Can You Install a Nest Without Turning Off the Power?


Can You Install a Nest Without Turning Off the Power

It’s not only about being able to turn up the heat from your phone with a smart thermostat – smart thermostats can now manage temperatures more conveniently, as well as lower your furnace when you’re asleep or away from home potentially saving you money on your energy costs.

You must not attempt to install a Nest without turning off the power beforehand. Installing any kind of device that uses electricity comes with a bunch of safety hazards. You can eliminate any dangers by turning off the power before installing a Nest. 

It’s simple to turn off the power and set up your Nest Thermostat.

Follow the instructions in this article to connect your smart thermostat to your central heating and cooling system. All you’ll need is the contents of the box. 

How To Turn Off Power Before Installing a Nest

Switching the main breaker in your electricity panel on and off before initially switching off the branch circuit breakers under the base of the dashboard is not recommended.

Simply turning on and off the main breaker will result in a drastic power flow with disastrous effects.

To ensure you turn off the power properly, please follow the steps outlined below:

  • To begin, find your home’s main electricity dashboard.
  • Secondly, every single branch circuit breaker must be turned off (remember to not switch off the main breaker). Doing this guarantees that the primary breaker is correctly cycled before being switched off.
  • Switch off your main breaker (they typically come in doubles) to the ‘off’ button once the branch circuit breakers have been cut off from the power.

When it’s time to restore the electricity, start with the main breaker and work your way down to the singular circuit breakers. 

Alternatively, you can watch a tutorial on how to turn off power: Here’s a video that explains how to turn off the power in your home:

How To Install a Nest

It’s simple to set up a Nest thermostat.

While it does take some time — around an hour from start to finish, including programming time — you can easily complete it during the evening or on the weekend.

It may take some time before you notice energy savings on your heating cost, but that’s fine because installing a device like a Nest thermostat is a long-term investment.

You Need To Check for a C-Wire Before You Begin Installing the Nest

In some circumstances, a C-wire will be required to power your Nest properly.

One of the connections that connect the furnace to the thermostat is the C-wire.

You can see if you’ve got a C-wire by looking under the cover.

If your furnace system is older and doesn’t have a C-wire, it should still operate with a Nest Learning Thermostat, but not with the new Nest Thermostat 2020.

Instructions for Setting Up Your Nest

  • Get the Nest app. The best thing is that the Nest app will walk you through the procedure step by step, with videos and photographs to aid you along the way.
  • Turn off the electricity. Even though most furnace systems are low voltage, you should still switch off the system’s breaker for safety.
  • Take off your old thermostat cover. Take a picture of the current wiring. You’ll need this later as a reference.
  • Disconnect existing cables and label them. Ensure you use the little labels that Nest provides to keep track of which wires belong to which.
  • Disconnect the old thermostat from the wall. You should get rid of the wall plate and old base and replace them with the new Nest base and wall plate. Check to see if everything is in order and level.
  • Connect the Nest. Try to follow the wiring instructions in the Nest app to connect the wires to the base of your Nest thermostat.
  • Secure the Nest faceplate in place. This is the exciting part – just clip the new faceplate on and watch the magic happen.
  • Re-establish power. Your Nest should turn on by itself after you switch the power back on. It may be necessary to charge it up first in some circumstances.
  • Use the app to set up your Nest thermostat. After you’ve set up the faceplate, the app will guide you through the remainder, which will include making some settings and preferences options.
  • Either program Nest or let it figure things out on its own. The final step is to program your thermostat in the app, or if you choose the Nest Learning Thermostat, it will begin its learning phase, which could take several weeks.

Nest Needs To Be Installed in a Specific Area

You can’t install a Nest in any area of your home. When choosing an area to install the Nest, you should adhere to the following criteria.

You should install the Nest: 

  • In a place where it can connect with the Nest Thermostat Heat Link wirelessly (30m is the maximum distance). The residence’s arrangement and construction will influence the range of communication. 
  • In a frequently used room, Nest can determine the appropriate temperature, and so It is conveniently accessible to the homeowner.
  • On the inside of a building.
  • A safe distance from draughts.
  • 1.2–1.5m above the ground.
  • Behind bookcases, not behind closed doors or additional items.
  • If it’s part of a zoned system, place it near the radiator it’s controlling.

Conclusion 

This should have answered any questions you had about whether or not to turn off the power during the Nest installation procedure.

When it comes down to it, when installing the system, you should prioritize safety. 

When dealing with electricity, this is crucial.

You will have a successful installation if you follow the directions in this article.

Remember that you can always contact an expert if you’re having problems.

You should also remember to install the Nest in a location that can connect with the Heat Link. It also needs to be accessible for convenience and troubleshooting purposes. 

Nelson Barbosa

I'm an engineer in love with smart home tech. On my website, I share useful tips and tricks to help my readers get the most of their devices and make their lives simpler by adding just a drop of technology in everyday routines!

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