nest Thermostat. 

High-voltage Wires

If 120v or 240v is written or labelled on your thermostat or its wires have wire nuts. If it has L2 or L1 terminal blocks, then your system’s voltage is high and not compatible with Nest thermostat. 

Step 5: Remove the Jumper Wires

Jumper wires are short in size and are used for connecting two connectors. You don’t need jumpers if you are using a Nest Thermostat. In case the thermostat has jumpers, then you need to remove it. Also, you can save them so that you can use them together with your old thermostat. 

Step 6: Label Your Wires

In the next step to set up the Nest Thermostat E, take off the labels and stick them with the matching wires of the thermostat. 

Tips for wiring:

  • The colors of the wires of the nest thermostat may differ from your current thermostat. 
  • C or common wires are normally blue in color. 
  • If you see a wire of orange color that has O or B labeled on it. You need to connect that wire in your Nest thermostat’s O or B connector. 
  • In case you see a white colored wire labelled as W, then there is a chance that you don’t have a heat pump.  Then, you need to connect this wire to W connector of your Nest Thermostat.

Step 7: Remove the Base and Disconnect the Wires

Once you have removed the base of your thermostat, then you need to wrap up the wires around a pencil or pen so that it does not fall back in the wall’s hole. 

Step 8: Make Markings for Placing the Screws

Use a Trim Plate if Required

In case you don’t wish to paint the marks that were created by your old thermostat, then you can make use of a trim plate. Snap the trim plate and the thermostat base together and then screw them in the wall. If you have and electrical box, then you will also have to buy a steel plate along with it to install the Nest Thermostat. Place the steel plate using the screws in the electrical box. After that, use other two screws for attaching the trim plate and Nest base. 

Step 9: Install the Base

Take the wires out of the base’s centre and attach it to the walls with screws. After that, you need to connect the wires. Take a look at the wiring diagram that you saved from the compatibility checker. Tug every wire gently and make sure that they are secure. Also, ensure that every connector has a wire and stays down. Once all the wires are properly connected, push them downwards to ensure that they flush with the base. 

Step 10: Attach the Display

Push the display on the base and wait for it to click. Turn the power on once again. 

Step 11: Setup

The thermostat will then get turned on and will help you in completing the setup procedure. You can first select the language and then connect to the wireless network and say some things about your system and house. This will help in saving the energy while you learn how to setup the Nest Thermostat. 

Step 12: Control it Using Your Nest Application

Download the Nest application for free, so that you can easily control your thermostat by using the Nest application on your smartphone. You will also get a monthly report on your smartphone that will display all the energy use in front of you. You can also download this application from Google Play or App store. You also have a choice to go to home.nest.com if you do not have a smartphone or mobile phone in hand. 

Step 13: Add Thermostat to Your Account

In case you have never used a Nest application on your phone, then tap on the plus sign on the home screen of your application. After that, you need to select Nest thermostat. In case, there are Nest products present in your account already, then all you need to do is to select the icon of settings and then click on thermostat. The application will help you learn how you can add thermostat to your Nest account. 

Use Your Thermostat

The thermostat will understand the schedule automatically. You can also select the schedule by presetting temperature and time.  After that, you can make changes in the schedule at any point of time. 

So, this is how you can install the Nest thermostat.