Orbit

Orbit 83501 Clear Comfort Non-Programmable Thermostat-Operational Manual

Orbit 83501 Clear Comfort Non-Programmable Thermostat

Specifications

  • Product Dimensions
    6.7 x 2 x 5 inches
  • Item Weight
    5.6 ounces
  • Batteries
    2 AAA batteries
  • Style
    Non-programmable
  • Power Source
    Electric
  • Voltage
    24 Volts
  • Control Type
    Button Control
  • Brand
    Orbit

Introduction

The Orbits Clear Comfort Non-Programmable Thermostat provides consistent performance in a stylish and modern design. Controls that are easily accessible and simple to use allow for quick and simple adjustments. This thermostat is designed to work with single-stage gas furnaces with or without a gas fan, single-stage oil systems, single-stage heat pumps, and cooling systems. 1-stage.

THERMOSTAT INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for purchasing the Clear Comfort™ thermostat from Orbit™. We are excited to provide a long-lasting thermostat that blends style with function

THERMOSTAT FEATURES

Room Temperature
The actual temperature of the room.

Set Temperature
Desired room temperature.

Fahrenheit/Celsius Indicator
Indicates scale in which temperature is displayed.

Mode Indicators
Indicates which mode the system is in Heat/Off/Cool.

Heat Icon
The system is in Heating Mode to reach the set temperature

Cool Icon
The system is in Cooling Mode to reach the set temperature.

Fan Indicators
Indicates which mode fan is in Auto Fan/Fan On.

Fan Icon
This indicates the fan is energized.

Low Battery Indicator
Reminder to change thermostat batteries. If the batteries are not changed within 7 days after the Low Battery Indicator appears on the display, the set temperature will offset by +/- 10°F as a further reminder. After 90 days or less, depending on the condition of the batteries, the system will turn off and the Low Battery Indicator will flash on the display.

Temperature Offset
Offset the temperature by +/- 9° F or +/- 4.5° C.

SYSTEM TYPE
This thermostat is compatible with 1-stage gas furnaces with electric or gas fan, 1-stage oil systems, 1-stage heat pumps, and 1-stage cooling systems. Note: This thermostat is not compatible with baseboard heaters (or other line voltage heating), multi-stage heating or cooling systems, or 3-wire hydronic systems.

INSTALLATION

Tools required for installation

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Wire cutters/strippers
  • Drill with a 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) drill bit
  • Level

Tips for Thermostat Location
When replacing an existing thermostat, place your new Clear Comfort™ thermostat in the same location as the old one, unless the conditions below suggest otherwise. For a new installation, follow these guidelines for placement

  • Place the thermostat in a room or hallway that is used often; position it on an inside wall about 5 ft. (1.52 m) from the floor.
  • Avoid installing the thermostat in unusually heated areas (e.g., near a television, lamp, radiator, or fireplace), in direct sunlight, or on a wall that has hot water pipes or that is opposite a stove.
  • Avoid installing the thermostat in unusually chilled areas, such as in a drafty area (e.g., stairwell, door, or window), on a wall separating an unheated room, or where air circulation is poor (e.g., in a corner or behind a door).
  • Avoid installing the thermostat in unusually damp areas as this can lead to corrosion.
  • DO NOT install the thermostat until construction work is complete, dust-free, and painting has been completed.
  • If the thermostat housing is cold, wait for it to reach room temperature before installing it.

Removing the Old Thermostat from the Wall

WARNING: Switch off electricity to both the heating (furnace) and cooling (air conditioner) equipment before proceeding with the following steps

  1. Remove the front cover from the old thermostat.
  2. Before removing wires from the old thermostat terminals, take note of the letters printed near each of the wire terminals.
  3. Attach a wiring label (included) to its corresponding wire, so as to identify the wires’ letter; not the wire color
  4. While labeling the individual wires, DO NOT let the wire fall back inside the wall, as they can be difficult to retrieve.
  5. After labeling the wires, remove them from the old thermostat terminals (usually by releasing clamps or undoing terminal screws
  6. Remove the old base from the wall (usually by removing screws).

Mounting Your Clear Comfort™ Thermostat to the Wall

  1. Remove the thermostat body from the base by gently pulling them apart.
  2. Place the base flat against the wall by feeding the wires through the opening below the wiring terminal.
  3. Level the base and mark the holes for the mounting screws with a pencil.
  4. Remove the base and drill holes at marked positions; insert the provided wall anchors.
  5. Feed wires back through the opening and attach the base to the wall with the two screws provided.

Connecting the Wires to the Terminal

  1. Strip 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) insulation from the end of each wire.
  2. Loosen the screws on each terminal. Connect each wire to its appropriate terminal (matching the label on the wire to the label on the terminal) and tighten the terminal screw to secure the wire.
  3. Completely wrap exposed areas of any unused wire with electrical tape and push them back into the wall hole.

Note
Not having an available wire for every terminal is normal for some systems.

Note
If you do not have both an R and RC wire, insert the wire you do have, R or RC, with the pre-installed jumper wire (included) that connects the R and RC terminals. If you have both and R and RC wire, remove the jumper wire before connecting the R and RC wires.

Note
Do not let the wires touch each other or other parts of the thermostat. Be sure that all wires are routed through the opening on the thermostat base, then into the proper terminals.

CAUTION
Stripping too much insulation from the end of a wire creates the potential for shorting between wires and could prevent proper function of the thermostat.

Note
If installing your Clear Comfort™ thermostat on a heat pump system, see the “Installation for Heat Pump Systems” section under “Additional Thermostat Settings.” For electric or oil furnaces, see the additional instructions section under “Fan Jumper.”

Wire/Terminal Identification

  • R       Connects to Heat/Fan Transformer
  • RC     Connects to Cool Transformer
  • W      Heating Relay—Energized when heating is triggered
  • Y       Cooling Relay—Energized when cooling is triggered
  • G       Fan Relay—Connects to fan and is energized when either heating or cooling is triggered
  • O/B  Heat pump changeover valve in Cool (O) or Heat (B)

Completing the Installation

  1. Insert two Energizer® or Duracell® alkaline AAA batteries (not included) into the appropriate spaces on the back of the thermostat body.
  2. Verify that the Fan Jumper is in the correct position for your system type. (See the “Fan Jumper” section under “Additional Thermostat Settings.”)
  3. Install the thermostat body by gently pushing it onto the base until it “clicks” into place. Verify that there are no gaps in the side housing.
  4. Switch on the electricity to both the heating (furnace) and cooling (air conditioner) sources.

Note
Verify that both systems are working properly by feeling for warm air when the thermostat is in Heat Mode and cool air when it is in Cool Mode.

Replacing the Batteries

It is recommended that the batteries in the thermostat be replaced once a year or before leaving the home for a prolonged period of time.

WARNING
Failure to change batteries in a timely fashion can lead to uncontrolled heating and cooling

  1. Remove the thermostat body from its base by gently pulling them apart.
  2. Turn the thermostat over and remove old batteries.
  3. Replace them with fresh Energizer® or Duracell® alkaline AAA batteries, carefully observing the required polarities.
  4. Reinstall the thermostat body onto its base by gently pushing it until it “clicks” into place.

Note
If the batteries are not changed within 7 days after the Low Battery Indicator appears on the display, the set temperature will increase by 10°F in Cooling Mode, or decrease by 10°F in Heating Mode as a further reminder. After 90 days or less, depending on the condition of the batteries, the system will turn off and the Low Battery Indicator will flash on the display.

BASIC THERMOSTAT OPERATION

Mode Switch
Slide to the appropriate mode (Heat/Cool) to achieve the set temperature.

  • Heat—The system will operate in the Heating Mode to reach a set temperature
  • Off—System will turn off
  • Cool—System will operate in the Cooling Mode to reach set temperature

Fan Switch
Slide to appropriate setting (Auto Fan/Fan On) to indicate fan operation.

  • Auto Fan—Fan will run automatically until desired temperature is reached
  • Fan On—Fan will run continuously

Set Temperature Adjustment
Use Up and Down Arrow Buttons to raise or lower the set temperature.

  • Up Arrow—Raise the set temperature
  • Down Arrow—Lower set temperature

Reset Button
Use to reset all system display settings and temperature gauges back to factory defaults. (To gain access to the Reset Button, remove the thermostat body from its base by gently pulling them apart.)

  • Reset Button—Press and hold for five seconds to reset your thermostat.

Fahrenheit or Celsius Adjustment
Set the temperature to read either °F or °C.

  • Slide the Mode Switch to the Off position (Step 1). While holding the Reset Button (on the back of the thermostat body), press the Up Arrow Button to toggle between °F or °C (Step 2).

Temperature Offset
Offset the temperature display to read +/- 9° F or +/- 4.5° C

Slide the Mode Switch to the Off position

  • (Step 1). While holding the Reset Button (on the back of the thermostat body), press the Down Arrow Button until the Offset Indicator appears
  • (Step 2). Release the Reset Button. (Do not hold the Reset Button for more than five seconds.) Use the Arrow Buttons to pick the offset temperature amount. The thermostat will accept the chosen offset after 10 seconds of no activity, or by sliding the Mode Switch to Heat or Cool.

Minimum Off Time
To help protect the compressor, the system will wait five minutes after turning it off before turning it on again. The appropriate Mode Indicator Icon (Heat/Cool) will flash on the display whenever minimum off time is being enforced.

ADDITIONAL THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

Settings in this section are not necessary for all systems. These settings, however, may optimize energy use and comfort levels, especially if a heat pump system is being used.

System Type Adjustment
Your Clear Comfort™ thermostat is set at the factory to operate a standard fossil fuel furnace heating system. This setting can be changed to better accommodate other heat sources, fan types or a heat pump system.

Slide the Mode Switch to the OFF position

  • (Step 1). While holding the Reset Button (on the back of the thermostat body), press the Down Arrow Button until the Offset Indicator appears
  • (Step 2). Release the Reset Button. (Do not hold the Reset Button for more than five seconds.) Press the Reset Button again
  • (Step 3). (The Offset setting will not be lost.) If using a heat pump, toggle to “HP” using the Up or Down Arrow Buttons. To return to the furnace setting (“F”), press the Up or Down Arrow Button
  • (Step 4). The thermostat will accept the setting after 10 seconds of no activity, or by sliding the Mode Switch to Heat or Cool.

Installation for Heat Pump Systems
If installing your Clear Comfort™ thermostat on a heat pump system, the following instructions are necessary.

  • Insert the additional jumper (included) into the Y and W terminals.
  • If a B wire is part of your installation, connect it to the O/B terminal.

Move the jumper located near the right edge on the back of the thermostat body from the Cool (O) position on the pins to the Heat (B) position on the pins. If an O wire is part of your installation, connect it to the O/B terminal. Leave the jumper on the Cool (O) position.

Minimum Cycle Period Adjustment
The cycle period is the minimum time in minutes between each heating or cooling cycle. As a default, your thermostat’s minimum cycle period is set to optimize energy use and comfort levels. The default can be changed based on desired cycle times for specified heat systems.

Slide the Mode Switch to the Off position

  • (Step 1). While holding the Reset Button (on the back of the thermostat body), press the Down Arrow Button until the Offset Indicator appears. Release the Reset
    Button
  • (Step 2). (Do not hold the Reset Button for more than five seconds.) Press the Reset Button again
  • (Step 3). (The Offset setting will not be lost.) Use the Up or Down Arrow Buttons to select the heating system being used
  • (Step 4). If using a Heat Pump, select “HP.” If using a furnace, select “F.” Once the heating system type has been selected, press the Reset Button again to select desired cycle period
  • (Step 5). If the heat pump (“HP”) has been selected, use the Up and Down Arrow Buttons to toggle between 60, 20, and 12. If furnace (“F”) has been selected, use the Up and Down Arrow Buttons to toggle between 60, 20, 12, and 6
  • (Step 6). The thermostat will accept the setting by pressing the Reset Button, sliding the Mode Switch to Heat or Cool, or after 10 seconds of no activity.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem
No heating/cooling system activation

Solution

  1. Verify Mode Switch is in proper Heat or Cool Mode.
  2. Replace batteries if necessary. (see Replacing the Batteries section).
  3. Check “Set” temperature. The set temperature should read above room temperature in Heat Mode and below room temperature in Cool Mode.
  4. Verify Heating/Cooling power switch isn’t off.
  5. Verify that the circuit breaker isn’t tripped.
  6. Verify that the furnace door is closed securely.
  7. Check for loose or crossed wiring in the thermostat wiring terminal.
  8. Verify that copper wires are not exposed and touching other wires

Problem
No Fan runs continuously

Solution

  1. Let the thermostat sit (do not touch) for 30 minutes to allow the temperature to stabilize.
  2. Verify that the G wire in the thermostat wiring terminal is connected properly.
  3. Verify Heating/Cooling power switch isn’t off.
  4. Verify that the circuit breaker isn’t tripped.
  5. Verify that the furnace door is closed securely.
  6. Check for loose or crossed wiring in the thermostat wiring terminal.
  7. Verify that copper wires are not exposed and touching other wires

Problem
Incorrect room temperature.

Solution

  1. Let the thermostat sit (do not touch) for 30 minutes to allow the temperature to stabilize.
  2. Check the placement of the thermostat. Make sure it’s not in an unusually drafty or heated area.
  3. Verify that the wall hole for wires is insulated properly.
  4. Check Temperature Offset (see “Temperature Offset” section)

Problem
Not reaching the set temperature

Solution

  1. Verify that the Mode Switch is in proper Heat or Cool Mode.
  2. Verify that Heating/Cooling systems are working properly. (See No Heating/Cooling System Activation in the Troubleshooting section above.)
  3. Check for loose or crossed wiring in the thermostat wiring terminal.
  4. Check Temperature Offset (see “Temperature Offset” section).
  5. Check the placement of the thermostat; make sure it’s not in an unusually drafty or heated area.
  6. Verify that the wall hole for wires is insulated properly.

Problem
The wrong temperature scale was displayed.

Solution
See the “Fahrenheit or Celsius Adjustment” section

Problem
 The display is blank/Low Battery Indicator on

Solution

  1. Replace batteries (see “Replacing the Batteries” section).
  2. Check for loose or crossed wiring in the thermostat wiring terminal.

Problem
The heat/cool system doesn’t respond immediately

Solution

  1. To protect your compressor, the thermostat default is to wait five minutes before responding. For more information, see the “Minimum Off Time” section.
  2. If the problem persists after waiting five minutes, check the batteries. Replace if necessary (see “Replacing the Batteries” section).

Problem
Set Temperature is 10°F above (in Cooling Mode) or 10°F below (in Heating Mode) desired temperature

Solution
Replace batteries. (see “Replacing the Batteries” section).

Problem
 The system turns on too frequently

Solution
 The Orbit™ Clear Comfort™ thermostat uses smart logic to turn once every cycle period to maximize comfort and temperature stability. To adjust the cycle period, see the “Minimum Cycle Period Adjustment” section under “Additional Thermostat Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to see the reading in the dark. Does it have a light? If it times out, can I turn it on without pressing the temperature button?
There is no backlight on this display, but neither does it time out. The digital display is constant, whether in a dark or lit room. To read the display in a dark environment, using external light is necessary.

Is there an indicator when the battery is low?
Not sure…I’m still on my 1st battery,

Can this thermostat be set at degrees Celsius?
Yes, it can. follow the instruction to switch to degrees Celsius.

Is the display backlit?
Unbelievably, apparently not. The programmable model IS and it’s great. $15 more, but still a bargain for such a nice t-stat; looks like it cost $ 300. Very unusual, wonderful aesthetics of design. Seems of high quality.

Does it require that I have a common wire?
The previous answers to this saying you need a C wire are incorrect and perhaps refer to the programmable version. This unit (Model #83501) is working fine in my setup using a single R and W wire to run my gas-forced-hot air furnace.

is this a heating cooling stat or just heat not clear in the ad. should post pics of the wiring hooked up.
There is a manual switch on the side that lets you select heat or cool.

What is the minimum/maximum temperature range? What is the lowest and highest set point available on the up/down buttons?
It goes higher than you want to set it. And lower than you want it.

Will this work with a coal stoker with a hot water baseboard?
I have hot water baseboards and it works with that. Don’t know about a coal stoker

Can I use this thermostat to control a solenoid sprinkler valve?
The directions don’t say anything about turning on a sprinkler valve. The heating and AC fan is what it is made to control. I would think you could bring it up to do such a thing but I think you’re on you’re own.

Can you control it with iPhone and if so what is the app for use?
No, it’s not wifi or app-controlled.. that’s why it’s not expensive as a Nest

Will this run a gas fireplace, and has no fan or cooling?
I have a gas fireplace insert but I have manually lit it. I’m not sure if there’s some way of hooking that up if you have a different kind of ignition. You have to hold the control knob in and press the igniter button.

I have a millivolt gas heater that requires no electricity, merely a closed circuit; will this Orbit thermostat work?
It is battery operated if that helps.

Is it auto changeover from heat to cool (and back)?
It’s either heat, off, or cool so to answer your question no.

Will this work in a camper with 1 electric AC and a propane furnace?
I bought one for use in an apt with a small gas furnace it has a heat pump option…this was a cheap alternative and very effective and cost-efficient. It should work so long as you have a cutoff switch at the furnace before you complete the installation. I cannot assist with wiring procedures though because I’m not able to see what you’re dealing with firsthand.

REFERENCE

DOWNLOAD MANUAL

Orbit 83501 Clear Comfort Non-Programmable Thermostat-Operational Manual

Orbit 83501 Clear Comfort Non-Programmable Thermostat-Operational Manual

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