The White Rodgers 1F90-60 is a programmable electronic digital thermostat for heat-only systems, including gas, oil, electric, millivolt, and 3-wire zone valve systems. It features 5+2 day programming with up to 4 periods per day, battery backup, and energy-saving features like Energy Management Recovery (EMR). Powered by 24 VAC system with 3 AA batteries for program retention; compatible with systems up to 1.5A total load. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, programming, and troubleshooting instructions.
Assemble tools: hand or power drill with 3/16 inch drill bit (if needed), flat blade screwdriver, wire cutter/stripper, level, voltmeter. Shut off electricity at main fuse box until installation complete. Label wires before disconnecting. This thermostat is for 24V heat-only systems only; not for multi-stage, heat pump, or line voltage. Install about 5 ft. above floor on an inside wall, away from drafts, direct sunlight, heat sources, windows, doors, registers, or poor circulation areas.
WARNING! Failure to read and follow all instructions carefully before installing or operating this control could cause personal injury and/or property damage. Save these instructions.
This wall-mounted, low voltage thermostat maintains room temperature by controlling heating systems. Uses solid-state microcomputer for precise time/temperature control. Offers flexibility to design 5-day (weekday) and 2-day (weekend) programs with up to four time/temperature settings per 24-hour period. Features digital display, up/down arrows for adjustment, SYSTEM switch (HEAT/OFF), PRGM switch. Terminals: RH (power), W (heat), MV (millivolt). Supports standard two-wire, gas/oil, millivolt, 3-wire zone valve systems. Batteries maintain program during power failure.
Applications: Standard Heat-Only: Yes; Gas/Oil/Electric: Yes; Millivolt: Yes; Hydronic 3-Wire Zone Valve: Yes; Multi-Stage/Heat Pump/Cool: No.
CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock/equipment damage, disconnect power at main fuse/circuit breaker until installation complete. Label wires prior to disconnection. If in doubt about wiring, consult qualified heating/air conditioning contractor.
WARNING! Do not use on circuits exceeding 30 VAC 50/60 Hz (1.5A max total); higher voltage damages control/causes shock/fire. Do not short terminals on gas valve/primary control to test; short/incorrect wiring burns out components/causes injury/property damage. Conform to NEC Class II circuits. All wiring must conform to local/national codes.
ATTENTION! This product does not contain mercury but may replace one that does. Do not open mercury cells; if damaged, wear non-absorbent gloves, clean up spilled mercury, place in sealed container. Refer to www.thermostat-recycle.org for disposal. Handle carefully; rough handling may cause malfunction.
Shut off electricity at main fuse box. Verify power off with voltmeter. Remove front cover of old thermostat. With wires attached, remove wall plate. If wall mounting plate exists, remove thermostat and plate as assembly. Label each wire with terminal designation before disconnecting. Disconnect wires one at a time; pull at least 6 inches out; do not let fall into wall.
For new: Select location 5 ft. above floor on inside wall; avoid drafts/sun/heat/windows/registers/doors. Probe for obstructions, drill 1/2" hole, route wires with cord/chain. Program thermostat with batteries before mounting.
Remove packing; gently pull thermostat body straight off subbase. Pull wires through subbase center. Connect wires to terminals per wiring. Place subbase over wall hole, mark/drill mounting holes, fasten with screws (level for appearance; use plugs if needed). Push excess wire into wall, seal with fire-resistant material. Line up snaps/connectors, pivot thermostat onto subbase.
Batteries: Install 3 AA alkaline before programming; low battery flashes "BATTERY". Replace if flashing; program retained.
EMR Activation: For early recovery, clip S3 wire on back of thermostat.
Terminal Designations: RH (24V hot), W (heat relay), MV (millivolt).
Heat-Only 2-Wire Single Transformer: RH to transformer hot, W to heat relay.
Millivolt Systems: MV to millivolt common, RH to millivolt hot.
3-Wire Zone Valve: RH to transformer hot, W to zone valve end switch.
CAUTION! Refer to equipment manuals for specifics. Tighten securely; keep wires clear. Power off before attaching thermostat.
Restore power. If system fails, contact serviceperson. Disconnect power if incorrect.
Factory preprogrammed; removable body for easy programming. 5+2 day; 4 periods (MOR/DAY/EVE/NHT). Separate weekday/weekend.
Factory Heat: MOR 6AM 70°F, DAY 8AM 62°F, EVE 6PM 70°F, NHT 10PM 62°F (same for weekend).
Heating anticipation adjustable 2-40 during programming (min 15 for hydronic). No full menu; EMR via clip S3.
| Setting | Default | Options | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticipation | 2 | 2-40 | Heating cycle adjustment |
| EMR | Off | On (clip S3) | Early recovery |
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Display Blank | Power loss; dead batteries. | Check wiring/power; replace AA batteries. |
| BATTERY Flashing | Low batteries. | Replace 3 AA alkaline; program retained. |
| BATTERY Continuous | No 24V AC; on battery. | Check transformer/wiring. |
| Display Freezes/Blank | Power loss; no buttons 5 min in program. | Power cycle; resume programming. |
| Heating Not Working | Wrong mode; setpoint low; wiring. | Set HEAT, raise setpoint; check wires. |
| Programming Lost | Power off >1 min without batteries. | |
| System Off in Summer | - | Set SYSTEM OFF; programming unaffected. |
| Daylight Savings | - | Adjust clock via TIME arrows; no program loss. |