The White Rodgers 1F70 is a low voltage thermostat from the 70 Series, designed for standard heating and cooling systems. It features simultaneous heating/cooling setpoint storage, adjustable temperature display, and compatibility with 24V systems including heat pumps and hydronic setups. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, and troubleshooting instructions.
Assemble tools: Hand or power drill with 3/16 inch drill bit (if needed), flat blade screwdriver, wire cutter/stripper, level.
Failure to follow and read all instructions carefully before installing or operating this control could cause personal injury and/or property damage.
CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock and/or equipment damage, disconnect electrical power to the system at the main fuse or circuit breaker until installation is complete.
Before removing wires from old thermostat’s switching subbase, label each wire with the terminal designation it was removed from.
Remove old thermostat: Consists of cover (snap-on or hinge type), base (loosened by captive screws), and switching subbase (unscrewed from wall or adaptor plate).
Shut off electricity at the main fuse box until installation is complete.
Remove front cover of old thermostat; with wires attached, remove wall plate. If wall mounting plate exists, remove thermostat and plate as an assembly.
Identify each wire attached to old thermostat using labels provided with new thermostat.
Disconnect wires from old thermostat one at a time; do not let wires fall back into the wall.
ATTENTION! This product does not contain mercury. However, it may replace a unit with mercury. Do not open mercury cells. If a cell is damaged, wear non-absorbent gloves, take up spilled mercury, place into a sealed container. Discard damaged unit; do not discard mercury in household trash. Refer to www.white-rodgers.com for disposal locations.
Mounting holes (two).
W904 clip for Celsius display.
W905 clip for hydronic system.
Electric/Gas switch (GAS/ELEC).
Terminals: W, RH, B, RC, G, O, Y, +-, +-, GAS, ELEC.
Figure 1: Thermostat base illustration.
Note: Earlier models refer to 37-7006 for jumper locations.
Replaces typical systems: Standard heat only (gas/oil, 24V), electronic ignition heat only (24V), heat/cool (24V), electric heat (24V), cool only (24V), heat pump (no aux/emergency, 24V), hot water zone (two-wire yes, three-wire no), millivolt systems (yes), 12VDC mobile home (yes). Not for multistage, >30VAC/1.5A, line voltage (110/240V).
WARNING! Do not use on circuits exceeding specified voltage. Higher voltage will damage control and could cause shock or fire hazard.
Do not short out terminals on gas valve or primary control to test. Short or incorrect wiring will damage thermostat and could cause personal injury and/or property damage.
Thermostat installation and all components of the system shall conform to Class II circuits per the NEC code.
WARNING! For electric heat or single-stage heat pump: Factory configured for heat/cool fossil fuel forced air (no fan energize on heat call). Switch GAS/ELEC to ELECTRIC if system requires fan on heat call. Contact qualified service person if unsure.
For hydronic (hot water/steam): Factory set for forced air; clip W905 for longer cycles (approx. 1.5°F swing vs. 1°F). Both provide accurate control.
CAUTION! Take care when securing and routing wires so they do not short to adjacent terminals or rear of thermostat. Personal injury and/or property damage may occur.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Electrical | 0 to 30 VAC 50/60 Hz or D.C.; 0.05 to 1.0 Amps (load per terminal); 1.5 Amps max total load. |
| Thermal | Setpoint: 45°F to 90°F (7°C to 32°C); Operating Ambient: 32°F to 105°F (0°C to 41°C); Humidity: 0-90% RH (non-condensing); Shipping: -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 66°C). |
Remove packing from thermostat; gently pull cover off base (forcing damages unit). Adjust electric heat switch if needed.
Connect wires under terminal screws using appropriate schematic (Figs. 2-7).
Place base over wall hole; mark mounting holes as template.
Drill holes; fasten base loosely with two screws, level, tighten (leveling for appearance only).
Use plastic anchors if holes too large.
Push excess wire into wall; plug hole with fire-resistant material (e.g., fiberglass) to prevent drafts.
Battery: Requires 2 AAA alkaline (replace yearly, e.g., Duracell/Energizer). Install at top of base, positive (+) to right. Low battery: "LO BAT" displays.
Fig. 2: Heat Only, 3-Wire, Single Transformer - RH to 24VAC/120VAC hot/neutral; G to fan relay; W to heating; Y to transformer; RC jumper if needed.
Fig. 3: Cool Only, 3-Wire, Single Transformer - Similar, Y to cooling fan relay.
Fig. 4: Heat/Cool, 4-Wire, Single Transformer - Red jumper RH-RC; O/B for reversing if applicable.
Fig. 5: Heat/Cool, 5-Wire, Two Transformers - Separate heating/cooling transformers.
Fig. 6: Heat Pump, Reversing in Cool - Compressor contactor, O/B jumper.
Fig. 7: Heat Pump, Reversing in Heat - Similar, fan relay.
CAUTION! Tighten terminals securely. Keep wires clear of subbase edges.
Buttons/Switches: Up/Down arrows (temp adjust), FAN (ON/AUTO), SYSTEM (COOL/OFF/HEAT).
Display: Heat icon (HEAT), Cool icon (COOL, flashing for lockout), Current temp, Set temp (blank in OFF), Low battery icon (replaces "LO BATTERY" in earlier models).
Reset: Press Up/Down together while moving SYSTEM from OFF to HEAT (resets defaults).
Batteries: Replace yearly with alkaline AAA.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| No Heat/Cool/Fan | Blown fuse/tripped breaker; furnace switch OFF; loose blower door. | Replace/reset; turn ON; replace/install properly. |
| No Heat | Pilot not lit; SYSTEM not HEAT; loose wires; furnace lockout; intermittent. | Re-light; set and raise setpoint; verify; service; contact manufacturer. |
| No Cool | SYSTEM not COOL; loose wires; service needed. | Set and lower setpoint; verify; service. |
| Constant Run | Short in wiring/thermostat/system; FAN ON. | Check connections, reset, test; set to AUTO. |
| Fast/Slow Cycles (Heat) | Location/size influences. | Clip W905 for longer cycles (hydronic); contact service. |
| Fast/Slow Cycles (Cool) | Fixed. | Contact service. |
| Thermostat/Thermometer Disagree | Calibration needed. | Adjust display ±3°F (see Operation). |
| Blank Display/No Response | Voltage spike; low batteries. | Reset; replace. |
CAUTION! For cooling below 50°F: Do not operate (compressor damage). Time delay: 3-5 min lockout if called within 5 min (flashing snowflake normal).