two stage cooling wire

[bobskurka]

A contractor is replacing my old bryant system with a trane XR15-XV80 system. The existing thermostat wire has two conductors to the outdoor unit, but the trane system has two stage cooling and requires three wires. The existing wire is run through a two story wall to the attic so probably cannot fish a new wire. The contractor gave me two choices:

1. Run a new 3 conductor wire along the outside of the brick, through the eave and into the attic.

2. Use the existing two wire conductor and use the the copper refrigerant line as a third wire.

Option #2 looks better, but it sounds like a hack. Any suggestions?

thx

[phbsales]

I vote option #1, as long as the wire is in conduit.

This guy seriously suggested using the refrigerant line as a conductor? :eek2:

[bobskurka]

yes, he said it would work.

I had three quotes for this install and he pointed out defects in the existing system that the other two guys missed. This was the only questionable point and he gave me a choice, so i guess i shouldn't be too concerned.

[lions_lair]

I vote option #1, as long as the wire is in conduit.

This guy seriously suggested using the refrigerant line as a conductor? :eek2:

I have used the (insulated) suction line..temporarily..maybe twice..but by all means..not a permemant fix..smh:couch:

[seatonheating]

yes, he said it would work.

I had three quotes for this install and he pointed out defects in the existing system that the other two guys missed. This was the only questionable point and he gave me a choice, so i guess i shouldn't be too concerned.

That's a new one on me!!

He either runs the new wire or he doesn't do the job. That is what I would tell him.

Why does everyone make such a big fuss about cutting out a little drywall to conceal wires?? Drywall fixing is the easiest thing to do in the construction trades. You will be much happier in the long run if you spend the money and take the time to do it properly at this time.

[bwalley]

A contractor is replacing my old bryant system with a trane XR15-XV80 system. The existing thermostat wire has two conductors to the outdoor unit, but the trane system has two stage cooling and requires three wires. The existing wire is run through a two story wall to the attic so probably cannot fish a new wire. The contractor gave me two choices:

1. Run a new 3 conductor wire along the outside of the brick, through the eave and into the attic.

2. Use the existing two wire conductor and use the the copper refrigerant line as a third wire.

Option #2 looks better, but it sounds like a hack. Any suggestions?

thx


#2 is hack

Use a wireless thermostat.

[phbsales]

#2 is hack

Use a wireless thermostat.

Still has to be hard-wired from the RF base to the OD unit, wireless or not.

[phbsales]

I have used the (insulated) suction line..temporarily..maybe twice..but by all means..not a permemant fix..smh:couch:

Operative word being "temporary".

[dean martin]

There are folks making wireless solutions like a Jackson Systems "wireless relay" wr-400, think they have even been advertising on this site a bunch recently.

[hvacmd]

XR15 is single stage condensing unit,XV80 is 2-stage heat variable 80%afue.

[Stamas]

Run it down the drain line.:whistle::grin2:

[pwg11386]

If the upstairs system has a secondary drain line that runs down stairs, you can have him fish the wire down through it. Ive used that trick on a straight drain pipe to replace a liquid line.

It truly would not hurt anything if he used the refrigerant line as a conductor as long as he is substituting it for the "common" wire, and i'm sure that is what he was intending to do. Just make sure he runs a wire from the refrigerant lines in the attic into the furnace to the "common" terminal instead of relying on the unit housing to do that job. It's a little hack, but it does the job and there are no disadvantages to doing it. It will not hurt the xv80.

just caught that- hmmmm XR-15. You sure thats a two stage cooling unit?

[bwalley]

Still has to be hard-wired from the RF base to the OD unit, wireless or not.

I think there are systems that have a unit for the condensing unit, air handler and also the thermostat.

The honeywell systems need a control wire from the A/H to the condensing unit, so they aren't completely wireless unless being used on a package unit.

[Energyservices]

Is a communicating control work with 2 wires & convert to 2 stages or heat pump, we use a lot in our installation, only you have to add transformer 24v
and you done

[sui generis]

XR15 is single stage condensing unit,XV80 is 2-stage heat variable 80%afue.

Indeed, it is.

[bobskurka]

XR15 is single stage condensing unit,XV80 is 2-stage heat variable 80%afue.

hmm. I'm replacing two systems. the contractor provided three options. The quote reads:

"
Trane (XR15)
a) 5 ton ( 2 stage cooling), 4 ton single stage with XV80 variable speed
b) 5 ton single stage, 4 ton single stage with XV80 variable speed
c) 5 ton single stage, 4 ton single stage with XT80 furn
4 ton options above are 16 SEER, 5 Ton option 'a' is 16 SEER
"

I'll have to check with him about the model number on the "5 ton (2 stage cooling)" unit.

[SoFlaDave]

1: 5 ton XR15's use 2 stage scrolls.

2: I'm baffled at why anyone would attach a low voltage wire to a refrigerant line.
Ground=Ground. Tie control common to condenser ground. circuit complete. no weird copper line connection. seriously,thats asinine

3: 9.9 times out of 10,if I give the customer the option of running new wire or using existing if possible,they're gonna save their money.

If the wires in good shape otherwise,I see no reason to run whats essentially ANOTHER ground wire on a system thats already grounded.
I'll also add that I have run XL 20i condensers on a single 12 gauge stranded conductor. Sometimes you work with what you get,and I can guarantee that wire will hold up much better than any low voltage wire in conduit or not.
Thinking outside the box does not equal hack work.

[Kevin O'Neill]

Stamas,

Is that a Terrible Towel I see in your Avatar Picture??

Go Steelers!

[pwg11386]

1: 5 ton XR15's use 2 stage scrolls.

2: I'm baffled at why anyone would attach a low voltage wire to a refrigerant line.
Ground=Ground. Tie control common to condenser ground. circuit complete. no weird copper line connection. seriously,thats asinine

3: 9.9 times out of 10,if I give the customer the option of running new wire or using existing if possible,they're gonna save their money.

If the wires in good shape otherwise,I see no reason to run whats essentially ANOTHER ground wire on a system thats already grounded.
I'll also add that I have run XL 20i condensers on a single 12 gauge stranded conductor. Sometimes you work with what you get,and I can guarantee that wire will hold up much better than any low voltage wire in conduit or not.
Thinking outside the box does not equal hack work.


Thank you. A good installer puts the customer first. Sometimes that means some abnormal install techniques.

[SoFlaDave]

Absolutely! If its safe,and it looks good it will always be reliable, and thats really the end goal when it comes to quality workmanship.

[acwizard]

If additional wires are needed. Look into Honeywell's Red-link wireless controls. They are not cheap but work extremely well. Recently did a wireless zoning system ,it is still working a year later without any complaints.