AW000873 Installation Guide for Energate Thermostats

AW000873 

Installation Guide for Energate 

Thermostats 

Rev Date Done By Checked 

By 

A Dec 22, G. Delage S. 

2011 

McKenzie 

B Jan 25, G. Delage S. 

2012 

McKenzie 

Description 

Initial Release 

Added information on AS20 

Auxiliary Switch, dual 

transformer scenarios. Added 

FAQ and Troubleshooting 

sections.

Table of Contents 

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 3 

1.1 Operating the Thermostat ...................................................................................................... 3 

2. Installation Procedure ................................................................................................................. 5 

3. No Existing Thermostat .............................................................................................................. 6 

4. Thermostat Wiring ...................................................................................................................... 7 

5. Configuring the Thermostat Settings .......................................................................................... 8 

6. Standard Configurations ........................................................................................................... 10 

6.1 Furnace with Air Conditioner ............................................................................................. 10 

6.2 Furnace with No Air Conditioner........................................................................................ 11 

6.3 Air Conditioner with no furnace ......................................................................................... 12 

6.4 Heat Pump - Single stage with no auxiliary stage ............................................................... 13 

6.5 Heat Pump - Two stage with no auxiliary stage.................................................................. 14 

6.6 Heat Pump - Single stage with auxiliary stage .................................................................... 15 

6.7 Heat Pump - Two stage with auxiliary stage....................................................................... 16 

7. Special Configurations .............................................................................................................. 17 

7.1 No Common Wire at thermostat ......................................................................................... 17 

7.2 Dual transformer scenarios.................................................................................................. 22 

7.3 Zone Control Systems ......................................................................................................... 24 

8. Options and Accessories ........................................................................................................... 25 

8.1 Energate thermostat does not cover hole in wall (Wall Plate) ............................................ 25 

8.2 Outdoor Sensor .................................................................................................................... 26 

8.3 Air Filter Sensor .................................................................................................................. 26 

8.4 Heat Pump Fault Sensor ...................................................................................................... 26 

9. Testing the System .................................................................................................................... 27 

9.1 Conventional System Test ................................................................................................... 27 

9.2 Heat-Pump System Test ...................................................................................................... 28 

10. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................... 29 

10.1 Suspected installation issue ............................................................................................... 29 

10.2 Return to Material Authorization (RMA) Procedure ........................................................ 31 

11. Commissioning a thermostat................................................................................................... 32 

12. Unsupported Configurations ................................................................................................... 33 

13. Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................... 34 

14. Energate Technical Support .................................................................................................... 37 

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION PROPRIETARY TO ENERGATE INC. NO PART OF ITS CONTENTS MAY BE 

DISCLOSED OR CONVEYED TO, USED BY, OR COPIED TO A THIRD PARTY WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT BY ENERGATE INC. 

2

1. Introduction 

This document is intended for the use of installers who are installing Energate Z100 thermostat 

(both Pioneer 1 and Pioneer 2 models). 

The Energate Z100 is a 2-way communicating thermostat that supports the ZigBee Smart Energy 

protocol. This document describes the typical installation scenarios and provides advice for 

handling unusual situations. Section 1.1 describes how to operate the thermostat. 

If you have questions that are not answered by this document, please contact Energate support as 

shown in section 13. 

1.1 Operating the Thermostat 

Navigating the Controls 

The function of the LEFT and RIGHT TAB buttons appears on the bottom of the display screen. 

Use the SCROLL (▲ ▼) buttons to adjust the temperature, move through the menus options, and 

change highlighted values. Press the MENU / SELECT (√) button to access the menu as well as 

to select or accept highlighted menu items. 



3

Home Screen 

The Home screen displays current temperature and operation data. When the Home screen is in 

Idle mode, the backlight is on with low brightness. Please note that icons such as heat or fan are 

animated when the equipment is running. 

Note: A SETPOINT (e.g., LEAVE) is identified by a name and specifies both heating and 

cooling target temperatures. See the Temperature SettingsError! No bookmark name given. 

section for additional information. 

By just pressing any of the buttons, the Home screen becomes Active, the backlight brightens 

and the MODE and FAN tabs are shown. 

Pressing the LEFT TAB button changes the thermostat mode 

(COOL/HEAT/AUTO/EMERG/OFF). The available options for the thermostat mode will 

depend on the type of heating or cooling equipment at your home. Pressing the RIGHT TAB 

button changes the fan mode (ON/AUTO) 

Pressing the SCROLL (▲ ▼) buttons makes the temperatures of the SETPOINTs higher 

(warmer) or lower (cooler). You can accept the changes by pressing the LEFT TAB, which will 

be displaying ACCEPT, or you can walk away after making the changes. They will be 

automatically accepted when the screen goes to the Idle mode (i.e. the backlight diminishes to 

low). 

To see the different menu items displayed, the MENU / SELECT (√) button needs to be pressed 

once when the screen is active or twice when it is in the Idle mode. 

Note: Refer to the thermostat manual for complete operating instructions. 



4

2. Installation Procedure 

1. If there is no existing thermostat, please review section 3, "No Existing Thermostat" for 

guidelines on mounting the thermostat and related equipment. 

2. Before installing the new thermostat in the home, verify that the existing HVAC 

equipment is working correctly by testing all heating and cooling stages. 

3. Before disconnecting the old thermostat, record the schedule and equipment settings and 

label all the wires identifying the terminals they are connected to on the old thermostat in 

case it needs to be re-installed. 

4. Disconnect power from the HVAC equipment, remove the old thermostat and install the 

Energate Z100 thermostat as per section 6. In the event that there is no ground wire, 

please review section 7.1. In the event that the thermostat backplate does not cover an 

existing hole in the wall, please review section 8.1. 

5. After installing the Energate Z100 thermostat, reconnect power and enter the Setup menu 

to configure the thermostat for the type of equipment it is connected to as shown in 

section 5. 

6. Verify that all the heating and cooling stages are working correctly as shown in section 9. 

7. If using an outdoor sensor, air filter sensor or heat pump fault sensor, please review 

section 8. 

8. If the HVAC equipment uses two transformers, please review section 7.2. 

9. If the HVAC equipment is wired into a zone control system, please review section 7.3. 

10. Commission the thermostat to join it to the gateway, verify the thermostat radio indicator 

in the top left of the display changes from an “X” to a series of signal strength bars as 

shown in section 10. 

11. Show the homeowner how to use their new thermostat as per section 1.1. In particular 

make sure they know how to: 

a. Change the mode between Heat, Cool, Auto and Off 

b. Set a temporary hold, which can also be used to override an event 

c. Modify their conservation settings if the Utility is sending price information 

d. Modify their schedule time and temperature settings 

12. Explain how the utility program works to the homeowner. 

13. Provide the homeowner with the thermostat manual and Utility documentation. 



5

3. No Existing Thermostat 

Mounting the Thermostat 

Install the thermostat at 5 feet (1.5m) above the floor in an area with good air circulation at 

average temperature. Avoid locations with drafts or dead spots behind doors, hot or cold air 

ducts, sunlight or radiant heat from appliances, concealed pipes or chimneys and unconditioned 

areas such as outside walls behind the thermostat. 

The 2 wallplate anchors should be spaced 3.5 inches (90 mm) apart in a vertical direction. Pull 

wires through the backplate and connect to the appropriate terminals as defined in the Wiring 

Configuration. 

Mounting the Outdoor Sensor 

The outdoor sensor should be mounted in a shaded location, out of direct sunlight. The 

thermostat will automatically detect the outdoor sensor and display its readings. 

Cleaning the Thermostat 

The thermostat can be cleaned with a soft cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). 

Excessive IPA or use of other solvents may damage the LCD! 

Removing Thermostat Front Housing from Backplate 

To remove the thermostat front housing from the backplate, press the plastic tab located at the 

bottom of the thermostat. Pull the bottom of the front housing forward and remove. 

Warning: do not use metallic tools when removing battery or backplate; this may damage the 

thermostat. 



6

4. Thermostat Wiring 

The following diagram shows the backplate of the Energate thermostat. 

Conventional System 

The following are the general wiring connections for a conventional system. 

Conventional Systems (CONV) 

1 Common(GND) C 8 

2 Power (24VAC) R 9 

3 RS OUT Outdoor Sensor 1st Stage Heat W1 10 

4 RS GND Sensor Ground Fan G 11 

5 FILTER Filter 1st Stage Cool Y1 12 

6 2nd Stage Cool Y2 13 

7 2nd Stage Heat W2 14 

Heat Pump 

The following are the general wiring connections for a heat pump. 

Heat Pump Systems (HP) 

1 Common (GND) C 8 

2 FAULT Heat Pump Fault Power (24VAC) R 9 

3 RS OUT Outdoor Sensor Auxiliary Heat E 10 

4 RS GND Sensor Ground Fan G 11 

5 FILTER Filter 1st Stage Heat Pump Y1 12 

6 2nd Stage Heat Pump Y2 13 

7 Reversing Valve* O/B 14 

* Reversing Valve is also known as Changeover valve 



7

5. Configuring the Thermostat Settings 

In order to configure the Thermostat to match your HVAC configuration, you must use the 

SETUP menu. 

1. Press the Menu/Select (checkmark) button to enter the menu 

2. Scroll down to the SETUP menu 

3. Enter the Install Password “INST” 

This will give you access to the additional menu items listed below. 

Equipment Type 

• TYPE: 

o Select the type of equipment (conventional or heat pump), the default is 

Conventional. 

• # OF COOL STAGES: 

o Select the number of cool stages from 0 to 2, the default is 1. 

• # OF HEAT STAGES: 

o Select the number of heat stages from 0 to 2 (3 for heat pumps), the default is 1. 

• REV. VALVE (for heat pumps only): 

o Select whether the reversing valve is on in cool or on in heat. The default is on in 

cool. 

Equipment Settings 

• MIN ON/OFF TIME: 

o Select the minimum on/off time from 1 to 6 minutes, the default is 3. 

o A minimum of 2 minutes is recommended for a furnace and 3 minutes for Heat 

Pumps and Air Conditioners. 

• FAN ON IN HEAT (for conventional equipment only): 

o Set to yes if the thermostat controls the fan (common in electric furnaces) and no 

if the furnace controls the fan (common in gas furnaces). The default is Yes. 

• ALLOW HP+AUX ON (for heat pumps only): 

o Set to yes if the heat pump and auxiliary heat can be on at the same time fan 

(common with auxiliary electric heat). 

o Set to no if the heat pump should be off when the auxiliary heat is on (common 

with auxiliary fossil fuel heat). 

o The default is Yes. 

• BALANCE POINTS (Only for heat pumps with outdoor temperature sensor): 

o HIGH: Set to the temperature above which the auxiliary heat is disabled. The 

range is from -38 °F (-39 °C) to 122 °F (50 °C) and the default is 122 °F (50 °C) 

and a typical value is 50 °F (10 °C). 

o LOW: Set to the temperature below which the heat pump is disabled. The range 

is from -40 °F (-40 °C) to 120 °F (49 °C) and the default is -40 °F (-40 °C) and a 

typical value is 32 °F (0 °C). 



8

Control 

• HYSTERISIS 

o Select the number of degrees the temperature must go beyond a setpoint prior to 

changing from HEAT to COOL mode or vice versa when in AUTO mode. The 

range is 0 °F (0 °C) to 6 °F (3 °C) and the default is 2 °F (1 °C). 

• ANTICIPATION TIME 

o Select the amount of time the thermostat will engage the equipment to reach the 

setpoint temperature before the scheduled setpoint time. The range is from 0 to 

180 minutes and the default is 60 minutes. 

• MAX RECOVERY TIME (for multiple stage equipment): 

o Select the amount of time the thermostat will allow the equipment to reach the 

desired temperature in the current stage before engaging the next stage of heating 

or cooling. The range is 0 to 180 minutes and the default is 90 minutes. 



9

6. Standard Configurations 

6.1 Furnace with Air Conditioner 

Equipment Wiring 

Thermostat Settings 


• TYPE: Conventional 

• # OF COOL STAGES: 1 for single stage air conditioner, 2 for two stage air conditioner 

• # OF HEAT STAGES: 1 for single stage furnace, 2 for two stage furnace. 


• FAN ON IN HEAT: Set to yes if the thermostat controls the fan (common in electric 

furnaces) and no if the furnace controls the fan (common in gas furnaces). 



10

6.2 Furnace with No Air Conditioner 





• # OF COOL STAGES: 0 

• # OF HEAT STAGES: 1 for single stage furnace, 2 for two stage furnace. 


• FAN ON IN HEAT: Set to yes if the thermostat controls the fan (common in electric 

furnaces) and no if the furnace controls the fan (common in gas furnaces). 



11

6.3 Air Conditioner with no furnace 





• # OF COOL STAGES: 1 for single stage air conditioner, 2 for two stage air conditioner 

• # OF HEAT STAGES: 0 



12

6.4 Heat Pump - Single stage with no auxiliary stage 




• TYPE: Heat Pump 



• REV. VALVE: 


cool. 


• ALLOW HP+AUX ON: 








13

6.5 Heat Pump - Two stage with no auxiliary stage 









cool. 










14

6.6 Heat Pump - Single stage with auxiliary stage 









cool. 

















15

6.7 Heat Pump - Two stage with auxiliary stage 









cool. 

















16

7. Special Configurations 

7.1 No Common Wire at thermostat 

In the event of a common wire not being available on the thermostat back plate it will be 

necessary to either: 

• install an Energate Auxiliary Switch AS20 (No Common Wire and Dual Transformer 

scenarios) 

• install an Energate Auxiliary Switch AS10 (No Common Wire scenario) 

• run a ground wire from the equipment to the thermostat back plate (No Common Wire 

scenario) 

In most situations, it will be more efficient to install the AS20 auxiliary switch. 

Several units on the market were able to function without a common wire in 'power stealing 

mode' or 'battery powered mode'. The battery included with the Energate thermostat is sufficient 

to maintain crucial information during loss of mains power. However, the thermostat requires 

more power than can be obtained using 'power stealing' or 'battery powered' mode which is why 

it is required to be mains powered. 



17

Installing the Auxiliary Switch (AS20) 

AS20 Auxiliary Switch Installation Guide 

Missing Common Wire on Single transformer HVAC System 

The Auxiliary Switch facilitates the installation of a 

thermostat where a common wire connection from the 

heating and/or cooling equipment to the thermostat does not 

exist. 

These Single transformer instructions on this page should be 

used with a Heat only HVAC installation or an integrated 

Heat/Cool installation using a single transformer servicing 

both Heat and Cool parts of the equipment. For installations 

with separate Heat and Cool equipment, each with its own 

transformer, please refer to the instructions on Page 2. 

The Auxiliary Switch is installed on or close to the equipment 

so that the five wire cable reaches the control terminals 

inside. The Auxiliary Switch should not be installed inside 

the HVAC equipment enclosure (doing so may void the 

HVAC UL certification). 

Before Starting the Installation: 

Check that the package includes 1 Auxiliary Switch Unit, 1 

signal coupler and 5 Splice Wire Caps. 

Turn off the power to the furnace, air conditioning 

and/or heat pump, either at the shut off switch, or at the 

electrical panel. 

Thermostat site: 

Step 1 - Remove the old thermostat from the backplate. If 

there is no backplate then remove the thermostat from the 

wall to access the wiring. Next label the wires according to 

which terminal block they are currently connected 

(R,Y,W,G). Now disconnect the wires and remove the 

existing backplate. 

Step 2 – Mount the new backplate and connect the wire 

marked R to the R terminal block. Also connect the wires 

labelled W and Y to the corresponding terminal blocks. 

Step 3 – Install the signal coupler provided with the Auxiliary 

Switch between G and C terminal blocks on the backplate. 

Connect the wire labelled G to the C terminal block. 

Any remaining wires should be connected as per their 

installation instructions. 

Step 4 – Make note of the color and/or labels on the wires 

attached to each of the terminal blocks. Attach the 

thermostat to the backplate. 

Equipment site: 

Step 5 – In the equipment area find a convenient location to 

mount the Auxiliary Switch. The location should be outside 

the equipment but close enough so that the five wire cable 

reaches the thermostat connections inside. Mount the 

Auxiliary Switch using 2 screws or adhesive pad provided. 

Step 6 – Before disconnecting wires at the equipment, label 

them according to which equipment terminal block they are 

connected, verifying these labels match the labels attached 

in step 1. 

Step 7 – Pass the five wire cable through a convenient 

access hole in the equipment. 

Step 8 – The wire labelled G must be spliced to the 

Auxiliary Switch cable using a wire cap as follows: 

• Wire labelled G to the Auxiliary Switch WHITE wire. 

Step 9 – Connect the blue and green wires from the 

Auxiliary Switch to the equipment as follows: 

• BLUE wire to the equipment C terminal. 

• GREEN wire to the equipment G terminal. 

Step 10 – Connect the remaining two wires from the 

Auxiliary Switch and the wire labelled R from the thermostat 

as follows: 

• Auxiliary Switch YELLOW and RED wires and the wire 

labelled R to the equipment R terminal. 

Step 11 – Restore power to the equipment and follow the 

equipment configuration instructions in the thermostat user 

manual for testing. 

Step 12 - Record the serial number of the unit, name and 

address of the owner, and make and model of the heating 

and/or cooling equipment. Install the Connection Diagram 

sticker (AW000785) on a visible place on the HVAC cabinet 

or on the wall close to the AS20. 

Note: If the old thermostat has no connection to G, but 

instead to W, then connect the W wire to C at the thermostat 

and the signal coupler between W and C at the thermostat 

location. At the equipment location, connect the AS20 green 

wire to W instead of G at the equipment. Connect the AS20 

White wire to the W wire with a wire cap at the equipment 

location. 



18

Single Transformer 

Connection Schematic 

Example for single stage 

Heat/Cool system. 

Thermostat 

C 

R 

G 

W 

Y 

Signal Coupler 

Auxiliary 

Switch 

W 

G 

BLUE 

RED 

GREEN 

YELLOW 

WHITE 



R 

Y 

Labels per steps 1 and 6. 

HVAC Equipment 

C 

R 

G 

W 

Y 

Legend 

R – 24VAC 

C – Common 

W – Heating 

Y – Cooling 

G – Fan 

19

Installing the Auxiliary Switch (AS10) 


thermostat where a common wire connection from the 

heating and/or cooling equipment to the thermostat does 

not exist. 

The unit is installed adjacent to the equipment at a 

convenient location along the existing wire connecting the 

thermostat to the equipment. The Auxiliary switch should 

not be installed inside the HVAC equipment enclosure 

(doing so may void the HVAC UL certification). The 

Auxiliary Switch should be installed outside the HVAC 

equipment enclosure, but placed nearby to reduce the 

required cabling. 

Before Starting the Installation 

Check that the package includes 1 Auxiliary Switch Unit, 

1 custom Jumper and 5 Splice Wire Caps. 


and/or heat pump either at the shut off switch or at 

the electrical panel. 


there is no back plate then remove the thermostat from 

the wall to access the wiring. Next label the wires 

according to which terminal block they are currently 

connected (R,Y,W,G). Now disconnect the wires and 

remove the existing backplate. 

Install the label on the wall behind the backplate that 

reads 

“If installing another thermostat (other than Energate), 

you must remove the Energate Auxiliary Switch, attached 

to the thermostat wiring, and located at the furnace and/or 

air conditioner.” 


marked R to the R terminal block. Also connect the wires 

labelled W and Y to the corresponding terminal blocks. 

Step 4 – Make note of the color and/or markings on the wires 

attached to each of the terminal blocks. Attach the thermostat to 

the backplate. 


mount the Auxiliary Switch. The location should be near the 

equipment and along the path of the wire coming from the 

thermostat. Mount the Auxiliary Switch using 2 screws or 

double-sided tape with the three wires towards the equipment 

and the two wires towards the thermostat. 

Step 6 - Remove the outer sheath of the wire coming from the 

thermostat to expose the individual conductors. Cut the wires 

connected to the R and C terminals at the thermostat. Be 

careful not to cut the wires connected to the W and Y terminals. 

Step 7 – Using splice wire caps, connect the R and C wires to 

the Auxiliary Switch as follows: 

• R terminal on the thermostat to the RED wire. 

• C terminal on the thermostat to the GRAY wire. 

Step 8 – Run a new cable with three wires from the Auxiliary 

Switch to the equipment. Using the splice wire caps connect the 

wires on the auxiliary switch to the equipment as follows: 

• BLACK wire to the C terminal. 

• RED wire to the R terminal. 

• WHITE to the G terminal. 


equipment configuration instructions in the user manual for 

testing. 



and/or cooling equipment. 

Note: If the old thermostat has no connection to G, but 

instead to W, then connect the Jumper between W and C at 

the thermostat location. At the equipment location, connect 

the white wire to W instead of G at the equipment. 



20

Running a ground wire 

In the event that a common wire is not available at the thermostat and the installer determines it 

is more efficient to run a fresh common wire from the HVAC equipment transformer or simply 

does not have an auxiliary switch available, the following precautions should be taken. 

• The ground or common wire of the transformer of the HVAC equipment must be used 

• Care must be taken to avoid using a floating or incorrect ground. Using either of these 

will lead to problems using the thermostat. 

• If a common ground is run and power is not available at the thermostat, it may be the 

case that one of the wires is faulty. This is more likely in older houses. In that case, it is 

recommended to test for continuity on the wires. If no continuity is detected, the wiring 

will likely need to be replaced. If available, test your setup by using an unused wire 

(wire up the unused wire instead of the original wire) and retest. If the new wire works, 

the old wire likely is faulty and should be replaced. 

• It is also possible that the wiring has been modified over time. If this is the case, 

marrets/couplers may have been used to couple the wires and it is likely the wiring at one 

end is a different color than that at the other. In this case, it is necessary to record the 

colors and trace them from the HVAC equipment to the backplate to determine where the 

problem lies. 

• To help isolate faults, disconnect the thermostat and jumper R and the output under test. 

Note that the jumper must be removed prior to connecting the thermostat otherwise 

damage will occur to the thermostat. 



21

7.2 Dual transformer scenarios 

The following describes how to install an AS20 Auxiliary Switch for dual transformer 

installations. 

Dual transformer installation with or without a common wire 


thermostat in a Dual transformer HVAC system, regardless 

of whether a common wire connection from the equipment 

to the thermostat is available. 

These Dual transformer instructions on this page should be 

used with installations incorporating separate Heat and Cool 

equipment, each with its own transformer. For a Heat only 

HVAC installation or an integrated Heat/Cool installation 

using a single transformer servicing both Heat and Cool 

parts of the equipment, please refer to the instructions on 

Page 1. 

The Auxiliary Switch is installed on or close to the 

equipment so that the five wire cable reaches the control 

terminals inside. The Auxiliary Switch should not be 

installed inside the HVAC equipment enclosure (doing so 

may void the HVAC UL certification). 

Before Starting the Installation: 

Check that the package includes 1 Auxiliary Switch Unit, 1 

signal coupler and 5 Splice Wire Caps. 


and/or heat pump, either at the shut off switch, or at the 

electrical panel. 

Thermostat site: 


there is no backplate then remove the thermostat from the 

wall to access the wiring. Next label the wires according to 

which terminal block they are currently connected 

(R,Y,W,G). Now disconnect the wires and remove the 

existing backplate. 


labelled RC to the R terminal block. 

Step 3 – Install the signal coupler provided with the Auxiliary 

Switch between W and C terminal blocks on the backplate. 

Connect the wire labelled W to the C terminal block. Any 

remaining wires should be connected as per their 

installation instructions. 

Step 4 – Make note of the color and/or labels on the wires 

attached to each of the terminal blocks. Attach the 

thermostat to the backplate. 

Equipment site: 


mount the Auxiliary Switch. With separate equipment, it’s 

generally advantageous to mount the Auxiliary Switch at the 

Cooling equipment. The location should be outside the 

equipment but close enough so that the five wire cable 

reaches the thermostat connections inside. Mount the 

Auxiliary Switch using 2 screws or adhesive pad provided. 

Step 6 – Before disconnecting wires at the equipment, label 

them according to which equipment terminal block they are 

connected, verifying these labels match the labels attached 

in step 1. 

Step 7 – Pass the five wire cable from the Auxiliary Switch 

through a convenient access hole in the equipment. 

Step 8 – The wires labelled RC and W must be spliced to 

the Auxiliary Switch cable and equipment as follows: 

• Wire labelled RC and Auxiliary Switch YELLOW wire both 

to the Cooling equipment RC terminal. 

• Wire labelled W to the Auxiliary Switch WHITE wire. 

Step 9 – Connect the three remaining wires from the 

Auxiliary Switch to the furnace as follows: 

• RED wire to the Furnace RH terminal. 

• GREEN wire to the Furnace W terminal. 

• BLUE wire to the Cooling equipment C terminal. 


equipment configuration instructions in the thermostat user 

manual for testing. 



and/or cooling equipment. Install the Connection Diagram 

sticker (AW000785) on a visible place on the HVAC cabinet 

or on the wall close to the AS20. 



22

Dual Transformer 

Connection Schematic 

Thermostat 

Example for single stage 

Heat/Cool system. 

C 

R 

G 

W 

Y 

Signal Coupler 

Auxiliary 

Switch 

W 

G 

RC 

Y 

Labels per steps 1 and 6. 



RED 

GREEN 

BLUE 

YELLOW 

WHITE 

Heating Equipment 

RH 

W 

Cooling Equipment 

C 

RC 

G 

Y 

Legend 

R – 24VAC 

C – Common 

W – Heating 

Y – Cooling 

G – Fan 

23

7.3 Zone Control Systems 

An Energate thermostat is compatible with most zone control systems out of the box. Each zone 

requires a separate thermostat as a single Energate thermostat is not capable of supporting 

multiple zones by itself. 

To use it with a typical zoning panel, wire up the R, C and other inputs as appropriate to the zone 

control wiring panel. For each zone, there should be an appropriate array of terminals similar to 

those normally on the wiring panel of the HVAC equipment. 

Please treat each array of terminals, one per thermostat zone, as a separate piece of HVAC 

equipment and follow the instructions from earlier in this guide for that HVAC equipment type. 



24

8. Options and Accessories 

8.1 Energate thermostat does not cover hole in wall (Wall Plate) 

In the event that the Energate thermostat is not able to cover the hole in the wall left by the 

previous thermostat, it is recommended to use an Energate wall plate to completely cover the 

hole. 

The Energate Wall Plate Installation Guide explains how to install a wall plate. Note that the 

wall plate can be positioned both vertically as well as horizontally and should cover most holes. 



25

8.2 Outdoor Sensor 

Only 10 kOhm at 25°C (77°F) thermistor sensors are approved for use with Energate 

thermostats. Using standard thermostat wire (AWG 18), the temperature reading error for a 

1000' cable is less than 0.05°F for a reading of 68°F and an error of less than 0.02°F for a reading 

of 32°F. 

As the resistance values at other temperatures within the measurement range of -40°C to 50°C (- 

40°F to 113°F) may differ substantially, Energate recommends a 10 kOhm thermistor with a 

B25/85 = 3977 such as the one used in the Aprilaire 8052. 

By using a 10 kOhm thermistor with a similar B25/85 value, it should ensure that temperature 

readings are accurate. 

8.3 Air Filter Sensor 

If there exists an air filter sensor which energizes at 24 VAC, it may be wired to the FILTER 

terminal and once energized, the thermostat will show a Change Air Filter message to indicate to 

the user that the filter should be cleaned. 

8.4 Heat Pump Fault Sensor 

If there exists a heat pump fault sensor which energizes at 24 VAC, it may be wired to the 

FAULT terminal and once energized, the thermostat will show a Heat Pump Fault message to 

indicate to the user that the heat pump has encountered a fault condition and will remain disabled 

until the fault is corrected. 



26

9. Testing the System 

9.1 Conventional System Test 

This procedure allows the installer to bypass delays associated with the minimum on/off times. 

OUTPUT 

PROCEDURE EXPECTED 

TESTED 

Mode = OFF 

RESULT 

Fan Fan = change from AUTO to 

ON 

Fan should turn on 

1 ST Mode = COOL 

stage cooling 

Lower the setpoint by at least 

-3°F (-2°C) from room 

temperature and press 

ACCEPT to engage HOLD 

First stage cooling 

should engage 

2 ND stage 

cooling* 

Remain in COOL mode, 

lower setpoint by at least one 

degree (°F or °C) and press 

ACCEPT again. 

Second stage 

cooling should 

engage 

1 ST Change mode to HEAT, rise 

stage heating 

the setpoint by at least +3°F 

(+2°C) above room 


ACCEPT 

First stage heating 

should engage 

2 ND stage 

heating** 

Remain in HEAT mode, raise 

setpoint by at least one degree 

(°F or °C) and press 

ACCEPT again. 

Second stage 

heating should 

engage 

* Only in two stage cooling systems. 

** Only in two stage heating systems. 



27

9.2 Heat-Pump System Test 

This procedure allows the installer to bypass delays associated with the minimum on/off times. 

OUTPUT PROCEDURE EXPECTED 

TESTED 

RESULT 

Fan 

Mode = OFF 

Fan = change from AUTO 

to ON 

Fan should turn on 

1 ST stage cooling 

Mode = COOL 

Set the setpoint by at least - 

3°F (-2°C) below room 


ACCEPT to engage HOLD 

First stage cooling 

should engage 

2 ND stage 

cooling* 

Remain in COOL mode, 

lower setpoint by at least 

one degree (°F or °C) and 

press ACCEPT again. 

Second stage cooling 

should engage 

1 ST stage heating 

Mode = HEAT 

Set the setpoint by at least 

+3°F (+2°C) above room 


ACCEPT 

First stage heating 

should engage 

2 ND stage 

heating* 

Remain in HEAT mode, 

raise setpoint by at least one 


ACCEPT again. 

Second stage heating 

should engage. 

Heating using 

Auxiliary Heat** 

Remain in HEAT mode, 

raise setpoint by at least one 


Auxiliary heating 

should engage (if there 

are more heat stages 

ACCEPT again. 

than cool stages) 

* Only in two stage heat pump systems. 

** Only with Heat-Pump systems equipped with an Auxiliary Heater 



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10. Troubleshooting 

10.1 Suspected installation issue 

If a thermostat is suspected not to be working properly, prior to commencing the Energate RMA 

procedure (see section 10.2), it is essential to complete the following troubleshooting steps. 

10.1.1 Does the unit power on? 

• Are C and R both wired in correctly? 

o If a C or common/ground is missing, see section 7.1. 

• If C and R are wired correctly, confirm that the voltage between C and R is between 20 and 

30 VAC. 

• Confirm that the C is not a floating ground and is from the HVAC equipment. 

• Confirm that the panel is not removed from the HVAC equipment. 

• Confirm that the HVAC equipment is receiving power. 

If the unit still does not power on after confirming everything is set up correctly, replace the thermostat 

front plate with another Energate thermostat of the same model. Verify that it does power up. If it does, 

contact Energate support (see section 13) and begin the RMA procedure as outlined in section 10.2. 

10.1.2 W, G or another output does not energize (equipment turns on) 

- Check the wiring on the thermostat backplate. Confirm all outputs are wired correctly. 

- Perform the Conventional or Heat Pump System Test. Did all of the other outputs operate correctly? 

• Some equipment will only engage after a delay. Wait 5 minutes, confirm that the outputs 

have still not yet engaged. 

• if yes, remove the thermostat front plate. Jumper the non-operating output and the R to 

energize the output at 24 VAC. Confirm that the output becomes energized. 

• If the output energizes, then proceed with the Energate RMA procedure. 

• If the output does not energize, it likely is a wiring or equipment problem. Confirm that the 

equipment is operating correctly. If it is, then there is likely faulty wiring. To test for faulty 

wiring, power off the HVAC equipment. Substitute the wiring at both the HVAC equipment 

and the thermostat for a confirmed working wire (if available). Also confirm that the wiring 

used is proper thermostat wiring. 

For example, if G is working but W is not, rewire the G wiring for use on W. Turn the equipment 

back on. If W does not work while using the good wiring from G, it is likely an HVAC equipment issue. 

Recommend to the homeowner to have an HVAC service technician service their equipment. 



29

If W does work while using the good wiring from G, it is a wiring issue. If there is an unused 

wire, test the wire using the method above and use it for the output. 

Remove the jumper. Put the thermostat front plate back on. Proceed through the Conventional or 

Heat Pump System test as appropriate and confirm all outputs are now functioning correctly. 



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10.2 Return to Material Authorization (RMA) Procedure 

Prior to requesting an RMA, it is requested that troubleshooting is performed as per section 10.1. 

Following the troubleshooting, contact Energate Support as per section 13. 

Please provide: 

- Device Type (load switch, Auxiliary Switch, thermostat) 

- Device Model number (LC301, AS10, Z100 Pioneer 1) 

- Serial number 

- Date and description of the problem experienced 

- List of tests and troubleshooting performed along with results found 

- If it is a communication problem, MAC address and Install Code (from Link Info 

screen) 

- A contact name and number 

Energate Support will then contact the Energate RMA department who will assign an RMA 

number. 

Record the RMA number and send the RMA'd equipment back to: 

RMA# (enter RMA number) 

Energate Inc. 

c\o RMA Department 

2415 Holly Lane, Suite 210 

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 

K1V 7P1 

Once received, a root cause analysis will be performed on the equipment and corrective action 

will be undertaken if a problem is found. 

The RMA department will then provide an estimated time for completing the repairs and/or 

replacing the RMA'd equipment. 



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11. Commissioning a thermostat 

In order to communicate with a thermostat via the ZigBee protocol, it is necessary to provision 

or commission it. 

To commission a thermostat, the MAC Address and Install Code are required. These can be 

found in 3 places: 

• They are printed on the thermostat box label. 

• They are printed on the radio module if you remove the back of the thermostat. 

• They are displayed on the Link Info screen. 

The commissioning procedure is as follows: 

1. Using the website provided by the utility, associate the MAC address of the thermostat 

with the ZigBee gateway for the home. The gateway can be a ZigBee certified Electricity 

meter or an Energate ZipConnect. 

2. Within 4 minutes, the thermostat should join to the gateway. Confirm that it has been 

successfully commissioned by noting that the “X” in the top left corner of the home 

screen has changed to a series of signal strength bars. The Link Info screen under the 

setup menu will list "Connection Active" as the current status in the middle of the screen. 

3. 2-way communications can be verified by sending a text message to the thermostat from 

the website provided by the utility. 

4. If 2-way communications are not established with the thermostat, double check that the 

MAC address and install codes have been entered correctly. Contact Energate technical 

support for additional help if required. 



32

12. Unsupported Configurations 

The following configurations are not supported by the Energate Pioneer (PCT) thermostat. 

12.1 Heat Pump with two or more additional (auxiliary) stages 

The Energate thermostat only supports one additional stage of heating in addition to two heat 

pump stages. In a situation where there are two or more additional stages of heating in addition 

to the heat pump stages, it is recommended to wire in the auxiliary stage which is most desired to 

be used. The other auxiliary stages will not be used. 

12.2 Multi Zone Thermostats 

Please note that individual Energate thermostats do not support multiple zones. As a result, 

multi zone functionality must be implemented using a zone controller such as a zoning panel or a 

separate thermostat must be used per zone. 

12.3 Proprietary Communication Protocols between HVAC Equipment and 

Thermostats 

Several manufacturers use various proprietary communication protocols to communicate 

between the thermostat and HVAC Equipment such as Carrier Infinity, Bryant Evolution and the 

fully modulating Ruud/Rheem systems. Unless otherwise noted, those communication protocols 

are not supported by Energate. 

12.4 Line Voltage Systems 

Electric baseboards and other systems that use 120 volt or 240 volt power are not supported. 

Only 24 volt HVAC systems are supported. 



33

13. Frequently Asked Questions 

13.1 Is the Energate Pioneer (PCT) thermostat compatible with Hydronic based 

systems? 

The Energate Pioneer (PCT) thermostat is optimized for systems using forced air to heat and 

cool the home and the Energate control algorithms work best with these systems. 

If the system is using water in the floor or radiators to heat or cool the home, the Energate 

Pioneer thermostat will work, but as the algorithms are not optimized for water based (Hydronic) 

systems because the heat and cool transfer is much slower than with forced air. 

The effect of this may be an increase in the temperature swings around the setpoint. 

Due to the larger inertia, it is also advised that the adjacent setpoints (i.e. occupied and 

unoccupied) differential be reduced to ensure the setpoints are reached in the desired time period. 

13.2 What communication technologies are supported by the Energate Pioneer 

(PCT) thermostat? 

The Energate Pioneer (PCT) thermostat supports the ZigBee protocol. Configurations 

supporting Paging, FM RDS, Enercomm and other communication protocols are available upon 

request. 

13.3 There are two "R" wires for the old thermostat (Rh and Rc) 

See section 7.2 "Dual transformer scenarios" 

13.4 There is no common wire to the thermostat 

See section 7.1 "No common Wire at thermostat". 

13.5 My home already has an outdoor temperature sensor. Can I use it with my 

Energate Pioneer (PCT) thermostat? 

It is recommended to use an outdoor sensor as specified in Outdoor Sensor (section 8.2). 

13.6 Occasionally, the thermostat displays a message, "Output short circuit. Check 

wiring." 

This may indicate an intermittent short circuit. Check the wiring (section 10.1) to make sure 

there are no corroded wires, worn wiring insulation or loose connections. 

13.7 The Energate Pioneer (PCT) thermostat is smaller than the previous 

thermostat. 

It is recommended to use an Energate wall plate to cover the old hole. (section 8.1) 

13.8 The thermostat screen is blank 

Check the wiring (section 10.1) and confirm there is adequate power and a proper ground. If this 

is the case, replace the thermostat and perform an RMA (section 10.2). 



34

13.9 The thermostat heat or cool animation shows it is on, but the furnace or AC is 

not running. 

Check the wiring (section 10.1) and if the wiring is correct, replace the thermostat and perform 

an RMA (section 10.2). 

13.10 The thermostat cycles more frequently than my old one. 

The thermostat is optimized to keep the temperature in a narrow range and minimize over and 

under-shooting and may run more often than an older thermostat with a higher range. 

To reduce cycling, increase the minimum on/off time although that may increase the temperature 

variation from the setpoint. 

13.11 The time is wrong on the thermostat. 

The thermostat when communication is enabled gets the time from the utility provider and local 

modification of the time is disabled. When communication is disabled, it operates using the time 

set on the Time screen. 

Please check the signal strength indicator in the top left corner of the home screen. If it displays 

an X or indicates a signal strength of less than 2 bars, there may be a problem. Confirm that the 

ZigBee Link Info screen status displays, "Connection Active". 

If you are installing a ZIP Connect, confirm that both the green Power LED and orange Link 

LED are solidly lit. If the orange Link LED is flashing, it indicates the device is not connected 

to the internet. Please check your internet connection. 

Otherwise, if the time is still wrong, please contact Energate Technical Support (section 14). 

13.12 I don't understand how the schedule works 

The schedule by default consists of: 

• 4 weekday setpoints (Wake, Leave, Return and Sleep) 

• 2 weekend setpoints (Wake, Sleep) 

Up to 6 setpoints can be used per day and a setpoint can be used more than once per day. Each 

setpoint can only contain one temperature setting. For example, if it is requested to have a 

different Wake temperature on the weekend than on a weekday, than a different setpoint is 

required. 

13.13 The thermostat turns on prior to the scheduled setpoint time 

This is normal behaviour as the default anticipation time is 60 minutes. The anticipation time 

can be reduced to 0 minutes if this is not desired. 

13.14 Why is the BLUE LED on? 

The BLUE LED indicates the thermostat setpoint temperature has been adjusted based on a Load 

Control or Price event. 

• Energy Event will be displayed for a load control event 

• Conservation will be displayed for a price event 



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13.15 Why is the YELLOW, ORANGE or RED LED on? 

As the price of energy increases, one of the YELLOW, ORANGE or RED LEDs will light up (in 

that order). The RED LED is used when the price is very high. 

Note that one or, a maximum of two, lights will be on at the same time (i.e. BLUE and one of the 

YELLOW, ORANGE or RED lights). 

13.16 How do I temporarily override a Demand Response Event? 

Adjust the temperature to set a temporary hold to override a voluntary event. If it is a mandatory 

event, you must contact your utility to request an override. 

If an event is overridden the blue LED will go out and the setpoint name will be displayed. 

13.17 How do I permanently override Demand Response events? 

For load control events, set Energy Event to Opt-Out on the Energy Options screen. 

• Note that only voluntary events can be overridden. 

For price events, set Conservation to Maximum Comfort on the Conservation screen. 



36

14. Energate Technical Support 

If you require additional help, please contact the Energate Technical support team: 

• 1-877-908-0010 Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm Eastern time, except holidays 

• support@energateinc.com by email anytime 



37

AW000873 Installation Guide for Energate Thermostats

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