How To Wire A Nest Power Connector to a Honeywell Zone Valve

The ONLY video on the internet that shows you how.
Nest Power Connector: amzn.to/3hy1l2P
NOTE: A separate power connector is required for EACH Nest Thermostat.
00:00 Nest Power Problems
00:40 Disconnecting Thermostat Wires from Zone Wiring
01:15 Connecting T-Stat Wires To Power Connector
01:38 Disconnecting Zone Valve Wiring
02:09 XFMR 24 Volts To Power Connector
02:59 24v Path From XFMR to Nest
03:50 Zone Valve Wiring to Power Connector W Wire
04:10 Zone Valve Wire/Power Connector Common/XFMR Common Wiring

[@eddyparker10]

You dont know how badly I needed this tutorial 2 weeks ago. I literally looked for tutorials in KZbin but nothing were like this one. I did my installation same as yours nd now my New Nest thermostat (2020 model) works fine. Great Video👌

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

I was surprised when I searched the internet on how little there was out there on how to do this. This video definitely needed to be made. Glad you got it figured out, Eddy. Thanks for the comment.

[@killermunroe676]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC👋🏼 great video. Thanks for taking the time to share this information. I just connected my power connector because I was getting a reading of low power 🪫. I’m not sure what I did but now I it(Google nest) says I have no power. 😢😅. I have a red and white and also a black and white wire. 😮Where did I go wrong 😑?

[@jobe20001]

Awesome job explaining this Google needs to fire whoever wrote those instruction manuals. I'm a licensed plumber and I'm very familiar with zone valve wiring. I spent an hour screwing around with one of these the other day and didn't get it to work. After watching your video it took me 10 minutes. Thanks

[@raulcarandang8619]

Hello Jersey Mike, Thank you so much for your tutorial. It is very clear and has everything I needed to know. I was able to install 3 Power connectors to my 3-zone hot water baseboard heating. I absolutely could not have done it without your video. You’re the man! Much appreciated!!! Just FYI, I have a 40 VA transformer. It’s powering 3 valves for my 3-zone hot water baseboard heating, 1 valve for the indirect heat water heater, and 3 Power Connectors. The transformer is able to power them all with no issues. I mention this because there were comments that asked if the transformer can handle the additional power requirements of 3 Power Connectors.

[@larray1024]

Yeah... I can't thank you enough. Your directions are perfectly clear and correct. In no way am I overstating when I say, you saved me a lot of grief this weekend.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

That's awesome! Appreciate the comment. Thank you.

[@jenniferwanke8454]

So first - this is the BEST tutorial I have seen on this - so thank you for making it. This does, however, not quite solve my problem - so I thought I would chance asking. I live in a multi unit warehouse conversion (4 floors). The heaters are baseboard water radiators. They run between all of the units on each side of each floor and come from the building stairwell (on one side). They are controlled by a zone valve in each unit connected to old Honeywell thermostat. Some units have successfully installed Nest thermostats.... I have not been so lucky yet. Electricians have looked for transformers in the units and they can only find them in the basement units - they cannot locate them in any of the units on the first, second or third floor. The zone vales on the baseboard radiators (default in the off position) only have 2 yellow wires coming off of them. The wiring gets even stranger... In my unit there is wiring for I assume is 2 zone valves - but both sets of one black and one red wire come out at the same place - at my one zone valve, but only one set is connect to the zone valve and the other wires are just hanging there taped off not connected to anything. Wires Coming Into the thermostat: 1. One red and black wire set from straight from what I think is the breaker box - which is located just behind the thermostat. 2. Then the two sets of black and red wires from the zone valve (even though only one is connected at the zone valve). The way my loft is designed I think the initial plans were for two zone valves to be installed in the unit but someone during the conversion just said screw it and only installed the one. The unit is a corner loft unit and the radiators enter my unit from the building stairwell (where there is also a radiator) and run the entire length of the half my unit (entire east and south side) and then exit into the unit next to mine. I have the Nest Power Connector - but no power to connect it to..... I also have 6 wires coming to the thermostat (2 of which I don't think connect to anything due to the unconnected wires at the zone valve) two of which were connected to the thermostat. So needless to say - my new Nest Thermostat has power issues... Any solutions? I have a feeling I might need an electrician as the other units that have working Nest thermostats had extensive renovations done which required electrical work - but before I do that I thought I would try asking. Thank you in advance.

[@fourdrsleeper206]

Very timely! The wiring diagram on my ancient boiler indicated the thermostat was connected between G and R, which made no sense to me. I followed your instructions and set my Nest thermostat to W and R, and it worked perfectly. Thanks!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Glad it helped

[@Stahodad]

Thanks Mike. I have been holding off on installing these until the weather warms up a bit, just in case. Thank you very much. Cheers from Nova Scotia Canada.

[@chrissinsigalli7336]

I just tried this on my system as I was having this exact problem, and your wiring solution worked! I really don't get why Google couldn't explain this as easy as you did. Thank you!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Glad to hear it worked!

[@edmena75]

Thank You, I just followed your instructions to connect a Nest Thermostat to one of the zones of a 3 zone heat only gas boiler.

[@jefff1203]

Before seeing this video, 6 hours work keeps failing. After this video, problem solvers in 10 minutes. Thank you!!

[@swimdude1120]

Thank you for these videos! They really helped me wrap my brain around zone valves and allowed me to get my Nest Thermostat working correctly.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Great to hear!

[@siriustuck13]

This video was a lifesaver. Maintenance wired my heat up so wrong that it was just "always on". I had to fix it myself. Luckily I already had the nest connector. Thank you so much. *edit* adding my own setup in case someone else has the same - I had access to the transformer box, which had one red/white pair going to the thermostat, one red-white pair going to the valve. Connected everything as shown in this video and it worked great.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

That may have been why your heat was always on. The valve was wired directly with power with no thermostat control. It would stay open and keep the heat running until the power goes out. Glad you were able to clean it all up! Thanks for the feedback. Appreciated.

[@lapaila100]

Great explanation and it's easy to understand even for non-tech people. You made my day thanks.

[@SK-qc6fb]

Jersey Mike is a genius, my set up was exactly how you described it, thanks! Took me less than a half hr, after I had the wiring clear as to what goes where, just needed one additional wire nut. ....and he makes good Subs too!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Not to mention I make a mean Falafel...

[@SDPP992]

I just installed one, I used the common wire from the boiler zone valve side and works just fine!!

[@user-qb5ye7mb7o]

Thank you so much. You saved me. Now, I have the thermostat in our bedroom and a transmitter in my daughter's bedroom.

[@iansoper3453]

Thank you so much for your video Mike! That's EXACTLY the information I was looking for! We have our system working now with the Nest thermostat & power connector setup!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Good work. Glad to help

[@AugustCostanzo]

Great video!! One point to remember... for safety reasons NEVER take the TACO zone 'head' off the valve while energized. You could get burned pretty well from the heated grease/fluid used to push that piston out. While I've heard stories of people having that piston come out with force I never knew of it happening. I do know at least two people burned from the grease/fluid when they removed an energized head.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Good point. The base is what holds that piston in its place.

[@tyronepowers76]

Great video. Got a nest today for use with my zone valves and this was the direction I was planning to go but your video cinched it. I think 1:55 accurately sums up how these projects typically go for most DIYers.

[@tyronepowers76]

I am actually coupling this with the wiring video to clean up the mickey mouse wiring job on my zones

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Let me know how it goes.

[@asiakevin]

Bro, out of the million videos on youtube, this was the video that I needed...thanks bro!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

No problem 👍

[@tylergray7372]

I've been waiting for a video like this! Thanks so much for a clear plan to get my Nest Power Supply finally installed. Success!!!

[@KeepItReal1973]

Good video, it's definitely different than the other videos I've seen and much more in detail. I tried before but gave up. Still sounds a little complicated because I have an Aquastat Relay and I don't remember seeing yellow wires but I do remember seeing the transformer which I didn't try connecting to before.

[@drewreussmakeitbetter6552]

As many others have shared, this was incredibly helpful! Thanks so much for the clear instruction. After watching the tutorial a few times while waiting for my Power Connector to arrive it was a 5 minute project. Granted, I have a bit of wiring experience under my belt, but this was my first time ever working with a zoned furnace and it went smooth as it could because of your tutorial. Great job and thanks again for your helpful video!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Really appreciate the response letting me know how helpful my video was for you. Keeps me motivated knowing it's helping people out. Thanks!

[@drewreussmakeitbetter6552]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC I’ve got a quick follow up question. I changed out 1 of my 3 zones with the nest and power connector. I’d like to change out the other 2 as well eventually but after watching some videos I am concerned there wouldn’t be enough power to split between the 3. Is this a valid concern or am I misunderstanding something?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

@@drewreussmakeitbetter6552 What you most likely have is a 40 VA transformer powering the zone valves. Typically, a transformer like that is capable of handling up to 5 Honeywell zone valves, so you may have enough room for at least one more Nest. Not 100% sure about 3, though. If not, there is a way to add another transformer, a RIB relay and a power connector to make it work, and I have a video on that, but it's more involved wiring on both high and low voltage.

[@drewreussmakeitbetter6552]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC thanks again! Super helpful

[@simple2hack]

Thanks for the content! Was able to apply the schematic to a similar situation with a gas valve and temp limit setup on a heat only boiler with no control board

[@DB-hk8ww]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you, Mike!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

You're welcome.

[@doncoxe644]

Excellent explanation. Very well done, Mike. Thank you.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Very welcome

[@nickalexantonakis8931]

You are the man! Thanks so much for this video!

[@user-sv6po9hf5p]

Going to give up on power connector, but you explained the steps perfectly

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yeah it's touchy. They don't even work with all nest thermostats. Sorry.

[@James-zz8sy]

Thanks Mike!!! Great video! I’ll give it another try.

[@boobo0]

Awesome video! Was exactly what I needed…Ty Ty!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

You're welcome.

[@keithluitk]

You explained it so well! Thank you!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

You're so welcome

[@sgorodet]

Thank you. The most helpful video on this subject

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

You're welcome

[@johnalmonte5865]

You sir are a gift from god! Thank you so much for this video. It helped me so much.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

You are very welcome

[@anthonymartin2564]

Jersey Mike, I owe you a beer. If you’re ever in the Hudson Valley, I got you.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Thank you, brother.

[@chZubka]

This was brillant. Completely solve my problem. Thank you!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

You're welcome!

[@merkilegur]

Fantastic video that actually shows the wires from the power connector being tied in to the furnace wires!! I have a heat only two wire thermostat connection and I struggle to understand where to connect the C, R and W•Y wires from the power connector to the furnace wires. No zone valve. Q: Do I use the same wiring steps you describe in this video?

[@thomasdidymus1393]

Mike, I have a 6 flat and I was looking to try this in 1 apartment. So, I have 6 units w/6 separate zone valves and 6 separate transformers...I have everything identified except for the transformer. Once I can locate the corresponding transformer I will lable everything turn off the power and give it a go. 🤞 I will be back...THANK YOU 🙏

[@levonhovagimian8110]

Worked perfectly. Family very happy.

[@petemiller5099]

You’re my hero, bro’!

[@urbanturbine]

Excellent video, Mike. Thank you. So, if we have 4 zones we would repeat it for each zone valve. One thing google didn't think much about is that the power connector doesn't have any bracket or screw hole to attach it to a surface. It may be ok to hang it off the wiring inside an air handler but when attaching near a hydronic zone valve, there isn't much option. I am thinking about using a sticky pad or something.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yes, each nest needs its own power connector.

[@thomaskeegan6503]

GREAT quick video !!!! Perfect !!!! Thank you -

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

You're welcome!

[@jivepatrol6833]

Great video! Thank you!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

No problem!

[@shannoncolgan6200]

Very helpful video. I would make one suggestion (and maybe I missed it.) But for really beginner level HVAC DIYers like me, could you add one comment to the beginning of the video..."If you have multiple zones. you need a power adapter for EACH zone valve." Then at the end you could say, now repeat this process on each individual zone valve to really remind folks its not a single power adapter project. I tried for hours to figure out how to tie in to the bundles where all the thermostat wires met. Finally I googled do you need separate power connectors for each zone valve and found the answer was yes...then your video made way more sense and install took me about 10 minutes. Unfortunately I spent hours earlier in the day trying to figure out that one step. Adding that disclaimer might save someone else hours of time. Maybe it's something I should have known, but better to give too much info I always say. Anyway, very helpful video. Thank you!!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Would be nice if Nest informed their own customers of these things, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, KZbin doesn't allow content to be added to a video once it's published, so I cannot alter it aside from deleting parts of the video. The question was asked and answered in the comments section, but I know that can be easy to miss if you're not looking. I'll add a disclaimer to the video description in hopes others will see it. Thanks.

[@scottishsnow3594]

I have a 2 zone system but I only have the nest thermostat upstairs. I’m still not getting power to the C wire. Do I need to put a power connector as well on the other zone even though it still uses our old thermostat?

[@kevinadams1855]

Bruh, I can't thank you enough for this.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

No problem.

[@chrismaranda8737]

That guy knows its stuff. Period.

[@SuperJoemonroe]

I followed the video. The thermostat called for heat but did not open the zone valve. Do I have to remove the power connector? How can I contact Nest. Thank you Joe

[@benkashi1312]

Mike, I have this exact setup and I love your video describing this, So i went out and bought the nest power adapters. I installed the goodle nest thermostats first without the adapters, and I do only have a 2 wire set up. I played around with the app calling for heat and also lowering temp to cut it off. I saw the display remain , which is weird to me unless the 3rd gen t stats have a built in rechargable while its displaying 24v when not calling for heat until 24v drops when called for heat and an internal battery sustains it to remain on meanwhile it comes back to 24v when heat is satisfied? I just dont see the need for it in this case but again odd, thoughts?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

These Nests don't always need the power connector. The 3rd Gen can go either way depending on your system. The Nest does experience a drop in voltage when calling and returns to full voltage otherwise. That's normal.

[@MrFirejet99]

Seems my Utica Boiler does not have a Control Value as the whole house just gets steam after the boiler turns on. Having trouble figuring out where to get the last two yellow wires you mention

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

I believe Utica boilers have a low water cutoff in the 24v power circuit prior to the thermostat, which means your smart stat will lose power during each low water condition that triggers the automatic water feeder, even if you figure out the common wire. This would require rewiring the boiler circuit to make work. Even aside from this issue, I would not recommend a smart thermostat on a steam boiler, unless all you want is wifi control. In that case I would just get a nest that doesn't need a common or even better has a battery and disable all of the smart features of the thermostat. Smart thermostats and steam can be very difficult and complex to make work properly otherwise.

[@jason.cr2]

This video honestly helped me out a TON Thank you very much for all your knowledge and help. I was wondering if there is any information where there are multiple zones as well as using multiple c connectors (One for each thermostat) and how the wiring would be for that. Or do they all go through the one c connector?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

You'd have to hook up a separate Power Connector for each zone/thermostat, but you should be able to tie back to the same common wire if the transformer has enough volt-amperes to power everything.

[@jason.cr2]

Thanks for the reply. I have the three connectors and now the thermostats say that the w r wires aren’t detected. Not sure where I went wrong.

[@puggmonster]

My bit didn’t work when you connected to the transformer in the taco unit because you hooked up to the load and not the common?. Saw it in another video and it worked.

[@mattkovacs2820]

Great video. Question for you, would I need a separate power adapter for each zone valve? I have 3 zones, 2 are heat only. I would like to have all 3 as nest thermostats

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yes you'll need one power connector for each zone.

[@surinderkullar4756]

Great video! What about our house that has 10 zones. Do I need to get 10 nest adapters?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

A power connector is needed for each zone valve, but with your setup this isn't going to work. 10 zones is another ballgame. You most likely have two 40VA transformers feeding all of those zone valves and they are nearly tapped out. Not enough there to power 10 smart stats. Even with a transformer VA upgrade, it is not guaranteed to work. It might power your stats but not enough to fully take advantage of all its features. What you actually need are zoning panels and isolation relays (like Argo IR882 and ARGO AZ-5...and with 10 zones, you'd need 4 IR882s and two AZ-5s if going this route), along with a dedicated transformer (75VA) to supply enough power for all 10 Nests. Wiring will be a big task, as will be the power connectors, but the relays are a far more intuitive where everything gets wired to. Someone with experience can probably get it done in an hour or two. You may need ten 1000 ohm 1/2 watt resistors (cheap) for power stealing stats which will be connected from W to Common where the thermostats connect to the relays, but those are very cheap and pretty easy to put in. With 10 zones, this solution is going to be a little expensive. Probably talking ballpark $900 just on materials, but it's the proper way and it's proven to be reliably functional with all Nest features capable of being fully utilized.

[@craigverhasselt2321]

Mike , Informative video thank you, only question is the red wires on the zone valve are not touched ?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Nope. Different circuit.

[@craigverhasselt2321]

One last question , my transformer has three screws two are labeled load that are being used ( red and white wires ) how does this effect the hook up. Thank you

[@chrisclasen8415]

Will the same work for a Honeywell Smart Thermostat with 2-wire wiring and a Honeywell c wire adapter? (By wiring the red and white from the thermostat to the adapter (ignore K & C) and the red white and common from the adapter as shown in your video (ignoring the G&Y))? It would be for radiant zones and one hydronic heat where thermostat is wired to the valve. Thanks!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

I don't believe the Honeywell adapter works with 2 wire.

[@albertogarrido1375]

GREAT explanation and your other video on introduction to how zone viral are wired is also great. What I’m getting from these videos is that to use more than one nest thermostat you’re also going to need one nest power connector for each zone valve. Is that correct or is there a way to use one nest controller for all zones. My system has five different zones.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Nest requires one power connector per thermostat.

[@justinkamm3845]

I have 2 zone valves, however it appears they are both tapped into a single transformer. Do i need 2 of these adapters still? I also have power wires coming straight from the furnace hooking to all 4 reds from the zone valves...

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yes you need a power connector for each one. The red wires are part of the burner circuit. Don't touch them. That's a different circuit. You're working off of the wires on the yellow side with the thermostat.

[@pagaltube]

Thanks!! With your method, for each zone I need one connector. Do I need one separate transformer for each zone as well? Or, one transformer can be shared among multiple zones as long as it can provide enough power? BTW, I already have two transformers in parallel for more power for a few years now.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

No, you do not need an individual transformer for each zone, but if you do have to add another transformer, you will need relays. But a lot depends on how many zones you have and how many thermostats you're trying to add. A typical 40VA transformer can handle up to 5 Honeywell 4-wire zone valves. Adding smart stats to that limit may not work. But if you have 3 zone valves on that transformer you may be able to add 2 maybe at least with the power connector, maybe 3 stats to it without adding in transformers and relays. How many zones do you have on those 2 transformers?

[@absolutezero9321]

How do you connect two or more zone valves to Nest adapter? Thanks.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Need one adaptor for each thermostat/zone valve.

[@GrimripaGaming]

Question I have 4 zones would I need to use 4 of the adapter? And if so would I need to do anything special. Like a. Run a jumper from the transformer to the next one in the run? Or b would I just connect all the wires together on one power brick?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yes you'll need one for each zone valve. You can tie all of the power wires together as well. Only issue you may have is if the transformer doesn't provide enough power for all 4 zone valves and 4 thermostats. In that case you'll need another transformer and individual relays.

[@GrimripaGaming]

@Jersey Mike HVAC thanks I have ugly 24v wall outlets on them some I was able to hide but not all I wanted to clean them all up. Guess I know what I'm working on this weekend.

[@James-zz8sy]

Thought I could wire nest power connector for my nest thermostat at a Honeywell boiler zone valve. Was almost there until I’m looking for yellow wires at the zone valve. Now I’m totally lost because the zone valves have screw terminals no wires.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

TH and TR are your yellow wire terminals. TH/TR not used. Other 2 terminals are your red wires (end switch) and are not touched.

[@user-co2tx3rl4p]

Hey Mike - Thanks so much for the info! I have a hydronic 2-wire heat only system with 2 Honeywell zone valves which look like they were wired consistently with your other video. I hooked up one Nest and one Nest power connector (I think properly) using your instructions. I got the Nest working without errors, but it was not controlling the zone valve (did not open when thermostat called for heat). I returned everything back to the old simple thermostat and all is well, but I want the Nest. Any suggestions on where I may have gone wrong?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

What model Nest thermostat is it? There are some models the power connector doesn't work with.

[@user-co2tx3rl4p]

It's a Nest non-learning and non-E model. Should be working as I have the same model and Nest connector at another house that has a zone panel. This was wired to the old Honeywell with the red thermostat wire going to one yellow, and the other yellow to load wire from transformer. Does it matter that your instructions in this video have me connecting zone valve yellow wires to W and common?@@JerseyMikeHVAC

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

It may not be a wiring issue. I would suggest wiring it up again per the video instructions, but this time, don't wire in the red (R) and white (W) at the thermostat. Just tie them directly together to bypass it. Turn on the power and see if the zone valve works and the boiler fires up. If it does, that tells us it's a thermostat issue. If it doesn't, you may have a bad power connector. You wouldn't be the first, and I have known Nest to take care of the issue and send another. Let me know what you get.

[@revboost3097]

Thank you thank you thank you!! It’s been months of me trying to figure this out and I finally found your video. I have it hooked up to the NPC now and it’s working perfectly. I want to run a new thermostat wire now so it has a C wire. I only have one transformer and 4 zones, do you think I can hook up the new thermostat wires to the 4 zones, or would I need more transformers?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

It would depend on how many Nest thermostats you're going to add into the transformer. A 40va transformer can handle up to 5 Honeywell zone valves, so one maybe 2 nest stays added to 4 zones might work without modifications. But if you're powering 3 or 4 Nests, you'll need another transformer.

[@yomtovklein7153]

Same here really could’ve used it about two months ago. Question,will it also work on a multiple zone valves or will I need a separate power connector for each?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

You'll need a separate power connector for each zone valve.

[@rzapatajr]

Thank you so much for your video it worked perfectly

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

No problem!

[@rzapatajr]

You ever had a zone valve and the A/C on the same nest

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yes, so long as the nest has Rc and Rh terminals it can work. Only issue is that the Nests default to the AC system as a power charging source when both systems are on it. That means you'll have to feed the stat with a common wire from the AC system rather than from the boiler via the power connector on the zone valve.

[@saml6990]

Thank you sir!!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Thank you!

[@SDPP992]

Thanks for sharing this.. luckily I have a zone valve in my son's bedroom and traced 24vac to the zone valve, I have 3 wires going to the Stat and only r and h are being used, could I just use that 3rd wire as a common without the Google power connector??

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

That should work so long as the transformer has enough power for everything. .

[@dproulx7380]

i have two taco zone valves do i do what you said with both sets of wires from both zones and both thermostats ty for this video

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

I have a video for Taco zone valves here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYjNeYh4i7yKps0 Each thermostat will need its own power connector, and each wired up individually as I show in the video.

[@dproulx7380]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC thank you 🙏

[@rrivera5249]

One question - I have a two zone heating and one zone AC system. Do I need to install two of these power adapters? Or attach one to where both valves come from?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

One for each zone/thermostat pair.

[@rrivera5249]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC ok, thank you.

[@hsartaj2281]

Hi Mike, your videos are fantastic and as DIYer who just like to learn things, it's been great. I could use your help. I just had installed a Rinnai combi unit for heat and hot water with a 6 zone Taco SR506. I have 5 zones in the house for heat, with 5 circulators, 1 for each zone. I did not have smart thermostats hooked up when the system was installed. I just added 1 Nest learning thermostat and 1 Nest thermostat and I'm having some issues. I ran the c wire from the COMM port of the relay box to each of those 2 locations. The wire was already there for those 2 so I just connected it. However, last night the regular nest thermostat reporting a power issue. What is the best way for me to wire all 5 zones to smart thermostats? Use 5 Nest Power adapters? Would the transformer in the Taco be sufficient for all 5? Would that get rid of my overnight power issues? Thank you in advance for the help!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Try this first: get a 1000 ohm 1/2 watt resistor and put it between the W and C terminals on the T stat connections at the relay for the Nest thermostat you're having power issues with. Taco says sometimes power stealing thermostats like Nests might not work properly and this is their suggested solution. Try that first and let me know if it works. Here is a link to the resistors so you know what to look for: amzn.to/3Q1Bn6t But you can probably get these at an electronic store too. Another question out of curiosity, which 2 zones are the 2 nests thermostats currently hooked up to? The Taco SR506 uses 2 transformers, one for zones 1-3 and the other for zones 4-6. Was wondering if the 2 nests are wired to the same transformer.

[@hsartaj2281]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC Thanks for the reply and suggestion. I replied earlier but I included a link to a picture of the Taco to show 1 transformer, but it looks like it got my comment deleted. To answer you question, I only see 1 transformer in the Taco and the 2 nest thermostats are Zone 1 and 2. I also wanted to clarify that the other 3 zones that I will be adding Nest thermostats to only have 2 wire cables and these are coming from the second floor, so I can't easily run a new line. I was planning on putting NPCs on these 3 for sure. So would it just be better to do all 5 as NPCs, or do you suggest doing the resistor on 2 of them and NPCs for the 3? Also, wondering if you think the power would be sufficient for all five thermostats. I think the draw if very little for each but I figure it starts to add up. Thank you again for all your help!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

It's unusual for a Taco 6 zone relay to have only 1 transformer only because tacos own valves draw far too much power to run 6 valves on 1 transformer. Unless it's something like a 75va transformer? I haven't seen that yet in a Taco relay. I would suggest just trying the resistor on the one with the power issue first. They're very cheap and could save you the cost of a few power connectors. It could also help you determine which Nests you should get for the other zones. If it works and you focus on power stealing nests (advertised as not needing a common), it might save you some hassle and money. Only costs 5 bucks or less to find out.

[@TheDrewflav]

Great videos Mike. Nice to see how all this works! My question is, I have 3 taco zones. Have currently 1 nest hooked up. Works great. Tried to hook An additional, no go. Not enough juice to power 3 tacos and 3 T stat. Can I run another transformer in line with the original and just use that for C wires???

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Technically, it can be done, but it has to be engineered just right to avoid voltage changes, mA changes, overheating, phasing, etc. Thats why most people just end up using RIB relays and running two separate circuits. I figured out a way to run a Nest on a 2 wire system using an extra transformer, a RIB relay and a power connector on a Honeywell ZV. Just need to test it on a Taco, and with multiple Nests and then I'll make the video.

[@bkbigtone2866]

I have a steam system that only has a low water cutoff and an auto water feeder. Can I connect to one of those. Or do you come to south Plainfield

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

I avoid pairing up smart stats on steam systems. Too many issues.

[@tc1398]

So if you have multiple zones 6, you will need 6 of these power adapter? Is there one power device that can work for all zones?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Take a look into this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2LOYaJ6a7JqmNU

[@ctdrone]

So you'll need two Nest Power Connectors if you have a two zone heating arrangement?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yes

[@davidcustodio1222]

Great video. Will the power connector work with a 3 terminal Taco valve?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yes, it will. I have a video for that right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYjNeYh4i7yKps0

[@MarioPreziosi-pm4wf]

Mike, I have a third unused wire going up to my existing thermostat. Rather that adding a nest power connector, can I just connect that wire to the common lead on the transformer and the C on the nest? Will that work?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

That often works, yes.

[@wwills82]

Hey Mike I have a question. So I have a boiler with 2 taco zone valves. I wired to power connectors and followed your instructions. It didn’t seem to make any difference with my power so at the tstat I numbered Wh to C and then it charged beautifully. And thoughts as to why or is the jumper is necessary? Thanks.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

It could be just the way the zone valves were wired or how the wires connect to the transformer. Once in a while a transformer is unmarked and what some think is the common is actually the 24v, so the circuit may be reversed, but works all the same. I've seen some situations where the W has 24v on it and the R terminal is actually the common.

[@user-sl8zq9ct4h]

Jersey Mike. Thank you for this video. I have two zone thermostats, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. The two thermostats appear to be sharing the same common wire. When I checked the wiring at the zone valves, I see one thermostat wire with three leads, red, green and white. The upstairs thermostat uses a green and white wire, and the downstairs thermostat uses the red and white. The white wire is connected to the transformer common. I want the change my downstairs thermostat to a Nest thermostat. I have the google power adapter. If I combine the google power adapter wire "C" to the downstairs yellow zone wire and the transformer white common wire, will I be disconnecting the common wire to the upstairs thermostat? Do you have any advice? Thank You!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

So long as you're not removing wires from the bundle, adding the connector's C to it shouldn't interfere.

[@user-sl8zq9ct4h]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC Mike thank you!

[@Review-This]

I just sold a Bosch 20 seer inverter split heat pump attic horizontal with adding a zone and damper for the downstairs using the nest temp sensor, My customer wants to use a nest thermostat for both upstairs and downstairs but I can’t run the thermostat wire from the attic downstairs and only option is to use the nest wireless sensor connected to the zone, controller but then the customer can only adjust the temperature using his phone since there is no control for the downstairs sensor. Is there a wireless module option for the nest thermostat like Honeywell has?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Only thing I can think of is to look into Heat Link as a possibility. Each model Nest has a specific Heat Link model to use with it. It's used a lot in Europe.

[@nyso85]

Hi Mike. I have two nest thermostats wired up as shown with power connectors to their zone valves. The nests both show the power connector detected and power test shows Vin between 30 and 33V. Every few days I still get the N260 error on one or the other thermostat. Any ideas on what might be going on? Thanks again for the great videos.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

When you go to Technical Info and check Power, what is the actual voltage reading at the top? It should read 3.6v or better. If it's lower than that the stat may have limited functions or recharging issues. How many zones are on the system total?

[@danb9140]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC it shows around 3.6V. I have three zones (two with nest thermostats) and a 4th zone valve for the hot water Edit: the battery is showing voltage 3.2

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

@@danb9140 Sorry I didn't get right back to you. I have come to find out that your issue is a very common bug with Nest thermostats and a lot of people are having the same issue after installing the power connector. Nest doesn't seem to have an answer for it, other than replace the batteries. I've talked to a few people who have discovered loose wiring connections, or did a factory reset, or updated the software to make the N260 go away, but I've also talked to others who tried all of those things and it still didn't work. So I don't know. All I can say is that it's not the wiring configuration.

[@carsonlai210]

Will the power connector work with the new nest thermostat for a 2 wire system? Or will it only work with the nest e and Learning Thermostat?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

So far as I know, the power connector should be tailored to be used most often with the newer Nest thermostats, as they all need a common wire, whereas the E and the learning are made to often not require a common wire connection.

[@Woaitudou]

Thank you, Mike. I followed your instructions and connected one of the three zones and it worked. If I want to connect another zone, will it work if I do the same way?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

If the transformer can handle it then yes it should work. If you have any issues you may need to add another transformer.

[@Woaitudou]

I installed the second Nest with another power connector. It works perfectly. Thanks again

[@JB-wr7cv]

@jerseymikehvac is there an easy way to tell if your transformer can handle 3? I’ve got a 40va transformer

[@gulge3]

Jersey Mike, I have 4 heating zones. I need to replace my existing thermostats with Nest. I ordered Nest Power Connector and can use your help to install it. I noticed your are local off RT 23. How do I contact you?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

All work I do has to go through Keil Heating and Air Conditioning in Riverdale. Are you sure you need a power connector? Some models can work without a common wire. And if you do need a power connector, you would need one for each thermostat.

[@someprojects]

Hi. I got exactly the same setup with 3 zones and a Trine 125 transformer (24v 20VA). This doesn't show which is "load" and which is "common". On this system, all the white cables from the thermostats are gathered together and go to the left side of the transformer (with a white cable), the red from the 3rd thermostat goes to one of the yellow cables on the 3rd zone valve. I can't make sense of it looking at your wall diagram! Thanks for any help.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

On many transformers there is no dedicated hot and common on the 24v side. They are interchangeable, basically. I can't tell you what the wires do just based on color. I'd have to know what colors are hooked up to what terminals at the thermostats and yellow wires to all the zone valves.

[@someprojects]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC Thanks for the reply! All 3 thermostats have red and white only that go to the R and W on the old thermostats. All three of these white cables from the thermostats are connected to one side of the transformer. All the zone valves have two yellow leads. One of each of these goes to the other side of the transformer. On the 3rd zone valve, the other yellow lead goes to the red of the 3rd thermostat. This is the one I want to test first. Do I connect the "C" on the power connector to transformer to the where all the whites from the thermostats go, or where all half the yellows from the zone controllers go? I can figure the rest from there. Thanks again for any help

[@wpbonsell9]

Where in Jersey are you? Need 2 zones hooked up. Too many wires for me to figure out lol

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Bergen county

[@jasonkillgore]

Thanks for the super clear video. I have a 4 zone system, but initially I am ust trying to run one zone off a next (other zones temporarily disconnected). I followed your setup, with the power connector, and it removed the power warning from the nest. However, now it seems that the system is running full time, even with the thermostat set to off. Any thoughts on what might cause this and how to fix? FWIW, the jumper in the power connector is currently in. The advanced install instructions from NEST werent super clear on this for this application.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

It's not the jumper. Carefully recheck the wiring. Somehow the 24 volts is bypassing the thermostat if it's running continuously.

[@jasonkillgore]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC the wiring seems to match up perfectly with your schematic, but you are correct that I measure a constant 24V (actually 28V) between the Y(valve)C(adapter)C(trans) bundle and the Y(valve)W(adapter) lines. with a multimeter. When starting out (before finding your video), I messed up the wiring and cooked the transformer. I replaced it with a new 24V,70VA transformer. Do you think I cooked the nest power adapter in the process?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

It's possible. Possibly the nest too. Try to return the adaptor. They've been known to sometimes be bad out of the box so you may not have issues returning it.

[@jasonkillgore]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC hopefully they take it back. Even with the tstat disconnected and wires loose, the power adaptor has 28V between the C and W connections to the yellow wires on the valve.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

@@jasonkillgore Sounds like your wiring arrangement is sending 24volts to the zone valve first and then to the thermostat W terminal. That would make R at the thermostat the common wire back to the transformer. The power adapter may be substituting as a common even when the stat isn't closing the circuit between R and W on a call for heat. I'd have to see a sketch or something of the full wiring to know for sure, but that's what it sounds like to me.

[@michaellupo3480]

Hey mike i have a nest tstat, steam boiler tstat wires ran to the pressuretrol. Was wondering if i could connect the power connector to it. Because its a two wire system.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Steam boilers can be tricky with the Nests because some of them run 24v through the low water cutoff before making way up to the thermostat. That'll kill power to the stat everything e there is a low water condition, even with a power connector on it. What brand/model# is the boiler?

[@michaellupo3480]

I was really thinking brake the line before the pressuretrol and then install the nest power connector, then just install everything again kindof like in series circuit. And connect the c terminal on the power connector to the common on transformer

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Depends how it's done I suppose. Consiider that when breaking the circuit that early the safties downstream like the lwco or a feeder if you have one might only work on a call for heat..thoigh I've know one or two guys suggesting rewiring the lwco after the stat, so. Could work.

[@michaellupo3480]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC i like that ill see after the lwco if i can break it or ill try to see if the lwco is still operational after i install it. Thanks

[@pepsiisunderrated]

Jersey Mike, can I splice the wires near the boiler itself so I don't see the power adapter hanging from my thermostat all the time? Boiler is in the basement, thermostat is upstairs. Thank you in advance.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Absolutely you can.

[@Nnon11026hj]

Dumb question. If i take the wires for the Tstat thar controls both boiler and AC, would that still control ac and heat for that zone via nest? I have 5 zones and 2 nest. And want to put the two nest to 2 zones that has both heat and AC...

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yes it will, so long as RH is powered from the boiler and RC from the AC unit, which it should already be.

[@user-fd9lq2hm1u]

Mike thanks for the video. For my hot water baseboard i have 3 wire run to each T'stat (red white green). Can I connect the unused green wire to the common terminal in my zone controller and the other end to the C terminal on the Nest? BTW, just a few miles down 23 from you.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Im sorry I missed your comment. Yes, you can absolutely do that.

[@user-fd9lq2hm1u]

Thanks @@JerseyMikeHVAC

[@drewreussmakeitbetter6552]

Hey there! How would the wiring work to connect the power converter to the end switch zone valve? Instead of 2 yellow and 2 red wire there are a green, red wire on the left and a blue and white wire on the right… looks like just a piece of thermostat wiring.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

What kind of zone valve? Two of those wires are for the motor and should connect in a circuit to the transformer. The other two will be for the boiler burner circuit and have nothing to do with the power connector. You'll need to figure out which 2 are which.

[@drewreussmakeitbetter6552]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC Thanks for the response- It’s a Honeywell but it was a different style than the first 2 I did. The wires attached to the exterior and looked to be just some thermostat wiring. I was able to follow the wires and got everything wired correctly 👍 I now have 3 nest thermostats installed - one for each zone. 2 with the power converters installed and one with a plug in 24v giving it power. Thanks again for the video and help. Really appreciate it!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

@drewreussmakeitbetter6552 Sorry for the late response but great job!

[@drewreussmakeitbetter6552]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC do you know of any temperature sensors that work with the regular nest thermostats ( the simple ones with the mirrored finish - not the learning or thermostat e) sounds like googles sensors don’t work with the model I have- which seems bonkers to me. Any insights?

[@renatedoeve4283]

How do you wire a Honeywell 5 wire zone valve?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

I'll make a video on that at some point.

[@buildingnfixing7348]

Thank you for sharing the information. Question: what if my thermostat wiring only uses 2 wires just for heat. And there’s an extra wire for each thermostat but it’s not being used. Can I just make the extra wire the common? I have 4 zones? And how should I hook the extra wire up? And can I bundle all 4 zones extra wire to the common on the transformer? Would that eliminate the need for the nest power booster? Thank you

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yes you can make the extra wires common wires and bundle them up to one wire that runs to the common terminal at the transformer. You may not need the power connectors then.

[@buildingnfixing7348]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC Thank you

[@buildingnfixing7348]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC thank you for the advice. with the extra wires bundled and one lead wire attached to the white terminal on the transformer it doesn’t supply power but with the single wire attached to the red terminal on the transformer I get power but it will not turn the heat on. Do I need a wire attached to the white terminal on the transformer and where would that go? Thank you

[@manny2741]

Perfect tutorial. However, mine still does not work. I have 3 zones. Im stuck at the last part. My transformer Common wire is connected in a bundle with other zone valve white wires tied in wire nut. The 2nd yellow cable from the valve is connected to a bundle of all the yellow wires from the other valves including the load red wire from the transformer tied in a wire nut. I tried your way but still no power from common wire. I'm trying to change my old honeywell with black and white wire to nest E thermostat. 😞

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

If I'm not mistaken, The Nest E may not be compatible with the power connector. I would call Nest and check with them. Perhaps return to get a different Nest model.

[@user-nt4nr2rh6q]

Hi Mike- I have a Taco 5-zone ZVC with only two connections on the thermostat side, running 5 Nests (1 on each zone). The ZVC doesn't seem to provide enough power to keep the Nests running consistently, so I connected an external transformer to power the nests. Can you tell me how to wire this configuration? I have Nest Power Connectors for each zone/thermostat. Thank you.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Pretty sure you're going to need a RIB relay (relay in a box) for each thermostat if you're powering from an external transformer. The 24 volt circuit powering the stats will have to be separate from the other 24v circuits in the ZVC, so you can't send the 24 volts from the thermostat (w wire) directly to the ZVC on a call for heat. You'll have to use the relay to close the R to W circuit in the ZVC that will power the zone valve. So one side of the relay will engage the contact in the RIB upon a call for heat at the stat (R to W) and the other side of the contact will close the circuit between R and W at the Taco ZVC tstat terminals.

[@user-nt4nr2rh6q]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC Thanks. Makes sense. I was able to get good power to the t-stat with the external transformer, & Nest power adapter but when the t-stat calls for heat, nothing happens at the ZVC.

[@user-nt4nr2rh6q]

@@JerseyMikeHVAC Do you think a Functional Devices RIBU1C would do the trick for this?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Yes, that's typically what most people use.

[@pt4465]

I’m not an HVAC guy (just trying to do a DIY in my condo, which has Honeywell 8043 zone valve for 1/2 in line) but looking at it seems to turn the load and red wires into common and white wires, and the common and white into load and red. Would it make sense/work to switch the white and red of the 3 wire side so red was to zone valve and white was to transformer. Then it would be load to zone valve, and common from adapt, out to red (3 wire group), red adapter to T stat, white back to adapter, 3 wire adapter white to common in to transformer.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

I'm having a hard time following here. Ive seen guys do some unusual wiring when it comes to color coding so I don't want to make any assumptions.

[@pt4465]

I think I misunderstood. So power from the transformer (red/load) is connected to red on the adapter then goes out to the zone valve on white adapter and is returned to transformer on its common, but adapter common is connected to create a constant circuit that the adapter and thermostat know to loop, more or less ?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

@@pt4465 Not sure what you mean by "adapter". But the concept is to get 24 volts from the transformer, to the thermostat, then to the zone valve and finally back to common on the transformer. Sometimes you might see that in reverse. 24v power from transformer, to the zone valve, then to thermostat and back to transformer common.

[@pt4465]

Sorry, I meant Nest power connector. I did hook it up the way you showed on the video, and it passed the heat test, and the low battery message eventually went away! Thank you!!!

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

@pt4465 That's great. Glad to help.

[@CONRADICAL970]

Will one power connector work for three zones wired in transition? Or do I need three power connectors? This video is a heaven sent, well done and to the point.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

You'll need 3 power connectors.

[@CONRADICAL970]

Thanks, I figured as much. Your video is awesome

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

@@CONRADICAL970 Thank you!

[@jessicaplourde6607]

Need a little help….. our zone valve has three wires… white green & red. If the R on the power connector is already attached to the transformer what colors would be matched up to the W & C of the power connector? I believe the green wire is a jumper.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Do you have Taco Zone valves with 3 terminals on them?

[@jessicaplourde6607]

We have a Taco ZVC404 Zone Valve Control. It has 4 Zone Controls, Zone 1 has 2 wire zones and 2 jumpers & Zone 2 has 3 wire zone valves. Not sure if any of that makes sense.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

A little bit. I think in your case with the ZVC404, the power connector is going to go to the ZVC tstat terminals rather than the zone valve itself. The tstat connection at the zvc has R W and C. You should have red at R and white wire at W both directly from your thermostat. Shut off the power. Take the R wire from the thermostat off of the R terminal at the zvc tstat terminal and put the R wire from the power connectors right side there instead. Now connect the R wire from the tstat to the R wire on the power connectors left side (Grey R wire). Remove the tstats white wire from the zvc W terminal and place the W wire from the power connectors right side into the same spot. Now take the W wire from the power connectors left side (Grey wire) and connect that to the white wire going up to the thermostat. Then connect the common wire of the power connector to the C terminal al for that zone at the zvc. Restore power. Let me know if it works.

[@tongthor5300]

My zone valves have black and red wires. What would be the equivalent of a yellow wire?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Black.

[@pineychristian]

Mike with this work with all WiFi tstat's that require a common wire when using them a " Heat only " boiler application? Or just the Nest ?

[@pineychristian]

I already have a common wire going to a thermostat from my external transformer. Unfortunately that same common wire is in a bundle connected to one side of my yellows on the zone valves. So I'm not sure if my current situation will work because I'm using a common wire , but also the zone valves are connect to that common wire with the W terminal off the tstats .

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Just with Nest.

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Is the common connected to C at the thermostat terminal? Sometimes guys will run power from the transformer to R at the stat, from W at the stat to one yellow on the zone valve, then the other yellow back to common at the transformer.

[@pineychristian]

@JerseyMikeHVAC yea common is connect to C at Tstat terminal from external transformer. Load wire from external transformer goes to one yellow wire on zone valve while R from tstat goes to other yellow wire from zone valve. W wire from tstat connects to Common to on external transformer.

[@pineychristian]

@JerseyMikeHVAC having an issue with Emerson Sensi wifi tstat will call for heat and sometimes it won't. Tested pins on back of tstat for continuity when tstat is supposed to call for heat and nothing at times. Now this is after tstat was replaced so tstat is new.

[@jomps1112]

Hi Mike great video my two thermostats wire are red and I can’t find them?

[@JerseyMikeHVAC]

Do you have another thermostat? Sometimes they're wired as master/slave and one stat gets wired through the other.