First Alert THERM-500 Onlink Programmable Thermostat
Glossary of Terms
- Auto-Changeover: A mode in which the thermostat will turn on the heating or cooling based on room temperature demand.
- Cool Setpoint: The warmest temperature that the space should rise to before cooling is turned on (without regard to deadband).
- Deadband: The number of degrees the thermostat will wait, once a setpoint has been reached, before energizing heating or cooling.
- Differential: The forced temperature difference between the heat setpoint and the cool setpoint.
- Heat Setpoint: The coolest temperature that the space should drop to before heating is turned on (without regard to deadband).
- Icon: The word or symbol that appears on the thermostat display.
- Mode: The current operating condition of the thermostat (i.e. Off, Heat, Cool, Auto, Program On).
- Non-Programmable Thermostat: A thermostat that does not have the capability of running Time Period Programming.
- Programmable Thermostat: A thermostat that has the capability of running Time Period Programming.
- Temperature Swing: Same as Deadband.
- Time Period Programming: A program that allows the thermostat to automatically adjust the heat setpoint and/or the cool setpoint based on the time of the day. Same as Schedule
Get To Know Your Thermostat
Home Screen
Dropdown Dashboard
The Dropdown Dashboard displays temperature, humidity, and other readings. It will also show the high and low readings of the day.
Care and Use of Your Thermostat
Pencils, pens and other sharp objects should never be used on your thermostat; these may damage your touchscreen. Only use your finger tip to press the touchscreen buttons
Selecting Your Desired Temperature and Mode
Press 
to adjust the temperature
The Heat or Cool Setpoint is the temperature the room has to reach before heating or cooling will turn on. (Without regard to deadband)
Press
or the MODE Icon
- HEAT will allow only heat operation.
- COOL will allow only cool operation.
- AUTO will allow both Heat and Cool operation.
- OFF – heating and cooling systems are turned off.
AUTO-CHANGEOVER MODE – Pressing the WARMER or COOLER buttons in Auto mode will adjust both the heat and cool setpoints simultaneously. To adjust heat and cool setpoints individually, choose HEAT mode to adjust the heat setpoint and COOL mode to adjust the cool setpoint, then return to AUTO mode.
HEAT OR COOL MODE – Pressing the WARMER or COOLER buttons in Heat or Cool mode will adjust only the heat or cool setpoints.
- Press the FAN Icon
- FAN ON fan runs constantly even in OFF Mode.
- FAN AUTO fan only runs with a heating or cooling demand
Set Time & Date
Setting the Time
Setting the Date
Main Menu Buttons – Schedule
This thermostat features up to four programmable time periods per 24 hour day: Morning, Day, Evening, and Night. The start time for each time period is adjustable. The stop time for each time period is the start time for the next period.
View My Schedule
Edit My Schedule 
Press and select a Time Period (Morning, Day, Evening, or Night) to edit.
Adjust Mode, Start Time, and Heat and Cool Setpoints to desired settings. The Time Period may also be Enabled or Disabled. Un-check the Enabled box for Time Periods you don’t want to use. Press DONE when finished.
When you are finished editing the four time periods press
- Review your program.
- Press SAVE to keep your program.
- Press EDIT to make further changes
Main Menu Buttons – Smart Fan
The fan may be programmed to turn on automatically for a specified period during the day
Main Menu Buttons – Screensaver
Main Menu Buttons – Alerts
Main Menu Buttons – Display
Main Menu Buttons – Preferences
Main Menu Buttons – Vacation/Away
Main Menu Buttons – Security
Main Menu Buttons – Information
Main Menu Buttons – Settings
Dealer Information
A Dealer may enter their company contact information for the customer to use when they need service. This will appear when the “Who To Call For Service” button is pressed in the Information Menu
Use the keyboard to enter your information.
- Dealer Name
- Contact Name
- Dealer Phone
- Dealer Email
- Dealer Website
Upgrade Firmware
Press to upgrade the thermostat firmware. The SD Card must be in the thermostat SD Card reader and contain the valid firmware. If an error message appears, confirm with ColorTouch Assistant that firmware is up to date or simply try reinserting the SD card.
If you are connected to Skyport Wi-Fi and you receive an Alert that new firmware is available, simply press the Upgrade Firmware button to upgrade wirelessly.
Note: Occasionally an update that requires a large amount of data is not possible to do wirelessly. In this case an update using an SD card will be required.
Main Menu Buttons – Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Status
It is here that you will find helpful information regarding the connectivity status of your thermostat, including the thermostat’s ID.
Wi-Fi Setup
Choose your network from the list and enter the network password.
Main Menu Buttons – Skyport
Skyport Account
Enable the thermostat to connect to the Skyport Cloud for remote monitoring and control features. Upon pressing Skyport Account, the thermostat will search for available local networks with which to connect. After indentifying local access points, you will be promted to choose a network, enter a password and other network options.
Main Menu Buttons – Emergency Heat
The Emergency Heat function is only available if your thermostat is set to control a Heat Pump.
To initiate the Emergency Heat feature, Press the Emergency Heat button. During Emergency Heat operation the thermostat will turn on the fan and auxiliary stages of heat when there is a demand for heat. The 1st stage of heating and all stages of cooling will be unavailable. To exit Emergency Heat, press the Emergency Heat button.
The Onelink Assistant
Onelink Assistant may be downloaded at no charge at: www.firstalertthermostats.com
Every time the user runs the Onelink Assistant software, it automatically connects to First Alert thermostat website in the background and updates the software and firmware (the operating system for First Alert) at no cost
The Onelink Assistant allows you to use your computer to:
- Upload photos for background and slideshow images
- Configure installation settings
- Program a time period schedule
- Upload dealer and service contact information and company logo
- Update thermostat firmware
Uploading Photos and Settings to your thermostat
At the thermostat:
Installation Instructions
Remove and Replace the old thermostat
- To install the thermostat properly, please follow these step by step instructions. If you are unsure about any of these steps, call a qualified technician for assistance.
- Assemble tools: Flat blade screwdriver, wire cutters and wire strippers.
- Make sure your Heater/Air Conditioner is working properly before beginning installation of the thermostat.
- Carefully unpack the thermostat. Save the screws, any brackets, and instructions.
- Turn off the power to the Heating/Air Conditioning system at the main fuse panel. Most residential systems have a separate breaker for disconnecting power to the furnace.
- Remove the cover of the old thermostat. If it does not come off easily, check for screws.
- Loosen the screws holding the thermostat base or subbase to the wall and lift away.
- Disconnect the wires from the old thermostat. Tape the ends of the wires as you disconnect them, and mark them with the letter of the terminal for easy reconnection to the new thermostat.
- Keep the old thermostat for reference purposes, until your new thermostat is functioning properly.
Wire Connections
If the terminal designations on your old thermostat do not match those on the new thermostat, refer to the chart below or the wiring diagrams that follow.
Before you go any further, determine what your existing wiring and equipment situation is.
- A. If you have a Heating only system without Air Conditioning, the First Alert model sTHERM-500 will require 3 wires: R (24Vac), C (24Vac) and W (Heat). Most systems that only have Heating use very simple thermostats that require 2 wires: the R (24Vac) and W (Heat). The THERM-500 thermostat requires 3 wires to supply power to the thermostat. In this case an Add-a-Wire accessory will not work and it will be necessary to install another wire for the C (24Vac) connection.
- B. If you have a single stage fossil fuel heater with air conditioning, the First Alert model THERM-500 will require 5 wires for independent fan control. They are R (24Vac), C (24Vac), W (Heat), Y (Cooling), and G (Fan). You may connect only 4 wires, as instructed in the “Making 4 Wires Work When 5 Wires Are Required” section on page 50. If there are only 4 wires present that are connected to the existing thermostat, there are at least 3 options available to connect the First Alert THERM-500:
- Use the 4 wires as instructed in the“Making 4 Wires Work
- When 5 Wires Are Required” section on page 50, and note that the fan will only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
- Pull new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the thermostat so that there are at least 5 wires available.
- Purchase and install an Add-A-Wire accessory.
- C. If you have a multi-stage HVAC system comprised of a fossil fuel heater with air conditioning, the First Alert model THERM-500 will require the 5 wires mentioned above (R, C, W, Y, G) plus an additional wire for each additional stage of Heating or Cooling. You may reduce the 5 wire requirement to 4 if you give up independent fan control following the instruction in the “Making 4 Wires Work When 5 Wires Are Required” section on page 50, or use the optional Add-A-Wire accessory. If you have a heat pump without aux heat, the First Alert model THERM-500 will require 5 wires: R (24Vac), C (24Vac), W1/O/B (Reversing Value), Y (1st Stage Compressor), and G (Fan). If you are short 1 wire, there are at least 3 options available to connect the First Alert model THERM-500:
- Use the available wires as instructed in the“Making 4 Wires
- Work When 5 Wires Are Required” section on page 50 and note that the fan will only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
- Pull new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the thermostat so that there are at least 5 wires available.
- Purchase and install an Add-A-Wire accessory.
- If you have a heat pump with aux heat, the First Alert model THERM-500 will require 6 wires: R (24Vac), C (24Vac), W1/O/B (Reversing Value), Y (1st Stage Compressor), W2 (Aux Heat), and G (Fan).
If you are short 1 wire, there are at least 3 options available to connect the First Alert model THERM-500:
- Use the available wires as instructed in the“Making 5 Wires Work When 6 Wires Are Required” section on page 51 and note that the fan will only operate with a Heating or Cooling demand.
- Pull new thermostat wire from the HVAC equipment to the thermostat so that there are at least 6 wires available.
- Purchase and install an Add-A-Wire accessory.
Making 4 Wires Work When 5 Wires Are Required
If you have System B from page 48 and you would like to install the First Alert model THERM-500 using only 4 wires, follow the directions below. You will need a screwdriver along with a 3″ long piece of thermostat wire to use as a jumper:
- Make sure the power is off.
- Label and disconnect wires at the thermostat. Please note the color and corresponding wire designator with each color. For example:
- The R wire is red and the W wire is white and so on. You will need this information handy for the next step at the HVAC equipment.
- At the HVAC equipment end of the thermostat wires (usually at the furnace), locate the terminals that the wires are attached to.
- Remove the “G wire” from the terminal marked G.
- Place the “G wire” on terminal C.
- Place one end of the 3″ long jumper on terminal G.
- Place the other end of the 3″ long jumper on terminal Y. Please note that there will be more than 1 wire on terminal Y.
- When connecting the wires to the First Alert thermostat, note that the wire that was previously connected to the G terminal of the old thermostat will now be required to be connected to the C terminal on the First Alert thermostat. All other wires will be connected such that the connections on each end of the individual wires match terminal designations. For example: Connect the yellow wire on the thermostat end to the Y terminal on the thermostat. The yellow wire will be connected to the Y terminal on the HVAC equipment end also.
Making 5 Wires Work When 6 Wires Are Required
If you have System C or E from pages 48-49 or any system that requires 6 wires, and you would like to install the First Alert model THERM-500 using only 5 wires, follow the directions below. You will need a screwdriver along with a 3″ long piece of thermostat wire to use as a jumper:
- Make sure the power is off.
- Label and disconnect wires at the thermostat. Please note the color and corresponding wire designator with each color. For example: The R wire is red and the W wire is white and so on. You will need this information handy for the next step at the HVAC equipment.
- At the HVAC equipment end of the thermostat wires (usually at the furnace), locate the terminals that the wires are attached to.
- Remove the “G wire” from the terminal marked G.
- Place the “G wire” on terminal C.
- Place one end of the 3″ long jumper on terminal G.
- Place the other end of the 3″ long jumper on terminal Y. Please note that there will be more than 1 wire on terminal Y.
- When connecting the wires to the First Alert thermostat, note that the wire that was previously connected to the G terminal of the old thermostat will now be required to be connected to the C terminal on the First Alert thermostat. All other wires will be connected such that the connections on each end of the individual wires match terminal designations. For example: Connect the yellow wire on the thermostat end to the Y terminal on the thermostat. The yellow wire will be connected to the Y terminal on the HVAC equipment end also.
The THERM-500 Backplate
To remove the thermostat backplate:
Using the Finger Pull Areas, pull the front housing away from the backplate
Dip switches are located on the back of the thermostat
- This dip switch configures the thermostat to control a conventional gas/electric system or a heat pump. If your system is anything other than a heat pump, leave this switch set for GAS/EL.* *For some commercial heat pumps, this switch may need to be set for GAS/EL. Consult the commercial heat pump literature.
- When the GAS/EL or HP dip switch is configured for HP, this dip switch (O or B) must be set to control the appropriate reversing valve. If O is chosen, the W1/O/B terminal will energize in cooling. If B is chosen, the W1/O/B terminal will energize in heating.
- When GAS/EL or HP is set for GAS/EL: This switch (GAS or ELEC) controls how the thermostat will control the Fan (G) terminal in heating mode. WhenGAS is chosen, the thermostat will not energize the Fan (G) terminal in heating. When ELEC is chosen the thermostat will energize the fan in heating.
- When GAS/EL or HP is set for HP: This switch (GAS or ELEC) defines the Aux Heat type.
- When GAS is chosen, the auxiliary heat will not be allowed to run during heat pump operation. When using a Dual Fuel system, set this switch for GAS.
- When ELEC is chosen, up to two stages of auxiliary strip heat will be allowed to run.
Sample Wiring Diagrams with Dip Switch Positions Conventional Heating and Cooling Systems
Sample Wiring Diagrams with Dip Switch Positions Heat Pump Systems
Sample Wiring Diagrams with Dip Switch Positions
Heat Pump Systems with Dual Fuel
- Free Cooling utilizes the Y1 terminal for the operation of 1st stage cooling.
- If mechanical (compressor) cooling is also present, the mechanical cooling is connected to the Y2 terminal in this instance.
- Free Cooling may be used with a Gas/Electric or Heat Pump system.
Temperature Sensor: ACC-TSEN Temperature Sensor 10K ohm sensor at 77F/25C. Negative Temperature Coefficient
Troubleshooting
- SYMPTOM: The thermostat touchscreen buttons are not responsive.
- CAUSE: The touchscreen is out of calibration.
- REMEDY: Remove the thermostat from the backplate. Push the thermostat back onto the backplate, while keeping your finger pressed firmly against the center of the touchscreen, until the Calibration screen appears. Re-calibrate the Touchscreen. See Touch Calibration section of full user’s manual (page 19).
- SYMPTOM: The display is blank.
- CAUSE: Lack of proper power.
- REMEDY: Make sure the power is on to the HVAC and that you have 24vac between R & C.
- SYMPTOM: The air conditioning does not attempt to turn on.
- CAUSE: The cooling setpoint is set too high.
- REMEDY: Lower the cooling setpoint or lower the cooling set-point limit. See Setpoint Limits (page 28).
- SYMPTOM: The heating does not attempt to turn on.
- CAUSE: The heating setpoint is set too low.
- REMEDY: Raise the heating setpoint or raise the heating set-point limit. See Setpoint Limits (page 28).
- SYMPTOM: When controlling a residential heat pump, and asking for cooling, the heat comes on.
- CAUSE: The thermostat reversing valve dip switch is set for “B”.
- REMEDY: Set the reversing valve jumper for “O”.
- SYMPTOM: When calling for cooling, both the heat and cool come on.
- CAUSE: The thermostat equipment dip switch is configured for “HP” and the HVAC unit is a Gas/Electric.
- REMEDY: Set the equipment dip switch for “Gas”.
- SYMPTOM: Air handler control board fuse blows when thermostat is attached to backplate with power on, but does not blow until the thermostat is placed onto the backplate.
- CAUSE: The Outdoor sensor and/or sensor wiring is shorted.
- REMEDY: Check/replace Outdoor sensor and/or sensor wiring.
Warranty
PRODUCT LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc., (“BRK”) the maker of Onelink™ and First Alert® brand products warrants that for a period of one year from the date of purchase (the “Warranty Period”), this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at its sole option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the product found to be defective during the Warranty Period. Replacement or repair will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty. This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser only from the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable. In order to obtain warranty service, you must keep the original sales receipt and proof of purchase in the form of the UPC code from the package. BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do not have the right to alter, modify or any way change the terms and conditions of this warranty.
WARRANTY EXCLUSION
Parts and Labor: 1 year limited (warranted parts do not include bulbs, LEDs, and batteries) This warranty does not apply to bulbs, LEDs, and batteries supplied with or forming part of the product. This warranty is invalidated if non- BRK accessories are or have been used in or in connection with the product or in any modification or repair is made to the product. This warranty does not apply to defects or damages arising by use of the product in other than normal (including normal atmospheric, moisture and humidity) conditions or by installation or use of the product other than in strict accordance with the instructions contained in the product owner’s manual.
This warranty does not apply to defects in or damages to the product caused by
- (i) negligent use of the product,
- (ii) misuse, abuse, neglect, alteration, repair or improper installation of the product,
- (iii) electrical short circuits or transients,
- (iv) usage not in accordance with product installation,
- (v) use of replacement parts not supplied by BRK,
- (vi) improper product maintenance, or
- (vii) accident, fire, flood or other Acts of God.
This warranty does not cover the performance or functionality of any computer software included in the package with the product. BRK makes no warranty that the software provided with the product will function without interruption or otherwise be free of anomalies, errors, or “Bugs.” This warranty does not cover any costs relating to removal or replacement of any product or software installed on your computer. BRK reserves the right to make changes in design or to make additions to or improvements in its products without incurring any obligations to modify any product which has already been manufactured. BRK will make every effort to provide updates and fixes to its software via its website. This warranty does not cover any alteration or damage to any other software that may be or may become resident on the users system as a result of installing the software provided. This warranty is in lieu of other warranties, expressed or implied, and BRK neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume for it any other obligation or liability in connection with the sale or service of the product.
In no event shall BRK be liable for any special or consequential damages arising from the use of the product or arising from the malfunctioning or non-functioning of the product, or for any delay in the performance of this warranty due to any cause beyond its control. BRK does not make any claims or warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding the product’s potential, ability, or effectiveness to prevent, minimize, or in any way affect personal or property damage or injury. BRK is not responsible for any personal damage, loss, or theft related to the product or to its use for any harm, whether physical or mental related thereto. Any and all claims or statements, whether written or verbal, by salespeople, retailers, dealers, or distributors to the contrary are not authorized by BRK, and do not affect this provision of this warranty.
BRK’s responsibility under this, or any other warranty, implied or expressed, is limited to repair, replacement or refund, as set forth above. These remedies are the sole and exclusive remedies for any breach of warranty. BRK is not responsible for direct, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any breach of warranty or under any other legal theory including but not limited to, loss profits, downtime, goodwill, damage to or replacement of equipment and property and any costs of recovering, reprogramming or reproducing any program or data stored in or used with a system containing the product accompanying software. BRK does not warrant the software will operate with any other software except that which is indicated. BRK cannot be responsible for characteristics of their party hardware or software which may effect the operation of the software included. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above Warranty Period. Some states, provinces, or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state, or province to province, or jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
OBTAINING SERVICE
If service is required, do not return the product to your place of purchase. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the model number and date of purchase available when calling. After contacting the Consumer Affairs Division and it is determined that the product should be returned for Warranty Service, please mail the product to: BRK Brands, Inc., 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122.
FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for an intentional radiator, pursuant to Part 15, subpart C of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference in radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that of the receiver.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help.
Notice: Only peripherals complying with FCC limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with noncompliant peripherals or peripherals not recommended by First Alert / BRK Brands, Inc. is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception. Changes or modifications to the product, not expressly approved by First Alert / BRK Brands, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
We, First Alert / BRK Brands, Inc. declare under our sole responsibility that the device to which this declaration relates: Complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause harmful interference, and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This color touchscreen has the ability to receive updates to its firmware. Periodically firmware updates are released by the manufacturer to add features and/or performance enhancements. This manual was produced reflecting the most current firmware/feature set at the time of publication, firmware rev. 3.04. Firmware releases after rev. 3.04 may not be adequately depicted in this manual. Please refer to the appropriate website or contact your place of purchase to learn about changes to the thermostat after firmware release 3.04.
REFERENCE
DOWNLOAD MANUALS:
First Alert THERM-500 Onlink Programmable Thermostat Owner’s Manual & Installation Guide
OTHER MANUALS:
First Alert THERM-500 Onlink Programmable Thermostat Installation Manual
First Alert THERM-500 Onlink Programmable Thermostat Owner’s Manual & Installation Guide
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