How Did They Expect This To Work? How to wire a 2 zone Taco switching relay for circulators

Like seriously. Did they actually expect this to work?
2 Honeywell switching relays wired back to themselves. Only R was connected.
Guess they gave up and wired both circulators to the boiler control - killing 2 transformers along the way.
Homeowner eventually had enough and decided to call a professional.
Almost missed the double draft diverters!
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[@teamdrummond6915]

Excellent video, sir. Bless you!!

[@gyver471]

If your apprentice ain’t doing it it ain’t a piece of cake.

[@406rebrandingrichardegrimm6]

I think this is the most difficult thing to visualize at times. Figuring out the correct paths for line voltage, low voltage...it is even harder when you pick up someone else's mess. Great job. You were 50% electrician 25% plumber and 25% surgeon in this one.

[@oscarmontalvan6866]

on steam hot ♨️ 🔥 water boilers forgot to add on mikey pipes 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤙👍

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

Damn, you're a speedy one. Watching you whip through all those thermostat connections in seconds, wow. Impressive.

[@KurtMGibbs]

I'm speechless. When I saw the bx loop back into the controllers I was confused but I wasn't expecting that. They set up the HVAC version of a Potemkin village.

[@johnwaby4321]

Well someone before had no clue on wiring up the controls .. i have the same problem some people just can't seem to get there heads around it .😩😩. I would have put a ground to the new metal relay control box 👍👍

[@joemartinez7765]

Is ; xx a dry contact. Is tt the power source to xx. For those whom don't know witch transformer is power what. Just a friendly heads up. Thank you Mikey pipes and the world love's Bosch

[@triton5544]

Looks like kelvin wired that before you came to the rescue

[@sydsyd]

So essentially you connected line voltage to the thermostat to impress Godzilla!😄 Excellent job as always!

[@lonniemcnerney262]

@@PipeDoctor Maybe, but anyone paid to do a job should do it correctly and completely the first time. Right?

[@AdamBoguski]

You right Mike, the relay panel 8-32 green screw should be bonded with green wire and all green wires together. Same rule applies to bonding all metal boxes with 10-32 green screw. “1900” outlet box in this case. The MC cable aluminum sheath is not rated for a fault current, unlike the BX which does not have a green wire, just aluminum wire that is used for bonding at each termination. MC cable green wire is rated for carrying a fault current. This is a common error, done even by some electricians. The idea is you want to make sure, the circuit breaker will open if the need arises. Thanks for your videos. I found your Chanel not to long ago, you guys do great job. O...and please do not replace Kelvin! He needs to stay😀

[@frankpenna637]

Awesome

[@TheArtOfConduitBending]

Wow. I can't believe you have people out there that will do this.

[@tonydelgrego2906]

Nice job Like you said what were they thinking.

[@joestinson7195]

that was an awesome video, great job saint mike

[@petem6291]

Pipes, your attention to detail is amazing most guy would not change the wire nuts ... Pete M

[@Eddy63]

Nice ,neat job ... Several thumbs up ...

[@rayc5079]

Nice job !

[@ciscokid2444]

Nice work Mike and Godzilla!

[@ciscokid2444]

@@PipeDoctor 3/31 Doc. That would be cool for my birthday. Covid not letting me do anything else. You visiting the Cisco Kid for the old switcherooey! Sounds like a plan especially with the birthday discount.

[@ciscokid2444]

Oh and leave those Taco SR5022 switching relays at the shop only two zones that we’ll probably make into one.Lol

[@ciscokid2444]

@@PipeDoctor Got to do the work first funny guy. Then google. You got to earn it! My Man!

[@globeflicker9216]

I’ve seen worse, but this one was going for a Dunning Krueger Award and did manage to figure out how not to get it to work. Funny thing is some newer boiler digital controls won’t work without a proper ground, ie spark ignition.

[@MrOscarroses]

Good job

[@chairde]

This is so interesting and logical. Not easy but always logical.

[@raymondjacobs8429]

My first Boss use to say that, put it back the way you found it only cleaner, Dr. Mikey

[@juanriera3948]

Veo todos tus videos aunque no entiendo mucho el inglés, aprendo de lo que tú haces .. gracias por compartir y enseñar tus conocimientos

[@ciscokid2444]

Where the hell is Godzilla or Kelvin when you need them? lol

[@richardcranium5839]

Juan Riera 1 month ago I see all your videos even though I don't understand English much, I learn from what you do .. thanks for sharing and teaching your knowledge

[@richardcranium5839]

@@PipeDoctor just hover your pointer over it right click and click translate

[@richardcranium5839]

then i copy n pasted fer ya

[@richardcranium5839]

at least it didnt say "hey meester i wanna do yur seester"

[@genehowley1465]

This is the kind of work that keeps the good guys in business. Sad but true

[@garagekeys]

It's not maybe you should ground it whatever... It is that it has a ground hookup you should be grounding it and you're already there with your grounds and there's no reason for you not to tie it in, it's a safety issue.

[@EDBERT8]

For Saint Mike it was easy peesy momma.

[@dominichalliday8929]

Hi, UK gas man here. Love you videos, always interesting to see how things are done in other realms.) You Sir clearly know your business. I'm interested to know, do you ever test for spillage at the draught diverter? Its a requirement here along with a flue flow test (with a smoke match/pellet respectively.) We also have to have 600mm vertical rise before any change of direction with any natural draught flue. Kind regards, Dom.

[@robertpenczar8930]

Right on

[@dutch661]

Plumber Mike good job

[@PhilScordato]

Any chance you ran the analyzer with the dryer and water heater firing as well ? Awesome job with the control box, exactly how I would have done it. The only other thing I was thinking was that there is no way there is enough combustion air for both those appliances in that small room if that solid door is closed. Even if the door was open its may be iffy if the rest of the basement provides enough air. Then also with the dryer sucking air out. I'm sure it works and has forever, but at quick glance definitely might not be "correct" ?

[@brodibro662]

You get the craziest calls lol

[@blitzblutz]

Well this gives me confidence to start my business. I figure that I will be better than the hacks who do jobs like this. I want to do perfect work though and am watching all of your videos.

[@uski]

Unfortunately, sometimes doing things right is not enough to be successful in business. In fact, many businesses doing a bad job like this are doing very well because they underpay underqualified and undertrained installers. With customers always looking for the cheaper option, and not having a clue to detect issues themselves, they often end up giving business to the bad installers. Speaking from experience from a family of contractors who had to deal with this and saw shady competition get a lot of traction due to practices like these. You will, however, sleep well at night knowing that you did the right thing, and for some (including me) it's more important that the bottom line.

[@theduffster2581]

Lots of wise guys lol 😂

[@richardl.993]

Question. There was a basement zone, was there a separate control for that or was it tied in to another zone?

[@oscarmontalvan6866]

To mikey pipe doctor what book do you recommend for great understanding on controls and piping as well t.y mikey pipes your videos are great also help with understanding wiring connection t.y you once again for your teaching s 👍🤙💪

[@soundcityintl]

You didn't even need the zone controller to control two zones from two thermostat.. The zone controller just looks better. I don't many without zone controller and many with the taco.. Nice job

[@antoniodefilippis323]

How do you patch or plug the flue pipe on mid-efficiency venting once completing a flue gas analyzer test? Pipe Doctor Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

[@wattsup918]

I have seen high temp RTV silicone (the red stuff) used as well for the 1/8” ports.

[@rickw4160]

Was the york from the vid with the pilot replacement? That was a hot water system, not a forced air, cracked heat exchanger would just be water comming out. Lol how silly.

[@Homepros888]

I would like the Knipex pliers because I do a lot of work in confined places, sometimes only my hands are accessible and the thinner lighter Knipex pliers would be perfect. BTW way you have the straight pipe wrenches have you tried the end pipe wrenches, started to use end pipe wrench 28 years ago now they are my go to wrenches all the time instead of straight.

[@dannykeane6565]

we miss zilla

[@altyndom7039]

Zone panels are easy to install compared to switching relays which are pain in the butt to figure out.

[@arielhernandez2911]

How can you tell the check valves are bad??

[@danyoung5346]

Where are you located at???? I'm going to start a business there looks like you all need help!!! Do it right the 1st time and make it safe for the people!!! too many Hacks there from the looks!!!

[@trespire]

Ground not connected ! That's a big no no. Grounding is the most important electrical connection, and always check the GFCI.

[@trespire]

@@PipeDoctor I'm don't work in the States so I'm not familliar with the State / Federal electrical code, but wouldn't the power be routed throuth a GFCI located on the electrical pannel ?

[@soundcityintl]

@@trespire No.

[@lambition]

You really should ground that control box. It will be ok 99% of the time, but there always is a possibility of something bad happens and energize that metal box. Not a good habit to omit that ground connection. FYI: Although it is recommended, twisting wire before wire nut is not necessary.

[@lambition]

@@PipeDoctor That actually is a relic from before and early days of wire nuts. New wire nuts bites into the copper with sharp spring. It makes good and secure connection without twisting and the instruction from manufacturer actually states "Pre-twisting acceptable, but not required." Wires will get twisted while putting the nut on. If it doesn't you didn't turn the nut tight enough. Pre-twisting helps when you want to just remove wire nut and check voltage without disconnecting. So, I do it most of the time, but sometimes I don't.

[@lambition]

@@PipeDoctor I am not sure what you are referring to. Are you referring to Wago connectors? If they are genuine Wago, then they are better than wire nuts. If not, who knows if they can handle rated current. Push on connectors are also ok as long as they are from reputable brands.

[@traderpete007]

Is BX required for boilers? Or can you use Romex?

[@traderpete007]

Thought so. And of course I have Romex on mine... old owner was a piece of work.

[@daversj]

Not a sparky.... but i believe Romex can’t be exposed unless 7’ or more off the floor, where it can’t be easily damaged. Below 7’ it has to be protected by conduit or metallic sheathing.

[@mike617]

Mikey quick question about your testo. Iv had my 310 for a little over 2 years, used it maybe 12 times had to send it in for re calibration at $450. How does your 320 hold up? I know they need to be re calibrated here and there but at $450, the tool only is like $650 lol

[@joeyjennings9548]

its a "Rube Goldberg" kind of thing 🤹

[@jamescoombs2569]

Taco,or, Argo,,,to the rescue 👍 makes it a lot easier

[@jamescoombs2569]

@@PipeDoctor hehe, gotta have a sense of humor,in this business,, stay, safe,an good luck ✌️, from a fellow plumber

[@jamescoombs2569]

✌️🔥🇺🇸@@PipeDoctor

[@HAL-nf1pi]

@Mikey Pipes, I can't thank you enough for your video. We moved into a new house that had the exact same problem where one thermostat controlled two zones. I bought the exact same switching relay and was able to fix the problem myself, knowing just some basic wiring. Works like is charm. You're right, easy stuff!

[@uski]

As a consumer this is really an issue. There is a very high number of installers doing an horrible job. They get away with it because many consumers do not have the knowledge to understand that there is an issue, or sometimes the issue results in premature failure (by several years) but by that time it is too late to do anything.

[@rickchapman9232]

It is what is on the pipes.the white insulation. It is just a name it is called.

[@rickc9873]

Look at it this way , there will never be any shorts or fires in the original relays.

[@steveblake8766]

#254 thumbs up

[@ralphdesanti2592]

customer got what they paid for.

[@johnsutter1497]

Did you go to school for electric or learn on the job?

[@robertrichard9460]

Can’t make this crap up! Wow

[@richardpatrick7701]

Can always tell a New Yorker, "WTF is that?"

[@jamescoombs2569]

And plz, don't say fuck,my goodness

[@alupstateny5402]

This is proof, if you don't understand zone relay wiring, stay away from it.

[@bobt4949]

It’s amazing how much butchered shit there is out there. Nice fix!

[@Samlol23_drrich]

I think Stevie Wonder wired this one

[@notsure103]

BX and MC are not the same thing. People get lazy with the green cable when assuming the MC does the same thing as BX. You should always add a pigtail to the box when using MC.

[@notsure103]

@@PipeDoctor the jacket of BX is rated as a ground MC is not(unless specified but one would have to buy that specifically from supply house, its expensive). BX is an outdated product not readily available. The lack of a dedicated ground( green wire) in the jacket is not necessarily indicative of BX because you can buy empty jacket and add your own cable. I can identify BX by sight, its heavier, feels different.. my advice is, just use pigtails and anti sparks(red grommits) as a habit, that way your ass is covered.

[@biker55555]

@@notsure103 The jacket of the older AC (BX) type cable is not rated to be used as EGC. It lacks a bonding strip.

[@REWYRED]

Whoever did that originally should never touch a piece of electrical or HVAC equipment again..

[@spartus56996]

So basically someone who calls themselves a professional created that freakin mess, WTF !!

[@JCtechwizard]

Its the difference in electrician and "lek-a-ma-trician"

[@ciscokid2444]

I was wondering about something you have 4 sons right? Why isn’t your company called Pipe Doctor and Son’s?

[@ciscokid2444]

@@PipeDoctor That’s what I figured. I have a son (26) who never liked getting his hands dirty WHAT! My Dad made me fix his cars with him in the parking lot of public housing on 125th NYC I used to take crap apart just to see how it worked or to try to fix it. I like what people say, “ have you ever seen a broke plumber” It’s all about job security. To have a trade is crucial these days. Thankfully my son followed in my footsteps and became a mailman it really made him man up and made me proud of him it’s not an easy job at all. It is also very secure with great benefits and a union can’t beat that unless you have a trade. Now I don’t have to worry about him financially just trying to get him to transfer to PA where his money will go further. If I could do it all over I would want to be a house builder. Love all aspects of a home especially the mechanicals. Learning from you would be like going to Harvard plumbing college with no tuition what a waste of an opportunity. Funny how they don’t want to help out but sure won’t walk away from what we’ve built $. Well at least I don’t have to worry about my man Mike either!

[@ciscokid2444]

I have a running joke with my son sometimes I call him USELESS lol.

[@ciscokid2444]

@@PipeDoctor You are a goof mister Mike! Lmao!

[@ciscokid2444]

Like a deer in the headlights huh?

[@ciscokid2444]

On one of your videos ask Kelvin to google the meaning of useless and to read it out loud that would be a goof to see his reaction!

[@bkoz319]

what kind of slashers set this shit up??? shame. Had to call the Doctor to get it straightened out

[@metrotechguru5863]

IMO Wago connectors are excellent. The home owner in this case really should take legal action against the original installer. Not only was the installation botched, but the homeowner was talked into buying equipment way beyond their need (fraud). Karma needs to catch-up with this installer pronto.

[@rickchapman9232]

Who ever ran that snap glass needs their heads examined. That is a crappie job. Snap glass is the easiest to run.

[@jamescoombs2569]

WTF

[@MrMjn5000]

nice job cleaning up someone else's mess.... yikes....sad that the prior people doing this s*** show install got paid...