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Thermostats
Frequently Asked Questions

TYPES OF REGULATION

1) CONVENTIONAL WITH ANTICIPATION TH110*/111*/135/140/141
This simple regulation sends On/Off commands to the heating system according to a pre-selected temperature variation. The TH140 control algorithm includes an anticipation function which reduces the discrepancy between the thermostat reading and the temperature at the center of the room. *The TH110/111 models will feature P.I.A. regulation starting in the fall 2000.

2) PROPORTIONAL TH102/104/143
This regulation is based on the latest temperature reading, which occurs every 15 seconds. In fact, the controller decides which percentage of power to send to the electric baseboard depending on the temperature requested by the user and the temperature measured by the thermostat. Thus the thermostat reacts very quickly, ensuring optimal comfort. The screens display the percentage of power sent as follows:

3) PROPORTIONAL INTEGRAL ADAPTIVE (P.I.A.) TH140/TH141
Each thermostat is equipped with a proportional integral adaptive (P.I.A.) controller which reduces temperature variations and allows the correction of the discrepancy caused by the variation of the heat energy release charge. In simpler terms, it provides a much more accurate temperature regulation while increasing user comfort.

WHY DOES THE P.I.A. CONTROLLER SHOW A BETTER PERFORMANCE?

Contrary to a conventional controller which defines heating cycles based on the current temperature, the P.I.A. controller determines heating cycles by taking into account the history of the temperature inside the building. Consequently, it adapts its control parameters to the analysis of past data.

CONVENTIONAL CONTROLLER: If the outside temperature is mild, during the autumn or spring for example, the furnace will start its heating cycle at full power. It will therefore generate a temperature increase in the center of the room much faster than along the walls where the thermostat is installed. Since the thermostat will be slow to react, the room will be overheated.

P.I.A. CONTROLLER: In the same situation, the P.I.A controller will define the power required before the beginning of the cycle. It will calculate, based on the heating system's past performance, the duration of the heating cycle required to optimize the room temperature variation. Contrary to a traditional controller, it will react much faster.

The P.I.A. controller optimizes the temperature variation in the room based on the number of cycles per hour authorized by the heating system. This:

• eliminates overheating when the outside temperature is mild
• provides a regular heating cycle
• eliminates the anticipation resistors
• cancels the interior temperature deviation caused by the outside temperature.

  OPERATING MODES

MANUAL: Maintains a constant temperature in the house.

AUTOMATIC: This mode generates savings by lowering the temperature during the night or while away. The user indicates the desired temperature at specific moments.

Example: 
Prog. #1: Monday to Friday, from 7:15 AM, 20 °C
Prog. #2: Monday to Friday, from 10:30 PM, 17 °C

HOLIDAY: Maintains the minimum temperature selected for a long absence.

TEMPORARY BYPASS: Allows the temporary modification of the ambient temperature without affecting the programming.

TELEPHONE CONTROLLER: The TH140 and TH141 are equipped with an interface which allows, through telephone controller, to switch from normal operating mode to Holiday mode, or vice-versa.

ECONOMIC: For the cottage or the holiday return. The user programs the temperature, the day and the time of his arrival (Prog. #1) and his departure (Prog. #2).

SPECIFICATIONS

MEMORY: A permanent memory protects thermostat programming in case of power failures. The clock is protected from power outages of up to 4 hours. No battery necessary.

°C/°F: All thermostats can display the temperature in °C or °F.

12hrs/24hrs: All thermostats can display the time in 12hrs. (AM/PM) or 24hrs. mode.

RADIANT CEILINGS: Radiant ceilings heat the masses, including people. It is therefore recommended to use a proportional control system which sends to the heating system only the power required. User comfort will be much greater than with a conventional system which can only send 100% of its power.

ENERGY GAIN

Thermostats allow energy savings because of their ACCURACY and their various OPERATING MODES. Use the following formula to calculate energy gains:

Each 1°C (1.8°F) decrease for 8 hours is equivalent to a savings of 2%

ACCURACY: Good temperature regulation allows the user to lower the selected temperature and thus save energy. The selected temperature is usually set according to the discomfort temperature level for the user, which is the lowest point of the cycle.

Example: Discomfort temperature: 18 °C (64.4 °F)
For a temperature variation of 4 °C (7.2 °F), the selected temperature will be 20 °C (68 °F). (A).
For a temperature variation of 2 °C (3.6 °F), the selected temperature will be 19 ° (66.2 °F). (B).
1 °C (1.8 °F) lower for a 24 hour period is equivalent to approximately 6% saving.

OPERATING MODES: By using the Programming or the Holiday mode, you can reduce the temperature and save even more.

Example: If you reduce your home temperature from 20 °C (68 °F) to 16 °C (60.8 °F) during the night, you save 8% (4 °C X 2% or 7.2 °F X 1.12%).

Time required to save - for savings to be obtained you must lower the temperature for a period of 2 to 3 times the delay required to bring the temperature back to your comfort level.

Example: If your system takes one hour to go from your saving temperature level to your comfort temperature level, it is useless to lower the temperature for a period of 2 to 3 hours.

Timers & Switches
Frequently Asked Questions

Programming Types

CONVENTIONAL (7-DAYS)
The program offers a possibility of 14 settings (7 On/7 Off) spread over a week. Each setting can be applied to a specific day or to every day of the week. It is ideal to simulate a presence while you are away, by varying the time when the lights go on in the house. It is also used for motors that work at relatively fixed periods, such as fans, security systems, heating systems, etc.

WITH SUNRISE AND SUNSET
The units equipped with this program automatically calculate the sunrise and sunset times based on the user's location. The unit uses the latitude and longitude of the cities (co-ordinates are listed in the instruction leaflet). The unit also takes into account the normal or daylight saving time. Programming is very easy. Once the latitude and longitude are memorized, the user chooses between 2-setting or 4-setting programming.

The user may replace the sunrise and sunset settings by fixed hour programs. This cutting-edge programming is ideal for sun-related applications such as outside lights. The user does not need to reprogram his lights with each season, everything is automatic.

TWLIGHT CELL
This program allows maximum energy saving since it avoids having lights on before twilight. Its operation is very simple. In order for the timer to go on, the preset time (Prog. "On") must be reached and it must be dark. Note that the darkness threshold is programmable. Ideal for Christmas lights, garden lights, etc.

TEMPERATURE SENSOR
This mode was especially designed for engine block heaters. The timer executes the program only if the outside temperature is below -12 °C (10.4 °F). The energy saving is maximized since the user can, from the Programming mode, shorten the period during which the engine block heater works, and cancel it altogether when the outside temperature rises above -12 °C (10.4 °F). Since there are many nights during the cold season when the temperature varies between -5 °C and -20 °C (23 °F and -4 °F), this function generates important savings.

Operating Modes

MANual:
The simplest mode. Just press on the door* to turn the lights on or off. Same as a conventional switch.

AUTOmatic:
Mode in which the lights (or motors) are automatically turned on and off. The user can easily bypass a program by pressing on the door*. If the lights are on, they will turn off (or vice-versa). The switch remains in automatic mode and will execute its next program.

AUTO/MAN:
To switch from one mode to the other, just press on the door* for 4 seconds.

*With the TI040 and TI044 timers, the "Mode" button must be used to execute these operations.

Protected Memory

The TI040 and TI044 switches and timers operate on the domestic electrical circuit. During a power failure, the programming and the clock are protected by an integrated rechargeable battery. No need to buy batteries. If a power failure lasts more than 500 hours, the unit will need to be reprogrammed when the power returns. The battery will recharge normally. The TI060 and TI061 models also use the house electrical circuit but incorporate batteries, so that the user can hold the unit for programming.

Energy Gain

By reducing the use of your lights or electric devices, you save energy and you increase their service life. You can also save money by programming your units to operate during lower rate periods.

To calculate your savings, use the following formula :

Example:

#watts X #hours of reduction X kWh cost X #days used
1000 watts

The electricity needed to run a swimming pool all day for a period of 3 months will cost between $260 and $346 in Canada and between $303 and $737 in the United States. By programming the pump to be activated 16 hours per day instead of 24 hours, the cost of the timer is recovered within the first year.