Sprinkler Wire For Thermostat?

[DC73]

I have some left over 18-7 sprinkler control wire. UL listed for direct burial and 75C.

Would there be any issues with using this wire to connect to the AC/Furnace thermostat in my new shop?

Also, around here, they routinely run the control wire for the outdoor unit into the AC disconnect and through the same hole in the wall for the power cable. Any issues with this approach?

Thanks much,

DC

 

[LS6 Tommy]

18 is a little overkill, but there's no other reason I can think of not to use it. Just don't use fire sytem wire...

Tommy

 

[justsam]

Low voltage wire behind wall should be Class 2 or better rated. I am not sure sprinkler wire is.

I would not mix low voltage and 240VAC unless the box is partitioned.

HVAC folks tend to use color codes for fan, heat, common, etc. Not sure if sprinkler wire will have the same colors available. Certainly will work electrically.

 

[toplessHO]

how much are you saving by using it?

 

[DC73]

Low voltage wire behind wall should be Class 2 or better rated. I am not sure sprinkler wire is.

I would not mix low voltage and 240VAC unless the box is partitioned.

HVAC folks tend to use color codes for fan, heat, common, etc. Not sure if sprinkler wire will have the same colors available. Certainly will work electrically.

The needed colors are all there but the gotcha may be the Class 2 requirement. I can't find anything about the wire that indicates the class. Can you educate me about what Class 2 requires?

how much are you saving by using it?

Doesn't matter. I have the sprinkler wire and don't need it. It would be dumb not to use it if it meets code, has the right colors, and is appropriately sized.

DC

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

Just remember that you shouldn't be using fire system wire for other purposes. It has a red outer jacket to distinguish it.





JBP


.

 

[cybrdyke]

Class 2 wire is for circuits 24v (max) and 100w (max). Your wire is rated for 30v, so it's higher than Class 2.
Back in the day, 18 AWG was the norm for thermostat wire.
Sounds to me like you're good to go.
CD

 

[toplessHO]

Just remember that you shouldn't be using fire system wire for other purposes. It has a red outer jacket to distinguish it.





JBP


.

not always
have run miles and miles of white(kinda clear) FA cable that was plenum rated

 

[DC73]

Sounds to me like you're good to go.
CD

Thank you. It does sound like I'm good to go. I thought that might be the case but wanted to run it by the brain trust before proceeding.

DC

 

[justsam]

A real by the book inspector may challenge if class 2 is not printed on the sheath.

I would be more concerned with having low and high voltage in a common box without partition. I am surprised the control wire does not just follow the path of the line set.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Just remember that you shouldn't be using fire system wire for other purposes. It has a red outer jacket to distinguish it.





JBP


.

I mentioned that, too. I think the OP 's "sprinkler" wire is irrigation sprinkler control wire, not waht you and I call "fire wire".

Tommy

 

[DC73]

I would be more concerned with having low and high voltage in a common box without partition. I am surprised the control wire does not just follow the path of the line set.

I won't be running the control wire along the same path as the power cable. I asked the question because that is what is typically done by the "professionals" around here and I was curious if it was acceptable in case I needed to go that route. I actually plan to install some conduit so I can pull the wire later.

I mentioned that, too. I think the OP 's "sprinkler" wire is irrigation sprinkler control wire, not waht you and I call "fire wire". Tommy

Correct.

DC

 

[Holt]

The terminals on a thermostat are really ment for small wiring
I'm not sure a thick wire would fit
By the foot the wire is cheap. Get the correct wire just to be safe.