How Does Ecobee Power Extender Kit Work? (Find Out Now!)
Do you want to join the 11 million customers who’ve made the switch to an Ecobee smart thermostat? Maybe you’re worried it won’t be compatible with your HVAC system’s wiring.
Though not all homes require one, Ecobee’s smart thermostat comes with a free Power Extender Kit. There are instructions included to determine whether or not you need one. But how does the Power Extender Kit work?
In order to complete the circuit on your thermostat, the Ecobee Power Extender Kit connects to your existing thermostat wires. The Power Extender Kit functions as a C wire, providing constant 24-volt AC electricity to your thermostat. It should be installed on your HVAC’s control board.
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Power Extender Kit Functions
In order to provide them with continuous power, every smart thermostat needs a C wire (or common wire). With the C wire completing the circuit, it allows constant 24VAC power to flow from the R wire.
Most thermostats already have a C wire, but if yours does not, you can use the Power Extender Kit. It functions as a C wire to provide continuous power to the thermostat.
Do I Need a Power Extender Kit?
If you already have a C wire, then you don’t need a Power Extender Kit for your Ecobee thermostat. Follow these steps to determine what existing wires you have.
- Remove the thermostat from the wall.
- Look for a wire labeled “C” or one that is plugged into the C terminal in the thermostat. If it wasn’t being used, it’s possible that the wire is tucked inside the wall.
- You can check your HVAC control board if you’re still not sure whether or not you have a C wire.
Wire Requirements
In order to use a Power Extender Kit, your HVAC control board must include the G, R, W, and Y wires. The chart below gives a quick color guide for the wire functions. Note that wire colors may vary. These are simply the common colors.
| Wire | Color | Function |
| G | Green | Fan |
| R | Red | 24VAC power |
| W | White | Heat |
| Y or Y1 | Yellow | Air Conditioner |
Power Extender Kits do not support thermostats with only two wires. The Ecobee support page details other options for homes that don’t support the Power Extender Kit.
Power Extender Kit Installation
Install the Power Extender Kit before installing the Ecobee smart thermostat. Shut off your HVAC power at the breaker panel before starting the installation process. Follow these steps to install your Ecobee Power Extender Kit.
- Remove the cover from your HVAC system or furnace.
- Before disconnecting anything, take a picture of how the wires are connected. It serves as a reminder if you need a reference at any point in the installation process.
- Label the G, R, W, and Y wires that will go into your thermostat. If there are other wires going to the AC unit, leave them be.
- Disconnect the four labeled wires from the HVAC control board.
- Reconnect these four wires into the corresponding terminals in the Power Extender Kit.
- There are five wires coming out of the Power Extender Kit—G, R, W, Y, and C. Connect these wires to the corresponding terminal in the HVAC control board.
Note: if you have any splice points in your terminal wires, the Power Extender Kit needs to be installed at these splice points. Otherwise, your equipment may not run properly.
Compatibility
Unfortunately, the Power Extender Kit only works with an Ecobee smart thermostat. It’s incompatible with other smart thermostats.
For a universal power option, get a 24-volt transformer. This plugs into a standard wall outlet and functions like the C wire.
To install a 24-volt transformer, attach one of the two wires to the C terminal on the thermostat. Attach the other wire to the R terminal. 24-volt transformers are compatible with any smart thermostat or video doorbell.
Ecobee Thermostat Wiring
The Power Extender Kit installation is the same for every variant of the Ecobee smart thermostat. However, wiring the device at the wall is different depending on each type of Ecobee thermostat.
When installing an Ecobee smart thermostat with voice control, an Ecobee 4, or an Ecobee 3 Lite, wire the device at the wall according to the chart below.
| Wire | Terminal |
| R wire | RC terminal |
| G wire | C terminal |
| Y wire | PEK terminal |
| W wire | W1 terminal |
When installing an Ecobee 3, wire the device at the wall according to the chart below.
| Wire | Terminal |
| R wire | RC terminal |
| G wire | G terminal |
| Y wire | Y1 terminal |
| W wire | W1 terminal |
Related Questions
Do you have more questions about the Ecobee Power Extender Kit? You’ve come to the right place! Below are some questions others had about the Ecobee Power Extender Kit and its functions.
What color is the C wire?C wires are usually blue. They are necessary for a smart thermostat to receive power 24/7. If you don’t have a blue C wire, you can use the Ecobee Power Extender Kit.
What does a C wire do and why does my Ecobee need it?A C wire provides continuous power to any smart thermostat. Even if the thermostat is off, it needs constant power because of its backlit displays and Wi-Fi connectivity. Some older homes may not have a C wire because standard thermostats don’t require constant power. If this is the case for you, you can install an Ecobee Power Extender Kit.
Where can I buy an Ecobee Power Extender Kit?Your Ecobee smart thermostat includes a free Power Extender Kit. If something happens to it, they are not sold separately through Ecobee. Amazon sells separate Power Extender Kits. If upon installing your Power Extender Kit you notice a malfunction, contact Ecobee support. They can help you through the warranty process.
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Conclusion
An Ecobee Power Extender Kit may be useful to you if your current thermostat wiring does not include a C wire. The Power Extender Kit gives your smart thermostat the constant power it needs to operate. Your Ecobee smart thermostat includes a free Power Extender Kit.
Brigid Levi is a wife, mother, and freelance writer who enjoys a good DIY project and creating beautiful spaces within her home. From cleaning and organization hacks to home decor ideas, she loves helping people in their quest to turn a house into a home. Her hobbies include pretending to be Joanna Gaines while updating her home with her husband and performing in local theater productions.
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