RCS Technology TBZ500 Installation Manual

This thermostat is compatible with most HVAC systems, including the following:

24VAC systems Note: requires both the R and C wires unless battery powered.

Standard gas/oil/electric heating systems
o
o

Heat Pump systems:
o
o
o

Do NOT use for line voltage controls (120/240VAC)
The thermostat can be powered by batteries or 24VAC.
Battery Power
The thermostat can be powered by four AA Alkaline batteries. The thermostat will operate
for approximately two years on four AA Alkaline batteries depending on the frequency of
user operations and backlight operation. Always use Alkaline batteries and replace in
complete all four at a time with new batteries.
Z-Wave Operation when Battery Powered
Important Note: If the thermostat is installed on a Z-Wave network, while it is battery
powered, it will not work as a Z-Wave repeater.
24VAC Power
Powering the thermostat with 24VAC power requires both the C wire (24VAC common
wire - typically blue) and the R wire (24VAC hot wire - typically red). If the C wire is not
available, then batteries are required.
Note! If the thermostat is powered from 24VAC, batteries are not required.
Z-Wave Operation when 24VAC powered
If the thermostat is installed on a Z-Wave network while it is 24VAC powered, it operates
as an always-on Z-Wave repeater.
Installation Steps

Remove old thermostat.

Install TBZ500

Set up the thermostat for the HVAC system

Enroll on Z-Wave network
Remove old thermostat

Turn off power. Usually at the heating/cooling system or circuit- breaker panel.

Remove cover of old thermostat to expose the wiring terminals

Take a picture of the wiring terminals! Note: This will help with
troubleshooting later if needed.

Mark the wires attached to the terminals with the wiring labels included
DCN: 140-02338-01 DRAFT 20619
Installation Guide
Model TBZ500
Battery Powered Z-Wave Thermostat
1 stage heating and cooling
2 stage heating and cooling
1 stage heating and cooling
2 stage heating and cooling
nd rd
2 or 3 stage Auxiliary heating (heat strips)
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