A PART OF THE APRILAIRE
®
INDOOR AIR COMFORT SYSTEM
AUTOMATED HVAC
THE BEST IN I NDOOR AIR COMFORT
®
Communicating Thermostat
System Installation Manual
This manual will guide the installer through the installation, wiring and checkout of an Aprilaire Model 8870 Communicating
Thermostat System. Instructions for the Aprilaire 8840 Series communicating thermostat system are found in a separate
document (DP 10004345). A portion of the command set is found in Appendix 2 in this manual. For a complete command set
with programming suggestions, see the programming manual (DP 10005756). Contact Research Products Corporation for
these documents at 888-782-8638.
COMMUNICATING THERMOSTAT SYSTEM INSTALLATION MANUAL
WARNING
1. 120 volts may cause serious injury from electrical shock. Disconnect electrical power to the HVAC system before
starting installation. This system is a low-voltage system.
2. Improper installation may cause serious injury from electrical shock. This system must be installed by a qualified
contractor in accordance with NEC Standards and applicable local and state codes.
THERE ARE 14 STEPS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION OF A COMPLETE SYSTEM.
Step 1 GET ALL THE COMPONENTS YOU WILL NEED 1
Step 2 DISCONNECT POWER TO ALL HVAC EQUIPMENT AND/OR ZONE CONTROL PANELS 2
Step 3 RUN THE REQUIRED WIRES 3
Step 4 LOCATE AND MOUNT THE AUTOMATION SYSTEM COMPONENTS 4
Step 5 CONNECT THE CONTROL WIRES TO THE HVAC/ZONE SYSTEM AND THERMOSTATS 6
Step 6 CONNECT THE COMMUNICATION AND POWER WIRES TO THE DISTRIBUTION PANEL AND THERMOSTAT 8
Step 7 CONNECT MULTIPLE DISTRIBUTION PANELS 9
Step 8 CONNECT PROTOCOL ADAPTER TO THE DISTRIBUTION PANEL AND HOST COMPUTER OR AUTOMATION SYSTEM 10
Step 9 PROVIDE POWER TO THE DISTRIBUTION PANEL 11
Step 10 TURN ON POWER TO ALL HVAC EQUIPMENT AND TO THE THERMOSTATS 11
Step 11 CHECK-OUT HVAC SYSTEM OPERATION 11
Step 12 ADDRESS THE THERMOSTATS AND SET HIGHEST ADDRESS 12
Step 13 SETUP COMPUTER FOR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM CHECKOUT 13
Step 14 CHECK-OUT COMMUNICATIONS TO THE THERMOSTAT NETWORK 16
Appendix 1 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR INSTALLING THE MODEL 8870 WITH THE 8840 SERIES
COMMUNICATING THERMOSTAT 17
Appendix 2 APRILAIRE COMMAND SET 19
EXTRA NETWORK INTERCONNECTION WORKSHEET 21
© Research Products Corp.
ILLUSTRATION 1 – System Components
Model 8870 Thermostat
RS-422 Communicating Thermostat controls single
or multi-stage heat/cool or heat pump HVAC systems.
Model 8811 Protocol Adapter
Use to convert RS-485 communication signal from Aprilaire
Communication System to RS-232 communication signal
readable by host computer. Supports up to 32 thermostats.
Model 8061 and 8062 Support Modules
Up to four can be connected to a single thermostat
to sense temperature or relative humidity at a
location remote from the thermostat.
Model 8818 Distribution Panel
Switches in the Distribution Panel allow power or
communications to be turned off at each individual
thermostat to make installation and troubleshooting easy.
RX TX
DATA
RS-232
RX TX
ENABLE
RS-485
RX TX
DATA
RS-485
POWER
Model 8811 Protocol Adapter
Power
7.5VAC RS-485 RS-485 RS-232
B+ B- REFA-
RCA+ A- B+ B- R CA+ A- B+ B- R CA+ A- B+ B- R CA+ A- B+ B-
A
B
A+
OFF ON
OFF ON
OFF ON
OFF ON
OFF ON
OFF ON
OFF ON
OFF ON
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
PWR
PWR
PWR
PWR
PWR
PWR
PWR
PWR
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
MAIN
PWR
ON OFF
RC
24VAC
FUSE SPARE FUSE
RCA+A-B+B-RCA+A-B+B-RCA+A-B+B-RCA+A-B+B-
1
COMPONENTS YOU WILL NEED… (see ILLUSTRATION 1)
• One Aprilaire
®
Model 8870 Communicating Thermostat for each
zone or single zone HVAC system
• One Aprilaire Model 8818 Distribution Panel per eight (8)
thermostats in the system
• One Aprilaire Model 8811 Protocol Adapter per 32 thermostats
or one per Model 8823 system controller
• 4 to 8 conductor thermostat cable depending on equipment
stages (18 – 20 gauge)
• Category 5 communication wire (4-pair twisted cable)
• One 24V AC transformer, ungrounded (part number 8027) per
8818 Distribution Panel
• RS-232 or RS-485 based automation system such as the
Aprilaire Model 8823 System Controller
• OPTIONAL: Aprilaire Model 8061 Temperature Support Module
or Model 8062 Temperature/Humidity Support Module
GET ALL THE COMPONENTS YOU WILL NEED
Step1
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED…
• Small flat head screwdriver for terminal
screws (1/8” wide tip)
• Medium size flat/phillips head screwdriver for
component mounting screws
• Volt/ohm meter
• Computer with available com port (RS-232)
and terminal emulator such as HyperTerminal
(for system checkout)
• Wire strippers
• Small level (use to mount components level,
required for appearance only)
2
MODEL 8870 THERMOSTAT
The Model 8870 Thermostat is field configurable to operate
single and multi-stage separate heating and cooling
equipment (such as furnace and air conditioner or roof top
units), or single and multi-stage heat pump systems. A menu
driven set up, using the message center display of the
thermostat, can be used to configure many other features.
Network communication is non-isolated, full duplex RS-485
(RS-422). The ‘A’ terminals are the transmit pair while the ‘B’
terminals are the receive pair. This nomenclature uses the
computer or host as the reference, so transmit refers to the
lines on which the host transmits data to the thermostat
while receive refers to the lines on which the host receives
data from the thermostat. The baud rate is selectable
between 9600 and 19200. Up to 64 uniquely addressed
thermostats may reside on the same thermostat network.
MODEL 8818 DISTRIBUTION PANEL
The Distribution Panel is a switch controlled communication
bus that can be wired to eight (8) Aprilaire Model 8870
thermostats. This allows thermostat communication
(transmit, receive or both) to be turned on and off at one
convenient location which simplifies installation and trouble
shooting. Each thermostat station on the distribution panel
has an on/off switch for power. This allows isolation of any
one thermostat to simplify troubleshooting. Order one
Distribution Panel per eight thermostats.
MODEL 8061 AND MODEL 8062 SUPPORT MODULES
Support modules are used to either monitor or control
temperature or humidity at a location other than the
thermostat. They communicate with the thermostat using a
RS-485 protocol. Up to four support modules may be wired to
a thermostat, with each module able to support two sensors.
The Model 8061 has one onboard temperature sensor and
room for one offboard temperature sensor (sensor #1 &
sensor #2) while the Model 8062 has one onboard
temperature sensor (sensor #1) and one onboard humidity
sensor (sensor #2). All sensors can be configured as either a
control sensor (replaces thermostat temperature sensor as
control variable) or a monitor sensor (read only). An offboard
sensor such as a Model 8051 Flush Mount Sensor can
replace sensor #1 on the Model 8062 or both on the Model
8061. Each support module is addressed and each sensor
value can be accessed through thermostat commands. See
sensor literature for additional information.
FOR EASE OF INSTALLATION AND TROUBLE SHOOTING
DO THE FOLLOWING:
✔ Use Category-5 cable for all communication wiring.
✔ Check and recheck to ensure connection to the proper
terminals before powering up the thermostats. Use wire
color as a guide and be consistent.
✔ Use a Distribution Panel on all systems with more than
one zone. The trouble shooting benefits will outweigh the
cost of the Distribution Panel.
• If the thermostats are wired to a zone control panel, there is generally one set of input terminals supplying power to the
thermostats and dampers. This must be disconnected.
• If the thermostats are wired directly to HVAC equipment, the power must be shut off at the equipment. This can generally be
accomplished by turning off the disconnect switch located near the equipment. If an obvious disconnect switch is
unavailable, you will need to turn the circuit off using the fuse or circuit breaker. Remove the fuse or shut down the circuit
breaker serving the equipment.
DISCONNECT POWER TO ALL HVAC EQUIPMENT AND/OR ZONE CONTROL PANELS
Step 2
CAUTION
Failure to disconnect power could result in damage to the HVAC equipment or thermostats. Leave power disconnected
until all other electrical connections have been made and checked for accuracy.
ILLUSTRATION 2 – Run Wire For System
3
RUN THE REQUIRED WIRES
(SEE ILLUSTRATION 2)
Step 3
1. Run thermostat cable from each thermostat to the
appropriate HVAC system or zone control panel. Use 4
through 8-conductor thermostat cable depending on the
type of equipment and number of equipment stages. Run
one more wire than would be required if connecting to a
mechanical thermostat.
❖ If you are using remote temperature or humidity
support modules as part of your installation, now is the
time to run the additional wires for these items. A
separate Category 5 cable must be run from thermostat
to support module.
2. At the HVAC/zone control system, use a piece of tape to
✍
label the location of the thermostat on the cable as you go.
3. Run Category-5, 4-pair twisted cable (8-conductor) from
each thermostat to the Distribution Panel.
4. At the Distribution Panel, use a piece of tape to
✍
label
the location of the thermostat on the cable as you go.
5. Run Category-5 wire from the Distribution Panel to the
Protocol Adapter. If more than one Distribution Panel is
used, run Category-5 wire between each panel.
6. Run two-conductor thermostat cable from the
Model 8027 Transformer to the Distribution Panel. You
can use Category-5 wire, but you must use one pair of
wires per terminal.
ZONE DAMPERS
2-WIRE
THERMOSTAT
CABLE
SINGLE ZONE
HVAC EQUIPMENT
SEE ZONE CONTROL SYSTEM
INSTALLATION LITERATURE
FOR COMPLETE ZONE
SYSTEM WIRING
REQUIREMENTS
INSTALLATION TIP: USE A
PIECE OF TAPE TO
IDENTIFY WHICH
THERMOSTAT EACH CABLE
IS RUN TO
USE 2-WIRE THERMOSTAT
CABLE TO CONNECT OFF-
BOARD SENSORS SUCH AS
THE MODEL 8051 FLUSH
MOUNT SENSOR TO
SUPPORT MODULES.
2-WIRE THERMOSTAT CABLE
MODEL 8027 PLUG-IN
TRANSFORMER
(FOR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM)
THERMOSTAT 1
THERMOSTAT 2
4000 FT.
MAX.
4000 FT. MAX.
POWER
Model 8811 Protocol Adapter
Power
7.5VAC RS-485 RS-485 RS-232
DATA
RS-485
ENABLE
RS-485
DATA
RS-232
RX TX
RX TX
RX TX
ZONE CONTROL SYSTEM
DISTRIBUTION PANEL
4000 FT. MAX.
1000 FT.
MAX.
4000 FT.
MAX.
4000 FT. MAX.
CATEGORY 5 (4-PAIR TWISTED)
COMMUNICATION WIRE
NOTE: TOTAL DISTANCE FROM
PROTOCOL ADAPTER TO THERMOSTAT
NOT TO EXCEED 4,000 FEET
THERMOSTAT CABLE
5 thru 8 CONDUCTOR
SUPPORT MODULE
THERMOSTAT 3
THERMOSTAT 4
4
1. Thermostats and sensors are to be located according
installation instructions provided with the units. The
thermostat has four configuration dip switches on the
circuit board that must be set according to the equipment
the thermostat will be controlling. Sensors have six
configuration dip switches that must be properly set.
The installation manuals provided with the products detail
how the switches are to be set.
Review the Network Interconnection Worksheet
(ILLUSTRATION 3) which shows how all the
communication components are connected together
and
✍
write down the location of, or a name for, each
thermostat in the system. This will assist in the software
set-up. Additional copies are available in the back
of this manual.
✍
IMPORTANT!
THE FEW MINUTES SPENT WRITING DOWN
THE INFORMATION SUGGESTED IN THESE STEPS
WILL SAVE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF TIME
DURING THE REST OF THE INSTALLATION.
2. Mount the zone control panel(s) if the HVAC system(s) is
zoned. Refer to the zone control panel installation
instructions.
3. The Aprilaire Distribution Panel must be mounted indoors
in an accessible location such as a closet or utility room.
All thermostats will be wired to the Distribution Panel, so
adequate workspace will be important. There are wire
access holes on the top, bottom, sides and back of the
Distribution Panel.
4. The Model 8811 Aprilaire Protocol Adapter must be
placed within six feet of the host computer or RS-232 port
of the automation system. The Protocol Adapter does not
get fastened down. All the cables and connectors needed
to attach the Protocol Adapter to the computer or
automation system are included with the adapter.
5. The Model 8027 Plug-in Transformer is used to power the
communication system. The transformer is wired to the
Distribution Panel. Locate this transformer in the same
space as the Distribution Panel if possible.
LOCATE AND MOUNT THE AUTOMATION SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Step 4
5
ILLUSTRATION 3 – Network Interconnection Worksheet
ADDRESS
LOCATION
WIRE
CAT-5
WIRE
CAT-5
ADDRESS
LOCATION
CAT-5
WIRE
ADDRESS
LOCATION
CAT-5
WIRE
RX TX
RX TX
RX TX
POWER
DATA
ENABLE
DATA
RS-232
RS-485
RS-485
Model 8811 Protocol Adapter
Power
7.5VAC RS-485 RS-485 RS-232
ADDRESS
LOCATION
DISTRIBUTION PANEL LOCATION / NAME
JOB TITLE:
JOB LOCATION:
DATE:
INSTALLING
CONTRACTOR:
Fill Out and Leave with System Software Package
WIRE
CAT-5
CAT-5
WIRE
CAT-5
WIRE
DISTRIBUTION PANEL
CAT-5
WIRE
CAT-5
WIRE
WIRE
CAT-5
TO DISTRIBUTION PANEL
ADDRESS
LOCATION
ADDRESS
LOCATION
ADDRESS
LOCATION
ADDRESS
LOCATION
6
A qualified HVAC technician
should perform this step to
ensure proper termination.
1. Make sure the HVAC
system power is off.
2. The Thermostat
Installation Instructions
show wiring diagrams for
several different HVAC
equipment types. Use
DIAGRAMS 1 & 2 as a
reference only. Use color
coding where possible.
DO NOT TURN ON
THE HVAC SYSTEM
POWER YET!
CONNECT THE CONTROL WIRES TO THE HVAC/ZONE SYSTEM AND THERMOSTATS
Step 5
DIAGRAM 2 – Typical Heat Pump Wiring Schematic
DIAGRAM 1 – Typical Heating / Cool Wiring Schematic
MULTI-STAGE FURNACE
2ND
STAGE
HEAT
FAN
RELAY
2ND STAGE
1ST STAGE
1ST
STAGE
HEAT
24
VAC
L2
120
VAC
COOL
COOL
L1
Y2
W2
Y1
W1
G
C
R
MULTI-STAGE A/C
2ND
1ST
STG
COOL
STG
COOL
Y2
Y1
C
CAUTION!
ENSURE HVAC SYSTEM POWER
IS OFF BEFORE WIRING
USE 18-20 GA. THERMOSTAT CABLE. NUMBER OF CONDUCTORS
REQUIRED DEPENDS ON THE HVAC SYSTEM BEING CONTROLLED
C
R
RSR
RSC
RSB
RSA
REF
BB+
AA+
R.V.-Heat (B)R.V.-Heat (B)
REFER TO THE THERMOSTAT INSTALLATION SHEET FOR
INTERNAL SCHEMATIC, THERMOSTAT CHECK-OUT
PROCEDURES AND OTHER HVAC WIRING DETAILS
RC
RH
R.V.-Cool (O)R.V.-Cool (O)
G
HUM W1
DEH Y1
W2
Y2
OUTDOOR HEAT PUMP UNIT
USE 18-20 GA. THERMOSTAT CABLE. NUMBER
OF CONDUCTORS REQUIRED DEPENDS ON THE
HVAC SYSTEM BEING CONTROLLED
REV
VALV E
HEAT
CAUTION!
ENSURE HVAC SYSTEM POWER
IS OFF BEFORE WIRING
INDOOR BLOWER/HEAT UNIT
2ND
STAGE
AUX.
HEAT
1ST
STAGE
AUX.
FAN
RELAY
REFER TO THE THERMOSTAT INSTALLATION
SHEET FOR INTERNAL SCHEMATIC, THERMOSTAT
CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES AND OTHER HVAC
WIRING DETAILS
HEAT
24
VAC
L2
120
VAC
W2
W1
G
C
R
L1
COMP.
B
1ST
STG
COMP.
2ND
STG
Y2
C
R
RSR
RSC
RSB
RSA
REF
BB+
AA+
R.V.-Heat (B)R.V.-Heat (B)
VALV E
Y1
REV
COOL
C
W1
R.V.-Cool (O)R.V.-Cool (O)
SERVICE
L
RC
RH
HUM W1
DEH Y1
W2
R
G
Y2
DEFROST
O