White Rodgers 37-5086A User Manual

The White Rodgers 37-5086A (Replaces 37-5086B) is a 5-Day/2-Day programmable electronic digital thermostat (Model 1F90-71) for low voltage heating and cooling systems. It features up to four time/temperature settings per 24-hour period, independent weekday/weekend programs, battery backup with three AA Energizer batteries, and automatic recovery to factory settings after power failure. Compatible with heat-only, cool-only, and heat/cool systems up to 1.5A load. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, programming, and troubleshooting instructions.

1. Preparations 2. Description 3. Precautions 4. Specifications 5. Installation 5.1 Wiring Diagrams 6. Check Operation 6.1 Fan Operation 6.2 Heating System 6.3 Emergency System 6.4 Cooling System 7. Operating Features 8. Programming 9. Installer Configuration 10. Troubleshooting

Preparations

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. Verify wiring type (millivolt, line, or low voltage) by a qualified professional if uncertain. This thermostat is for 17-30 VAC systems only; not for line voltage. Install away from drafts, direct sunlight, or heat sources for accurate sensing. Install three AA Energizer batteries before programming.

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.

Description

The thermostat uses solid-state microcomputer technology to provide precise time/temperature control. Features 5+2 day programming with four time/temperature settings per day, simultaneous heat/cool programs, battery backup (three AA Energizer, ~1 year), automatic reversion to factory preprogram (64°F heat/82°F cool) after power failure. LCD display shows time/room temp/setpoint, up/down arrows, SYSTEM switch (HEAT/OFF/COOL/AUTO), FAN switch (ON/AUTO). Terminals: R (hot), C (common), G (fan), Y (compressor), W (heat), O/B (changeover).

Applications: Heat Only: Yes; Cool Only: Yes; Heat/Cool: Yes; Millivolt: Yes; Gas/Oil/Electric/Hydronic: Yes.

Precautions

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 17-30 VAC 50/60 Hz (0.05-1.5A per terminal, 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. Do not operate cooling below 50°F (compressor damage); if power off >1 hour and outdoor <50°F, wait equal time before operating to avoid slugging.

ATTENTION! Handle carefully; rough handling distorts components. This product does not contain mercury.

Specifications

Removing Old Thermostat

Shut off electricity at main fuse box. Verify power off with voltmeter. Remove front cover of old thermostat. With wires attached, remove wall plate. Loosen screws and remove wires one at a time, labeling each. Remove old thermostat body from wall.

Installation

Set option switches and program thermostat with batteries installed before attaching to subbase. Mount subbase level on wall. Connect wires to terminals. Reattach base and cover. Restore power.

Batteries: Install 3 AA Energizer alkaline; low battery indicated.

Wiring Diagrams

Terminal Designations: R (hot), C (common), G (fan), Y (compressor), W (heat).

Heat Only, 2-Wire, Single Transformer: Red jumper between R and W; relay shown.

Millivolt System: Connect to millivolt heating.

Millivolt Cooling, System Relay: 3-wire cooling only.

Zone Valve: Heat only, 3-wire zone.

Cooling System: Typical cooling wiring.

CAUTION! Refer to equipment manuals for specifics. All wiring per local codes.

Check Operation

Restore power. Set SYSTEM to HEAT/COOL, FAN to ON/AUTO, adjust setpoint to test. Verify response to temperature changes.

Fan Operation

  1. FAN ON: Blower runs continuously.
  2. FAN AUTO: Blower runs on call for heat/cool.

Heating System

  1. SYSTEM HEAT.
  2. Setpoint above room temp: Heat activates.
  3. Setpoint below: Heat stops.

Emergency System

Not applicable for single-stage; manual override if equipped.

Cooling System

CAUTION! Do not operate below 50°F.

  1. SYSTEM COOL.
  2. Setpoint below room temp: Cool activates.
  3. Setpoint above: Cool stops.

Operating Features

Programming

5+2 day programming; 4 periods per day. Factory preprogrammed; program with batteries installed.

  1. Set Time/Day: Press CLOCK, adjust hour/min, DAY.
  2. Program: Select HEAT/COOL, set times/temps for periods.
  3. Copy: Copy weekday to weekend.
  4. Review: Cycle through programs.
  5. Run: Press RUN.
  6. Hold: Press HOLD for override.

Factory: Heat weekdays 6AM 70°F, 8AM 62°F, 5PM 70°F, 10PM 62°F; weekends 6AM 70°F, 10PM 62°F. Cool similar with 78°F, 85°F, 78°F, 82°F.

Installer Configuration

Set option switches on back before installation.

SwitchDefaultOptionsComments
#1OFFON/OFFManual Changeover (OFF=Auto)
#2OFFON/OFFHeat Only (ON)
#3OFFON/OFFCool Only (ON)
Anticipation Heat22-40Cycle rate
Anticipation Cool44-40Cycle rate

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Display BlankPower loss.Check transformer/wiring; restore power.
Program LostExtensive power failure.Reprogram; auto-reverts to factory.
No Heat/CoolWiring, settings.Verify wiring, switches.
Short CyclingAnticipation low.Increase setting.
Compressor DelayProtection.Wait after power off >1hr and <50°F.
White Rodgers 37-5086A Thermostat Manual© - All Rights Reserved 2025