Wiring guide
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium wiring for 4 wires, no C wire
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium works with this setup, but you’ll need an adapter or extra wire (details below).
R, W, Y and G is the classic furnace + central AC setup found in millions of US homes, one wire short of what most smart thermostats want. The fix is usually an adapter at the furnace, not new wire. Read the full 4 wires, no C wire guide for how to confirm your setup and mistakes to avoid.
Wiring diagram
Detected system: 1-stage heat, 1-stage cooling, fan, no C wire · 4 wires
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Works with an adapterNo C wire: use the Power Extender Kit that comes in the box. It installs at your furnace/air handler.
| Wire | Color | Job | Connect to | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | red | 24 V power | Rc | |
| W | white | Heat, stage 1 | W1 | |
| Y | yellow | Cooling, stage 1 | PEK | Adapter carries cooling + fan on this wire |
| G | green | Fan | C | Moves to C with the adapter |
Install steps
- Turn off power to the furnace/air handler (switch or breaker) and the AC condenser. Confirm the old thermostat is dead.
- Photograph the old wiring, then label each wire with the letter it came off. Ignore short jumpers.
- Install the adapter at your furnace or air handler following its instructions, with power still off.
- Connect each wire to the ecobee Premium terminal shown above. Cap unused wires one at a time.
- Restore power and finish setup in the app.
- Test heat, cool and fan. If a breaker trips or equipment runs nonstop, power off and call a pro.
What you need
- ecobee Smart Thermostat PremiumThe thermostat itselfCheck price
- ecobee Power Extender Kit (spare)Included in the box; buy only if yours is missingCheck price
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Confirm against the official ecobee install guide. The app also checks your wiring during setup.
Frequently asked questions
Where does each wire go on the ecobee Premium?
R → Rc; W → W1; Y → PEK; G → C.
Do I need a C wire for the ecobee Premium?
No C wire: use the Power Extender Kit that comes in the box. It installs at your furnace/air handler.