Have you heard of the old adage, “Don’t try this at home?” Well, this is a perfect example. If you are thinking about using sprinkler wire as thermostat wiring, don’t do it!
In this blog post, we will discuss why it is not safe to use sprinkler wire for a thermostat and how you can safely install one in your home.
The Difference Between Sprinkler Wire and Thermostat Wire
It is not safe to use sprinkler wire for a thermostat because it is not rated to carry the power necessary to run a thermostat. Sprinkler wires only have an 18-gauge thickness, which makes them very thin and unable to withstand the higher current requirements of a standard household thermostat.
Additionally, the insulation on sprinkler wires is not strong enough to handle the load of a thermostat. This means that using sprinkler wire as thermostat wiring could compromise your safety due to its inherent design structures.
Circuit Bonding Issues With Sprinkler Wire
Another reason why it is not safe to use sprinkler wire for a thermostat is that circuit bonding issues could arise with its usage. Circuit bonding problems occur when electrical current jumps from one metal component in your system (such as an air conditioning unit or refrigerator) to another metal component (such as the frame of your house).
When this happens, it can create an arc that can cause serious damage or even fire danger. Because sprinkler wires don’t have the right current capacity for carrying the kind of load needed for a standard household thermostat, they are especially prone to circuit bonding issues if used in place of regular insulated copper wiring.
Using Insulated Copper Wiring For Your Thermostats
The only real solution here is to use insulated copper wiring that carries the correct current rating and has a good life expectancy. It should also be properly installed according to local codes and guidelines so that it doesn’t pose any danger or harm in the long run.
Fortunately, installing insulated copper wiring isn’t difficult when you know what you’re doing—and if you are unsure about how to do it yourself, there are plenty of professionals who would be more than happy to help out!
Conclusion:
At Metric Marketing, we believe in safety first—and when it comes down to choosing between using sprinkler wire vs insulated copper wiring for your thermostats, we say go with the latter every single time!
That being said, if you need assistance with proper installation or want some more information on why insulated copper wiring is better than other types of wiring, please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us today! We’d be glad to help!
I’m Carlos Robert, a passionate gardener, and blogger. With years of experience and knowledge in the field of garden watering, I have created a blog to share my insights and tips on the topic. I strive to provide readers with detailed information about all aspects of sprinkler systems, from garden sprinklers to fire sprinklers, along with nozzles, hoses, and other related products. I love helping my readers create the perfect garden with their ideal setup!