The White Rodgers 2B61 is a remote bulb thermostat designed for use on a wide variety of heating equipment and appliances, especially suitable for electric heating. It features snap-action contacts, a graduated dial from 0°F to 50°F, 48" capillary, and double line disconnect capability. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, and troubleshooting instructions.
Assemble tools: flat blade screwdriver, wire cutter/stripper, level. Shut off electricity at main fuse box until installation complete. Label wires before disconnecting. This thermostat is for line voltage systems (120/240/277 VAC); not for low voltage. Install bulb in area of average temperature; avoid drafts, direct sunlight, or heat sources. Includes wall cover plate, mounting screws.
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.
The 2B61 Remote Bulb Thermostat is compact, snap-action, suitable for inductive/non-inductive loads. When temperature around bulb rises, contacts open to turn off heat; drops, contacts close to turn on heat. Dial: 0°F to 50°F with knob; OFF position for shutdown.
Applications: Electric Heating: Cable Heat, Baseboards, Wall Insert Heaters, Appliances; Voltage: 120/240/277 VAC.
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. Handle carefully; rough handling distorts components.
WARNING! Do not use on circuits exceeding specified voltages (120/240/277 VAC). Higher voltages damage control/causes shock/fire. Do not use on inductive loads beyond ratings. All wiring per local/national codes. Do not dent/bend bulb or kink capillary.
Shut off power. Remove old thermostat cover and base. Label wires before disconnecting. Disconnect one wire at a time to avoid confusion.
Remove old thermostat. Mount new base level on wall using provided screws. Connect wires to terminals per diagrams. Locate bulb in average temp area (air: return flow over bulb, away from cabinet; liquid: fully immersed, average temp). Do not kink capillary or damage bulb. Ambient around switch <150°F. Use wall cover plate if needed. Set dial as required.
Terminal Designations: L1 (Line Hot), L2 (Load).
120V Models: Make L1 “HOT”. Connect L1 to power, L2 to load.
Typical Wiring: LINE -- L1 Thermostat L2 -- LOAD (Heater).
CAUTION! All wiring per local/national codes. Follow equipment manufacturer instructions.
Restore power. Turn knob to setting above room temperature to test heating.
Not applicable; heating-only thermostat without fan control.
Not applicable; use manual OFF position for emergency shutdown.
Not applicable; heating-only thermostat.
Non-programmable mechanical thermostat. Adjust temperature via dial knob.
No electronic configuration. Ensure proper bulb location and wiring. Factory calibrated; do not recalibrate.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Control cycles lower than dial | Damaged bulb/capillary. | Check for dents/kinks; replace if damaged. |
| Heater not turning on | Knob too low, power off, wiring. | Adjust knob; check power/wiring. |
| Heater runs continuously | Stuck contacts, faulty bimetal. | Inspect/replace thermostat. |
| Erratic operation | Loose wires, improper bulb location. | Tighten connections; relocate bulb. |