The White Rodgers 500 is a programmable electronic digital thermostat for low voltage heating and cooling systems, compatible with heat pumps (with/without aux/emergency heat), standard heat/cool, heat-only, cool-only, millivolt, gas/oil/electric furnaces, hydronic zone heat, and central air conditioning. It features 5+1+1 day programming with 4 periods per day, automatic/manual changeover, battery backup (2 AAA batteries), and adjustable cycle rates. Powered by 24 VAC; compatible with systems up to 1.5A per terminal, 1.5A max total. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, programming, and troubleshooting instructions.
Assemble tools: flat blade screwdriver, hand or power drill with 3/16 inch drill bit (if needed), wire cutter/stripper, spirit level or plumb bob and line (optional, part no. 37-6398C). Shut off electricity at main fuse box until installation complete. Label wires before disconnecting. This thermostat is for 24V systems only; not for line voltage. Install away from drafts, direct sunlight, or heat sources for accurate sensing. Thermostat does not need to be level to work properly.
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 thermostat uses solid-state microcomputer technology to provide precise time/temperature control. Features 5+1+1 day programming with four time/temperature settings per day, simultaneous heat/cool programs, automatic changeover, compressor protection, fan auto/on, backlit LCD display. LCD shows time/room temp/setpoint, up/down arrows, SYSTEM switch (HEAT/OFF/COOL/AUTO/EMER), FAN switch (ON/AUTO). Terminals: R (hot), C (common), G (fan), Y (compressor), W (heat), O/B (changeover).
Applications:
| System Type | Supported |
|---|---|
| Heat Pump (No Aux. or Emergency Heat) | Yes |
| Heat Pump (with Aux. or Emergency Heat) | Yes |
| Standard Heat & Cooling Systems | Yes |
| Standard Heat Only Systems | Yes |
| Millivolt Heat Only Systems - Floor or Wall Furnaces | Yes |
| Standard Central Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Gas or Oil Heat | Yes |
| Electric Furnace | Yes |
| Hydronic (Hot Water) Zone Heat - 2 Wires | Yes |
| Hydronic (Hot Water) Zone Heat - 3 Wires | Yes |
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 24 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).
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. To prevent static discharge problems, touch side of thermostat to release static build-up before touching any keys.
A standard heat/cool thermostat consists of three basic parts: 1) Cover (snap-on/hinge); 2) Base (captive screws); 3) Switching subbase (mounting screws). Shut off electricity at main fuse box. Verify power off with voltmeter. Remove front cover. With wires attached, remove wall plate. Loosen screws and remove wires one at a time, labeling each. Remove old thermostat body from wall. Note heat anticipator setting (.2, .4, .8, etc.) for reference.
Loosen three screws to separate base from subbase. Mount subbase to wall/adaptor plate with mounting screws. Connect wires to corresponding terminals. Reattach base to subbase and install cover. Ensure level using spirit level or plumb bob/line (optional). Keep area clear of wires.
Batteries: Install 2 AAA batteries; low battery flashes "BATT".
Terminal Designations: R (hot), C (common), G (fan), Y (compressor), W (heat), O/B (changeover).
Heat Pump (No Aux.): R hot, Y compressor, O/B changeover (O cool, B heat).
Heat Pump with Aux.: Add W aux/emergency.
Standard Heat/Cool: R hot, W heat, Y cool, G fan, C common.
Changeover Relay: Energized in COOL (O) or HEAT (B).
CAUTION! Jumper required for single aux heat. Refer to equipment manuals for specifics.
Restore power. Set SYSTEM to HEAT/COOL, FAN to ON/AUTO, adjust setpoint to test. If system does not operate properly, contact qualified serviceperson.
CAUTION! Do not operate below 50°F.
5+1+1 day programming; 4 periods per day. Factory preprogrammed.
Configuration menu for system characteristics.
| Option | Default | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Changeover | AUTO | AUTO/MAN |
| Anticipation Heat | 2 | 2-40 |
| Anticipation Cool | 4 | 4-40 |
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| No Heat | Open fuse/circuit breaker. | Replace fuse/set breaker. |
| No Cool | Open fuse/circuit breaker. | Replace fuse/set breaker. |
| Heat/Cool/Fan Runs Constantly | Short in wiring. | Check wiring, call service. |
| Cycles Too Fast/Slow | Anticipation setting. | Adjust in config menu. |
| Setting/Thermometer Disagree | Calibration. | Recalibrate or replace. |
| Blank Display/Keypad Not Responding | Static discharge. | Touch side to discharge; replace batteries. |