Home Automation
Home automation is the residential extension of building automation.
It is automation of the home, housework or household activity.
Home automation may include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, security locks of gates and doors and other systems, to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security.
Warning: Working with electricity can result in injury, property damage, or even death if it is not done properly. Please keep this in mind while assisting others. If you are not sure about what you are doing, hire a licensed professional.
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I’m pretty sure the C wire is for the AC which is outside - but then, I’m not sure what that means for how to install the PEK?
Call their tech support - they’ll walk you through the whole thing. They’re fabulous.
C wire is the common. Just because it wasn’t attached to the existing T-stat doesn’t mean it’s not there. Pull the wire out from the wall behind the T-stat and see if they cut the C wire off short. If there’s enough slack, you may be able to use it.
Btw, ecobee tech support is very helpful.
You were right - the previous installer had wrapped the c wire around the others further into the wall on both thermostats.
I did end up making a frustrating mistake following the directions - at first, since I didn’t find the C wire, I figured I would need the PEK and started following those steps. Ecobee’s steps for the PEK install said that if you have a zoned system [I do] then you’ll have to install it at the zone control and not in the HVAC control board.
I did that and it blew a very hard to find fuse on the zone board - I ended up having to order online after not finding it at the various supply stores locally. When I called ecobee they said that the PEK should never be installed in the zone board itself - which is the opposite of what the app told me to do.
Anyway, once I found the C wire I realized I didn’t need the PEK after all. I replaced the fuse after a few chilly nights and both zones are up and running now.