ELECTECK KRT1H1C

ELECTECK KRT1H1C Non-Programmable Digital Thermostat User Manual

Model: KRT1H1C

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your ELECTECK KRT1H1C Non-Programmable Digital Thermostat. This thermostat is designed for single-stage heating and cooling systems (1 Heat/1 Cool) and is compatible with both electrical and gas/oil systems. It features a large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen for clear temperature display and simple push-button controls.

Key Features:

  • Non-programmable operation for straightforward temperature control.
  • Single-stage compatibility: 1 heating and 1 cooling.
  • Configurable for electric or gas/oil systems.
  • Large 4.5 sq. inch LCD display with blue backlight for enhanced visibility.
  • Dual power options: 2 x AAA batteries or 24VAC power (C-wire not required for battery operation).
  • Separate heating and cooling swing (cycle rate) adjustments.
  • Room temperature calibration adjustment.
  • 5-minute compressor delay protection (selectable on or off).
  • Display options: Fahrenheit or Celsius, 12 or 24-hour clock.
  • Low battery indication.
ELECTECK Digital Thermostat Features and Compatibility

Image 1.1: Overview of ELECTECK Digital Thermostat features and system compatibility. This image highlights that the thermostat supports single-stage 1 heating and 1 cooling, is electrical and gas/oil configurable, has a large blue backlit LCD, offers straightforward installation, and can be dual-powered by batteries or 24VAC.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: Read all instructions carefully before installing or operating this thermostat. Failure to follow these instructions could result in personal injury or property damage.

  • Turn off power to the heating/cooling system at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel before installation.
  • This thermostat is not compatible with 110-240V electric heat systems (e.g., electric baseboard heat, line voltage, convectors, radiant-ceiling heat).
  • Do not use with multi-stage systems, mini-split systems, or heat pumps with auxiliary or emergency heat.
  • Ensure all wiring connections are secure and comply with local electrical codes.
  • Do not short out terminals on the gas valve or at the system to test the thermostat. This will damage the thermostat and void the warranty.

3. Package Contents

Your package should contain the following items:

  • 1 x ELECTECK KRT1H1C Digital Thermostat
  • 2 x Screws
  • 2 x Anchors
  • 1 x Installation Manual (this document)
  • 1 x Cable Label sheet

4. Installation

4.1 Tools Required

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Drill with 3/16-inch (4.8mm) drill bit (for new installations)
  • Wire stripper (if needed)

4.2 Removing Your Old Thermostat

  1. Turn off power: Before beginning, turn off the power to your heating and cooling system at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel.
  2. Remove old thermostat cover: Most thermostat covers snap off. Some may have screws.
  3. Label wires: Before disconnecting any wires, carefully label each wire with the provided cable labels according to its terminal designation on your old thermostat. This is crucial for correct installation.
  4. Disconnect wires: After labeling, disconnect the wires from the old thermostat terminals.
  5. Remove old mounting plate: Unscrew and remove the old thermostat's mounting plate from the wall.

4.3 Mounting the New Thermostat

  1. Separate base plate: Gently pull the thermostat cover from the base plate.
  2. Position base plate: Hold the thermostat base plate against the wall where you intend to mount it. The thermostat can be mounted on a wall or a junction box.
  3. Mark drill holes: Mark the positions for the mounting screws through the holes in the base plate.
  4. Drill holes: Drill 3/16-inch (4.8mm) holes at the marked positions. Insert the plastic anchors into the drilled holes.
  5. Route wires: Pull the system wires through the large opening in the base plate.
  6. Secure base plate: Screw the base plate securely to the wall using the provided screws. Ensure it is level.
ELECTECK Digital Thermostat Dimensions and Battery Compartment

Image 4.1: Dimensions of the ELECTECK KRT1H1C thermostat (4.72"W x 3.86"H x 0.98"D) and location of the battery compartment. The image also shows the thermostat powered by 2 AAA batteries.

4.4 Wiring the Thermostat

Refer to the terminal designations and wiring diagrams below to connect the wires from your system to the corresponding terminals on the thermostat base plate. Ensure all connections are tight.

ELECTECK Thermostat Installation Guide and Terminal Designations

Image 4.2: Detailed view of the thermostat's terminal block and corresponding wire labels. It shows connections for C, O, B, W, RH, RC, G, Y terminals. A note indicates that 4 wires must be connected for use, or if only 2 wires, batteries must be used. It also shows to remove the metal jumper wire if both RH/R and RC wires are present.

Terminal Designations:

TerminalDescription
CCommon 24VAC (system power supply)
OReversing Valve Cool (for heat pump systems)
BReversing Valve Heat (for heat pump systems)
WHeat Relay
RH24VAC (system power supply) - Heat
RC24VAC (system power supply) - Cool
GFan Relay
YCool Relay

Important: If your system has separate RH and RC wires, remove the metal jumper wire located between the RH and RC terminals on the thermostat base. If you only have one R wire, connect it to RH and leave the jumper in place.

4.5 Wiring Diagrams

Select the diagram that matches your heating and cooling system type. These diagrams illustrate typical wiring configurations.

ELECTECK Thermostat Wiring Diagrams for Various HVAC Systems

Image 4.3: Various wiring diagrams for the ELECTECK KRT1H1C thermostat, including typical 1H/1C systems (1 transformer and 2 transformer), 1H/1C heat pump system, typical heat-only system, typical heat-only system with fan, and typical cool-only system. Key notes explain power supply, jumper removal, changeover valve use, wire connections, fan switch options, and common wire use.

  • Power supply: Indicated by '1' in the diagram.
  • Factory-installed jumper: Remove only when installing on 2-transformer systems (indicated by '2').
  • Changeover valve: Use either O or B terminals for the changeover valve (indicated by '3').
  • Wire connection: Use a small piece of wire (not supplied) to connect W and Y terminals if required (indicated by '4').
  • Fan operation switch: Set fan operation switch to electric (indicated by '5').
  • Common 24 VAC connection: Use when the thermostat is in battery power mode (indicated by '6').

4.6 Completing Installation

  1. Install batteries: If not using a C-wire for 24VAC power, insert two fresh AAA alkaline batteries into the battery compartment. Ensure correct polarity.
  2. Attach thermostat to base: Carefully align the thermostat body with the base plate and snap it into place.
  3. Restore power: Turn the power back on to your heating and cooling system at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel.

5. Technician Setup (Gas or Electric System Configuration)

This thermostat has an internal switch to configure it for either a Gas or Electric heating system. This setting determines how the thermostat controls the fan during a call for heat.

ELECTECK Thermostat Gas or Electric System Setup Switch

Image 5.1: Internal switch for selecting between Gas and Electric system types. The image shows the location of the ELEC/GAS switch on the back of the thermostat circuit board.

  • Gas System: For systems that control the fan during a call for heat, set the internal switch to the GAS position. In this mode, the furnace controls the fan operation.
  • Electric System: For systems where the thermostat controls the fan, set the internal switch to the ELEC position. This setting allows the thermostat to operate the fan when the fan relay is connected to the G terminal.

To access this switch, you will need to remove the thermostat from its base plate (refer to Section 4.6, step 2 in reverse). Make sure to turn off power to the system before adjusting this switch.

6. Operation

The ELECTECK KRT1H1C thermostat is designed for simple and intuitive operation.

ELECTECK Digital Thermostat Front View with Display and Controls

Image 6.1: Front view of the ELECTECK KRT1H1C thermostat showing the large LCD display, temperature adjustment buttons (+/-), FAN switch (ON/AUTO), and SYSTEM switch (COOL/OFF/HEAT).

6.1 Display Overview

The large LCD screen displays the current room temperature ("Room") and the set temperature ("Set At"). It also shows the current system mode (Heat, Cool, Off) and fan status (ON, AUTO).

  • Temperature Display Range: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
  • Temperature Control Range: 44°F to 90°F (7°C to 32°C)

6.2 Setting the System Mode

Use the SYSTEM switch located on the right side of the thermostat to select the desired operating mode:

  • COOL: The thermostat will operate your cooling system to maintain the set temperature.
  • OFF: The heating and cooling systems are turned off.
  • HEAT: The thermostat will operate your heating system to maintain the set temperature.

6.3 Setting the Fan Mode

Use the FAN switch located on the left side of the thermostat to select the desired fan operation:

  • ON: The fan will run continuously, regardless of whether the heating or cooling system is active.
  • AUTO: The fan will run only when the heating or cooling system is actively operating.

6.4 Adjusting the Temperature

Use the + and - buttons on the right side of the thermostat to adjust the desired set temperature. Each press will change the temperature by 1 degree Fahrenheit or Celsius.

The display will show the new set temperature. The thermostat will then work to maintain this temperature.

6.5 Backlight Operation

The LCD backlight will illuminate for a few seconds when any button is pressed, improving visibility in low-light conditions. It will automatically turn off after approximately 10 seconds of inactivity.

6.6 Advanced Settings (Calibration, Swing, Compressor Delay)

The thermostat offers several advanced settings that can be adjusted for optimal performance. Refer to the full operation manual for detailed instructions on accessing and modifying these settings:

  • Room Temperature Calibration: Allows adjustment of the displayed room temperature to match an external reference thermometer.
  • Heating and Cooling Swing (Cycle Rate): Controls the temperature differential before the system turns on or off. A smaller swing results in more frequent, shorter cycles.
  • 5-Minute Compressor Delay Protection: This feature prevents short cycling of the compressor, which can damage the equipment. It can be enabled or disabled.
  • Fahrenheit/Celsius Display: Toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature units.
  • 12/24 Hour Clock: Adjust the time display format.

7. Maintenance

7.1 Battery Replacement

If your thermostat is powered by batteries (without a C-wire connection) or if the low battery indicator appears on the display, replace the batteries promptly.

  1. Open the battery compartment door located on the front of the thermostat (refer to Image 4.1).
  2. Remove the two old AAA alkaline batteries.
  3. Insert two new AAA alkaline batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+ and -).
  4. Close the battery compartment door.

Note: Even if your thermostat is powered by 24VAC (C-wire connected), batteries can serve as a backup during power outages. It is recommended to replace them annually.

7.2 Cleaning

Wipe the thermostat's exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

8. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your thermostat, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
No display or blank screenNo power, dead batteries, or incorrect wiring.Check circuit breaker. Replace batteries if applicable. Verify wiring connections.
Heating/Cooling system not respondingIncorrect system mode, fan mode, wiring, or power issue.Ensure SYSTEM switch is set to HEAT or COOL. Ensure FAN switch is AUTO or ON. Check wiring. Verify power to HVAC system.
Temperature inaccurateThermostat location, calibration needed.Ensure thermostat is not in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Use the room temperature calibration feature (refer to Section 6.6).
System cycles too frequently or infrequentlySwing (cycle rate) setting.Adjust the heating/cooling swing setting (refer to Section 6.6).
Low battery indicator on displayBatteries are low.Replace the two AAA alkaline batteries (refer to Section 7.1).

9. Specifications

  • Model: KRT1H1C
  • Compatibility: Single stage, 1 heating/1 cooling (conventional systems, heat pumps without aux heat). Not compatible with 110-240V electric heat, multi-stage, or mini-split systems.
  • Power Source: 24VAC (C-wire) or 2 x AAA alkaline batteries.
  • Load Rating: 1 amp per terminal, 1.5 amp maximum all terminals combined.
  • Temperature Display Range: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).
  • Temperature Control Range: 44°F to 90°F (7°C to 32°C).
  • Temperature Accuracy: +/- 1°F (+/- 0.5°C).
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.86" x 4.72" x 0.98" (9.8cm x 11.99cm x 2.49cm).
  • Display: 4.5 sq. inch LCD with blue backlight.
  • Color: White.
  • Material: Plastic.
  • Item Weight: 7.8 ounces (222 grams).
  • UPC: 724268608388.

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information or technical support, please contact ELECTECK customer service. Refer to the product packaging or the official ELECTECK website for current contact details.

When contacting support, please have your thermostat model number (KRT1H1C) and purchase date available.

© 2025 ELECTECK. All rights reserved.

Ask a question about this manual

Ask about setup, troubleshooting, compatibility, parts, safety, or missing instructions. Manuals+ will review the question and use this page’s manual context to help answer it.