How do I identify the C terminal on an HVAC, furnace, or boiler? If the terminals don't have a screw labeled C what should I look for on the wiring diagram? What steps should I take if a wiring diagram cannot be found or if it indicates that a C terminal doesn't exist?
Note: This is an extension to How can I add a “C” wire to my thermostat which asks about running the wires through the wall. This question is about where to connect the wire at the HVAC.
In most cases, a wiring diagram can be located inside the HVAC unit. Typically, it will be on the inside of the access cover.
Once you've located the diagram, you'll want to look for this symbol.
Or the actual text that says "Transformer", which may be labeling a crudely drawn transformer, or simply a rectangle.
After finding the transformer in the diagram, you'll have to determine which wires are connected to the primary coil, and which are connected to the secondary coil. Check the diagram for a key, which will give you a hint. On some diagrams a thicker (bold) line denotes line voltage wiring, while a thinner line represents low voltage wiring. Others may list the voltage and frequency on each side of the transformer.
Now that you know where the transformer is on the diagram, and which side is the secondary. The next step is to follow the lines, and see where they go.
In this example diagram, you can see that one leg of the secondary connects to the R terminal on the control board, and the other leg connects to the C terminal. In this example there's actually a C terminal present, but that will not always be the case (especially in old models). However, even if there isn't a dedicated C terminal, that doesn't change what the C wire is. Which is simply the other side of the secondary coil.
Now that you've located the transformer in the diagram, or maybe you don't have a diagram. Either way, you'll have to locate the actual transformer inside the HVAC unit. You'll be looking for something that looks similar to this...
Honeywell 24V AT72D Transformer
An action shot of the actual transformer in my furnace
Once again, you'll have to determine which is the primary wiring and which is the secondary. If you had a wiring diagram with the wire colors labeled, this is simple. If you don't, you'll have to figure it out.
In the US, typically the ungrounded (hot) conductor will be black, and the grounded (neutral) conductor will be white. It's common for this color code to follow through to the primary side of the transformer, so a set of black and white wires is likely the primary side. The secondary could be any color, though commonly the R wire will be red.
You may also be able to determine which is which, based on the size of the wires connected. The primary wires will typically be either 12 AWG or 14 AWG, whereas the secondary may be smaller.
If all else fails, pull out your voltage meter an measure. The primary side will be line voltage, and the secondary will be low voltage (commonly around 24V).
Now that you know which wires are connected to the secondary coil, simply follow them to their termination. One of the wires will be connected to the R terminal, the other may or may not be connected to a terminal that is labeled. But even if it's not labeled, it's still C.
Transformer connected to two wire, heat only thermostat.
Transformer connected to three wire, heat only, WiFi thermostat.
For more information on transformers and C wires, please see More than you've ever wanted to know about the C wire
Common leg of the 24 volt control circuits is grounded, Red is not. Common is the side of 24 v power that every 24 v circuit terminates to complete its circuit.
