1. Introduction and Features
The ZL-7860A is an intelligent constant temperature and humidity controller designed for precise environmental management. It is capable of controlling both temperature and humidity to fixed settings, making it suitable for various applications.
This controller offers a range of powerful functions, including:
- Heat and cool fixed temperature control.
- Humidify and dehumidify fixed humidity control.
- Compressor delay protection.
- Temperature and humidity calibration.
- Temperature and humidity limits alarm function.
- Alarm notification upon sensor failure.
- Restore control when power supply resumes.
The device features a rich information display, IP65 level front panel protection, convenient operation, and easy installation.
2. Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Input | One humidity and temperature sensor, provided wire length 2 meters |
| Sensor Precision | Humidity ±5%, Temperature ±1% @ 25℃ |
| Setting Range | Humidity 0~99%RH, Temperature 0~65℃ |
| Output | Temp. Outputs (R1, R3) ≤ 5A, Fan Output (R2) ≤ 1A, Humidify Output (R4) ≤ 5A, De-humidify Output (R5) ≤ 1A |
| Working Environment | -10~45℃; ≤ 90% RH without dew |
| Case Dimensions | L78 x W34.5 x D71 (mm) |
| Drilling Size | L71 x W29 (mm) |
| Case Materials | PC + ABS, fireproof |
| Protection Level | IP65 (Front panel only) |
| Sensor Options | ZL-SHr05J (0-80%RH) or ZL-SHr05P (0-99%RH) |
Sensor Options

This image illustrates the two available sensor options: the ZL-SHr05J, which measures humidity from 0-80%RH, and the ZL-SHr05P, which measures humidity from 0-99%RH. Each sensor's range and basic wiring (VCC, GND, SDA) are shown.
3. Display and Icons
The controller features a clear digital display with various icons to indicate its current status and functions. Below is a table explaining each icon:
| Icon | Function | On | Blink | Icon | Function | On | Blink |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☀ | Cool | Cooling | Delay protecting | E_S | Failure | Sensor fails | |
| ★ | Heat | Heating | Delay protecting | tHi | Warn | High temperature | |
| ☔ | Humidify | Humidifying | tLo | Warn | Low temperature | ||
| ☕ | De-humidify | De-humidifying | HH | Warn | High humidity | ||
| ☻ | Fan | Fan on | HL | Warn | Low humidity | ||
| ☃ | Defrost | Timer defrosting | UnL | Hint | Restoring | ||
| ⚠ | Warn | --- | Warning | ⛔ | Failure | --- | Failure |
4. Installation
Follow these steps to properly install the ZL-7860A controller:
- Insert the controller into the hole: Carefully slide the controller into the designated opening in your panel or enclosure.
- Slide the bracket to fix the device: Once the controller is in place, slide the provided mounting brackets onto the sides of the controller from the rear, securing it firmly against the panel.

This image depicts the initial step of installation, where the ZL-7860A controller is being inserted into a pre-cut opening in a panel.

This image illustrates the second installation step, showing how to slide the mounting brackets into place to secure the controller within the panel opening.
5. Operation
5.1 Turn On/Off
Keep the [▼] depressed for 3 seconds to switch the controller on and off. When offline, the display will show "OFF".
5.2 Temperature and Humidity Setting Status
- Press [S] to enter into temperature and humidity setting status.
- Press [S] again to select between temperature or humidity setting; the selected item will blink.
- Press [▲] or [▼] to set the value (keeping depressed makes fast set).
- Keep [S] depressed for 3 seconds to Save, and exit the setting status.
Note: The status will exit if no key operation for 15 seconds, and the settings will not be saved.
The temperature setting range is 0 ~ 65℃ (factory setting is 20.0℃).
The humidity setting range is 0 ~ 99%RH (factory setting is 50%RH).
5.3 Parameter Setting
Keep [S] depressed for 3 seconds to enter into parameter setting status.
Press [S] or [▼] to select the parameter code.
Press [▲] or [▼] to set the value of the code (keeping depressed makes fast set).
Keep [S] depressed for 3 seconds to Save, and exit the setting status.
Note: The status will exit if no key operation for 30 seconds, and the setting will not be saved.
5.4 Parameter Codes
| Code | Function | Range | Remark | Factory Set |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| t0 | Temperature control mode | 0 ~ 2 | 0: constant, 1: cool, 2: heat | 0 |
| t1 | Heat method | 0 ~ 1 | 0: compressor, 1: heater | 0 |
| t2 | Temperature hysteresis | 0.1 ~ 20℃ | 0.2 | |
| t3 | Temperature calibration | -9.9 ~ 9.9℃ | 0.0 | |
| t4 | Compressor delay protection | 0 ~ 30 min | 3 | |
| t5 | High temperature warning point | 0.0 ~ 65.0℃, OFF | If temp. ≥ t5, warning. If t5 = OFF, disable high warning | OFF |
| t6 | Low temp. warning point | 0.0 ~ 65.0℃, OFF | If temp. ≤ t6, warning. If t6 = OFF, disable low warning | OFF |
| t7 | Defrost period (1) | 0 ~ 600 min | 0: disable defrost | 30 |
| t8 | Defrost time | 0 ~ 60 min | 4 | |
| h0 | Humidity control mode | 0 ~ 2 | 0: constant, 1: humidify, 2: de-humidify | 0 |
| h1 | Humidify hysteresis | 1 ~ 20%RH | 5 | |
| h2 | Humidity calibration | -20 ~ +20%RH | 0 | |
| h3 | High humidity warning point | 0 ~ 100%, OFF | If humidity ≥ h3, warning. If h3 = OFF, disable high warning | OFF |
| h4 | Low humidity warning point | 0 ~ 100%, OFF | If humidity ≤ h4, warning. If h4 = OFF, disable low warning | OFF |
| u1 | Buzzer warning | ON/OFF | ON: enable, OFF: disable | OFF |
(1) The continuous energized time of compressor during heating by compressor.
5.5 Control Logic
5.5.1 Temperature Control (t0)
5.5.1.1 Cooling control (t0 = 1)
- Output R1 is always energized.
- If Room temp. ≥ {Set temp.} + {t2}, and Temp. Output (R3) has stopped for {t4}, R3 energized.
- If Room temp. ≤ {Set temp.}, R3 de-energized.
5.5.1.2 Heating control (t0 = 2)
5.5.1.2.1 Heating by compressor (t1 = 0)
- Output R1 is always energized.
- If Room temp. ≤ {Set temp.} - {t2}, and compressor (R3) has stopped for {t4}, R3 energized.
- If Room temp. ≥ {Set temp.}, compressor de-energized.
Note: After compressor energized, the fan (R2) will be on 10 seconds later. After compressor de-energized, the fan will be off 5 seconds later.
5.5.1.2.2 Heating by heater (t1 = 1)
- If Room temp. ≤ {Set temp.} - {t2}, heater (R1) energized.
- If Room temp. ≥ {Set temp.}, heater de-energized.
5.5.1.3 Fixed temperature control (t0 = 0)
5.5.1.3.1 Heating by compressor (t1 = 0)
- If Room temp. ≥ {Set temp.} + {t2}, and compressor (R3) has stopped for {t4}, R3 energized.
- If Room temp. ≤ {Set temp.}, compressor de-energized.
Note: After compressor energized, the fan (R2) will be on 10 seconds later. After compressor de-energized, the fan will be off 5 seconds later.
Four way valve (R1) will be on for heating, off for cooling. When cooling heating switching, the compressor will be energized after four way valve has been switched for 15 seconds.
5.5.1.3.2 Heating by heater (t1 = 1)
- If Room temp. ≥ {Set temp.} + {t2}, and cool output (R3) has stopped for {t4}, R3 energized.
- If Room temp. ≤ {Set temp.}, cool output de-energized.
- If Room temp. ≤ {Set temp.} - {t2}, and heater (R1) energized.
- If Room temp. ≥ {Set temp.}, heater de-energized.
Note: After cool output energized, the fan (R2) will be on 10 seconds later. After cool output de-energized, the fan will be off 5 seconds later. If cooling by compressor, t4 normally set to 3 (minutes), else 0 (minute).
5.5.2 Defrost
When heating by compressor, and if the outdoor evaporator has ice, it needs defrost.
5.5.2.1 Timer defrost
When the compressor has been heating for {t7} continuously, start defrost. Defrost will last for {t8}.
5.5.2.2 Forced defrost
Keep [▲] and [▼] depressed simultaneously for 3 seconds, start defrost immediately for {t8}.
5.5.2.3 Procedure of defrost
- Compressor (R3) de-energized.
- After 30 seconds, four way valve (R1) de-energized.
- After 30 seconds, compressor energized to heat the outdoor evaporator for {t8}.
- Compressor de-energized.
- After 30 seconds, four way valve energized.
- After 30 seconds, compressor can heat the room again.
Note: During up process, the fan (F2) is de-energized.
5.5.3 Over limit warning
If Room temp. ≥ {t5}, and {t5} > {Set temp.}, warning: "Hi" and room temperature displays alternatively, buzzing at the same time.
If Room temp. ≤ {t6}, and {t6} < {Set temp.}, warning: "Lo" and room temperature displays alternatively, buzzing at the same time.
5.6 Humidity Control (h0)
5.6.1 Fixed humidity control (h0 = 0)
- When Room humidity ≤ {Set humidity} - {h1}, Humidity Output (R4) energized.
- When Room humidity ≥ {Set humidity}, Humidity Output (R4) de-energized.
- When Room humidity ≥ {Set humidity} + {h1}, De-humidity Output (R5) energized.
- When Room humidity ≤ {Set humidity}, De-humidity Output (R5) de-energized.
5.6.2 Humidify control (h0 = 1)
- When Room humidity ≤ {Set humidity} - {h1}, Humidity Output (R4) energized.
- When Room humidity ≥ {Set humidity}, Humidity Output (R4) de-energized.
5.6.3 De-humidify control (h0 = 2)
- When Room humidity ≥ {Set humidity} + {h1}, De-humidity Output (R5) energized.
- When Room humidity ≤ {Set humidity}, De-humidity Output (R5) de-energized.
5.6.4 Over limit warning
If Room humidity ≥ {h3}, and {h3} > {Set humidity}, warning: "HH" and room humidity displays alternatively, buzzing at the same time.
If Room humidity ≤ {h4}, and {h4} < {Set humidity}, warning: "HL" and room humidity displays alternatively, buzzing at the same time.
6. Wiring Diagram
Proper wiring is crucial for the safe and correct operation of the ZL-7860A controller. Refer to the diagrams below for connections based on your heating method.
6.1 Heating by Heater

This diagram illustrates the wiring connections for the ZL-7860A controller when a heater is used for temperature control. It shows connections for R5 (de-humidify), R4 (humidify), Common, R3 (cool), R2 (fan), R1 (heater), and power supply (100-240VAC).
6.2 Heating by Compressor

This diagram shows the wiring connections for the ZL-7860A controller when a compressor is used for temperature control. It details connections for R5 (de-humidify), R4 (humidify), Common, R3 (compressor), R2 (fan), R1 (four-way valve), and power supply (100-240VAC).
General Wiring Notes:
- Always ensure power is disconnected before performing any wiring.
- Connect the power supply (100-240V AC) to terminals 8 and 9.
- Connect the temperature/humidity sensor to the designated sensor terminals.
- Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated.
7. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
7.1 Sensor Calibration
The room temperature can be calibrated. If Room temp. is 0.2℃ lower than real temp., set {t3} = -0.2. The Room humi. can be calibrated. If Room humi. is 2%RH higher than real value, set {h2} = -2.
7.2 Sensor Failure
When the sensor temperature function fails, outputs R1, R2 and R3 will be de-energized, blinking display "Et", warning buzzing.
When the sensor humidity function fails, outputs R4 and R5 will be de-energized, blinking display "Eh", warning buzzing.
7.3 Buzzing Warning
If parameter {u1} = ON, buzzing warning is enabled, else disabled. When the buzzing warning is triggered, the buzzing can be stopped by pressing any key.
7.4 Restore to Factory Default Settings
Keep [▼] and [▲] depressed simultaneously for 3 seconds, "UnL" displays. Then press [▼] twice, all parameters will restore to Factory set values.