Aprilaire 8551 Thermostat User Manual

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OWNER’S MANUAL – TABLE OF CONTENTS

Setting Or Changing The Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Setting Or Changing The Weekday Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Program Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Setting Or Changing The Weekend Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Reviewing Programmed Time Schedules And Temperature Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

To Start Running The Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

For Best Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Thermostat Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

•

Temperature Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Time Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Equipment Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Optional Settings For Additional Thermostat Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

In Case Of Power Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Research Products Corporation 2000

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IMPORTANT: READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY

Programming your Aprilaire Thermostat is done in three easy steps: setting the clock, setting the event

times, and setting your desired temperatures.

Setting Or Changing The Clock

Step 1: If you are currently in Daylight Saving Time

(first Sunday in April thru fourth Sunday in October),

press the DST button and “ “ will appear in the

lower right-hand corner of the display.

Step 2: Press the CLOCK button and “Mo”

(or another day of the week) will flash. Use the

DECREASE or INCREASE button to

change the flashing symbol to the current day

of week.

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Step 3: Press the CLOCK button again and “12:” (hours)

and “AM” or “PM” will flash. Use the DECREASE or

INCREASE button to change the flashing symbol

to the current hour making sure the hour has the proper

AM or PM designation.

Step 4: Press the CLOCK button and “:00” (minutes) will

flash. Use the DECREASE

or INCREASE

button

to change the flashing symbol to the current minute.

Step 5: Press the CLOCK button again. The clock is now

set and the current time appears on the display.

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Setting Or Changing The Weekday Program

Programming your Aprilaire Electronic Thermostat involves selecting the temperature you want

in your home and selecting the time you want it to be that temperature. Your Aprilaire Thermostat

will allow a maximum of 4 time schedules per day. Each time schedule is known as an “event.”

The Morning event is typically when you wake up and is the first event of the day. The Day event is

typically set when you leave for work. The Evening event is typically set when you come home from

work and the Night event is set when you go to bed. Each event will have 1 cooling temperature.

Your Aprilaire Thermostat allows 1 program for Monday through Friday and 1 program for Saturday

and Sunday. Complete the chart on page 4 with your desired temperatures and time schedules

before beginning programming.

NOTE: It will take some time for your cooling system to reach the desired temperature when

returning from a setback. Therefore, it is suggested you set your program time before the actual

time you want your home to reach the desired temperature. For example, if you get up at 7:00 AM

and have a 6 degree setback, set your Morning event at 6:00 AM to be sure the desired temperature

is reached by 7:00 AM.

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PROGRAM SCHEDULE

TIME SCHEDULE

THERMOSTAT

SYMBOL

DESIRED

TEMPERATURE

SETTING

MONDAY –

FRIDAY

SATURDAY &

SUNDAY

EVENT

Morning

Day

Evening

Night

NOTE: While programming you must press a button at least every 15 seconds or the thermostat will revert back to the

operational mode. If this happens, simply repeatedly press the PROGRAM button until you get back to where you left

off. The information you have already entered has been retained.

NOTE: If consecutive events have the same temperature, you can skip an event by simultaneously pressing the

PROGRAM and MODE buttons. Press and release the PROGRAM button to advance to the next event.

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Step 1: Press and release the MODE button until the word

“COOL” and the “

” cooling symbol appear on the display.

Step 2: Press and release the

PROGRAM button – “Mo Tu

We Th Fr”; Morning

event symbol “

”;

flashing “12:” (or some

other hour); and flashing “AM” or “PM” will appear on the display.

You are now setting the time you want your cooling equipment to

come on in the morning.

Step 3: Press the DECREASE

button or INCREASE

button to set the desired hour for the Morning “

”

event.

Step 4: Press and release the PROGRAM button – “:00”

or some other minutes) will flash.

(

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Step 5: Press the DECREASE

button or INCREASE

button to set the desired minutes for the Morning “

event (program starting times are set in ten-minute

increments).

”

Step 6: Press and release the PROGRAM button – the current

cooling temperature will begin to flash. You are now setting

the cooling temperature you desire in the morning.

Step 7: Press the DECREASE

button or INCREASE

button to set the desired cooling temperature for the Morning “

” event.

Step 8: Press and release the PROGRAM button – the Day “

” event symbol will appear. You are

now setting the time and cooling temperature you want throughout the day.

Step 9: Repeat steps 2-6 to complete programming for the Day “

Step 10: Press and release the PROGRAM button – the Evening “

” event.

” event symbol will appear.

You are now setting the time and cooling temperature you want during the evening.

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Step 11: Repeat steps 2-6 to complete programming for the Evening “

” event.

Step 12: Press and release the PROGRAM button – the Night “

” event symbol will appear.

You are now setting the time and cooling temperature you want at night.

Step 13: Repeat steps 2-6 to complete programming for the Night “ ” event.

Setting Or Changing The Weekend Program

Step 1: After setting the Night “ ” event Weekday program, press and release the PROGRAM button.

“Sa Su”; the Morning “

” event symbol; flashing

“12:” (or some other hour); and flashing “AM” or “PM” will

appear on the display. You are now programming the time

and temperatures for the weekend.

Step 2: Repeat steps 2-6 identical to Weekday

programming for Morning “ ”,

Evening “ ”, and Night “ ” events for

cooling mode as applicable.

”, Day “

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Reviewing Programmed Time Schedules

And Temperature Settings

Press and release the PROGRAM button repeatedly to advance to “Mo Tu We Th Fr”, or “Sa Su” and

specific event. Continue pressing the PROGRAM button to review the time schedules and temperature

settings for each desired event.

To Start Running The Program

After all temperatures and start times have been programmed, press and release the RESUME

button to start running programs. If no button is pressed, the thermostat will resume automatically in

approximately 15 seconds.

For Best Performance

The Aprilaire Model 8551 thermostat is designed for accurate temperature control and easy

operation. The following guidelines should be followed to ensure proper operation of the thermostat:

1. When the thermostat is operating, close the cover to allow for proper air circulation over the

temperature sensor.

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2. Do not place anything which can give off warm or cool air, such as candles, lamps, or portable

humidifiers, near the thermostat.

. Although the thermostat is internally equipped to prevent short cycling of the air conditioner,

it is possible to inadvertently override this protection. Do not start, stop, and restart the

equipment without allowing a minimum of 2 minutes between cooling cycles.

Thermostat Operation

The Model 8551 is a full-featured thermostat which allows for additional control and operations after

basic time and temperature programming is completed. In addition to the programming buttons used

to set up all event times and temperatures, additional buttons control the following functions:

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

•

Reading the Actual Room Temperature: The Model 8551 normally displays the room temperature,

not the set-point temperature.

•

Check the Set-Point Temperature: Press and release the DECREASE

button. The thermostat will display the programmed set-point temperature and a thermometer for

seconds before automatically returning to the actual room temperature display.

button or INCREASE

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•

Temporarily Override the Set Temperature: Press and hold the DECREASE

button or

INCREASE button to change the room set-point temperature in 1 degree increments.

The new set-point temperature will be held for 3 hours, then the thermostat will automatically

return to the program.

Hold a New Temperature Set Point: Press and hold the DECREASE

button or INCREASE

button to change the room set-point temperature in 1 degree increments. The new set-point

temperature can be maintained indefinitely by pressing and releasing the HOLD button. The word

“HOLD” will be displayed. The thermostat will maintain this new set-point temperature until the

RESUME button is pressed returning the thermostat to the original program. This procedure is

typically used during extended vacant periods (vacations, business trips, etc.), to hold an economical

set point until you return.

•

Returning to Programmed Operation: At any time, press the RESUME button to return the

thermostat to operate as programmed.

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•

Change Between °C and °F : The thermostat has the capability of displaying either Celsius

or Fahrenheit temperatures. If the displayed temperature seems abnormally high or low

(ie: 70˚F = 21˚C) you may need to switch to ˚C or ˚F by simultaneously pressing the

DECREASE button and the INCREASE button.

Checking the Outdoor Temperature: If your thermostat was installed with the optional

Aprilaire Outdoor Temperature Sensor, simply press the OUTDOOR button and the

thermostat will display the outdoor temperature for 3 seconds before automatically returning

to the actual room temperature display.

TIME CONTROL

•

Change From 12- to 24-Hour Clock: Press and release the CLOCK button, then press the MODE

button. To return to a standard clock, repeat the process.

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EQUIPMENT CONTROL

•

Turning on the Fan: At any time the system fan can run continuously by pressing the FAN button.

The Fan icon, “ “, will appear in the lower part of the display indicating that the fan is

operating continuously. To return the fan to the normal operating mode, press the FAN button again

which will remove the icon from the display. In the normal operating mode the fan will only run when

the air conditioning is operating. Continuous fan operation is beneficial if your system is equipped with

a high efficiency air cleaner, or to circulate air in the home when the air conditioning is not needed.

•

Selecting Cooling Mode: Press the MODE button until the word "COOL" appears on the display.

In this mode the air conditioning system will maintain temperature according to the programming

previously completed unless an override temperature has been entered. Note that a Snowflake icon,

“

“, is on the display, which flashes when the air conditioning is running.

Turning the System Off: Press the MODE button until the word "OFF" appears on the display. In this

mode, the air conditioning system will not operate regardless of the temperature. The thermostat can

still be programmed, the optional outdoor temperature sensor will work, and the fan will turn on if the

FAN button is pressed.

NOTE: After selecting a new mode, the thermostat initiates a delay of up to 4 minutes to protect the cooling equipment.

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Optional Settings For

Additional Thermostat Features

The Model 8551 thermostat is equipped with 2 DIP switches located inside the thermostat on the

printed circuit board. These switches are preset by the factory to typical home air conditioning system

requirements. The installing contractor also reviewed the settings during installation to be sure the

thermostat will operate properly with your air conditioning system.

The DIP switches can however be changed to customize the thermostat ’s operation to your particular

needs. This should only be done after consulting with your contractor.

The Model 8551 DIP switches control the following functions:

No. 1 – 4 min./2 min. Minimum Equipment On/Off Times. This switch is factory preset at 2 minutes.

This switch provides short cycle protection for the air conditioning unit. If you feel that the air

conditioning system turns on and off too many times per hour, ask your contractor about changing

the switch to a 4 minute minimum on time. Keep in mind however that this may increase the

overall temperature variation in the house due to longer run and off times. DO NOT change the

position of this switch without first consulting with your contractor.

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No. 2 – Keypad Lock. If tampering with the thermostat is expected and unwanted, the keypad can

be locked by moving this switch from the factory set OFF position to the ON position. This should

not be done until all programming is finalized. In the locked position only the following functions

can be done:

•

The outdoor temperature button will display the outdoor temperature.

The DECREASE button or INCREASE button will temporarily change the

set point a maximum of plus or minus 3 degrees for a period of 1 hour, before the

thermostat automatically returns to the original program.

If the thermostat does not respond when a button is pushed it may be because the keypad has

been locked. A Lock icon “

“ will appear when pushing any buttons other than the buttons

outlined above.

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To change the DIP switch settings, the thermostat must be removed from the base which is attached to

the wall. The power to the thermostat must be turned off before disassembling or the

thermostat can be permanently damaged. If you do not

know where the switch is that controls the power

to your thermostat, do not attempt to access the

DIP switches. The following procedure must be

carefully followed:

a) Turn off power to

the thermostat.

b) Completely open the

thermostat cover.

The cover will snap

into this position.

Figure 1

c) Carefully insert a

medium-sized

flathead

screwdriver

into the latch access

slot (see Figure 1).

CAUTION: TO PREVENT DAMAGE, AVOID CONTACT

WITH BLUE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON BOTTOM RIGHT-

HAND CORNER OF THERMOSTAT CIRCUIT BOARD.

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Figure 2

Figure 3

d) Gently push in and pry up on the handle of the

screwdriver until the lock tab disengages from the

catch tab (you should feel or hear a click –

see Figure 2).

e) After the latch releases, grip the thermostat panel at

the bottom corners and swing it up and away from

the base to completely separate (See Figure 3).

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Once the thermostat panel has been opened and removed from the base, turn the thermostat over

and locate the DIP switches found on the circuit board according to the following drawing:

Be careful to change only the intended DIP

switches per the explanation given at the

beginning of this section.

After the DIP switches have been set to the desired

position, carefully reassemble the thermostat.

a) Place the cover on the base by lining up the 2

round pegs on the bottom of the cover with the

half circle cutouts on

the top of the base.

Note that the

bottom of the

cover when fully

open slides in

behind the top

of the base. Swing

the cover fully open.

The cover will stay in place.

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Figure 4

b) Align the hinge tabs on the base and

thermostat panel. Swing the panel to the

base and snap in place at bottom of

thermostat panel (see Figure 4).

c) Turn the thermostat power back on.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT

DAMAGE, AVOID CONTACT WITH BLUE

TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON BOTTOM

RIGHT-HAND CORNER OF THERMOSTAT

CIRCUIT BOARD.

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In Case Of Power Failure

The Model 8551 thermostat does not require a battery. If the power goes out the letters “AC” appear on

the display indicating power is not being supplied to the thermostat. “AC” will remain on the display for

up to approximately 30 minutes after the power goes out. During the period that the power is off, the

cooling system will not operate.

This thermostat is equipped with a continuous memory feature which does not require a battery. The

thermostat will never lose what has been programmed regardless of the length of the power outage.

If the thermostat has been set to “Hold” a particular temperature, and the power fails, the thermostat

will resume that temperature when the power is restored.

After a period of 30 minutes without power the clock will need to be reset. The clock will default to

12:00 AM. Refer to the Programming Instructions to reset the clock.

Cleaning

If the surface of the thermostat becomes dirty it can be cleaned with plain water or many non-abrasive

household cleaners, such as glass cleaner. When using any cleaner be careful not to get any into the

interior of the thermostat. Do not spray any cleaner directly onto the thermostat. Spray the cleaner onto

a soft cloth and wipe the surface of the thermostat.

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Limited Warranty

Your Research Products Corporation Aprilaire Thermostat unit is expressly warranted for two (2) years from date of

installation to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.

Research Products Corporation ’s exclusive obligation under this warranty shall be to supply, without charge, a

replacement for any thermostat which is found to be defective within a two (2) year period and which is returned, together

with the date of installation, no later than thirty (30) days after said two (2) year period by you to either your original

supplier or to Research Products Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53701.

THIS WARRANTY SHALL NOT OBLIGATE RESEARCH PRODUCTS CORPORATION FOR ANY LABOR COSTS AND SHALL

NOT APPLY TO DEFECTS IN WORKMANSHIP OR MATERIALS FURNISHED BY YOUR INSTALLER AS CONTRASTED TO

DEFECTS IN THE THERMOSTAT ITSELF.

IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL

BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE AFORESAID TWO YEAR PERIOD. RESEARCH PRODUCTS CORPORATION’S

LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OTHER THAN DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURIES,

RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF THE AFORESAID IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR THE ABOVE LIMITED WARRANTY IS

EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS VOID IF DEFECT(S) RESULT FROM FAILURE TO HAVE THIS

THERMOSTAT INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED COOLING AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR. IF THE LIMITED

WARRANTY IS VOID DUE TO FAILURE TO USE A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR, ALL DISCLAIMERS OF IMPLIED

WARRANTIES SHALL BE EFFECTIVE UPON INSTALLATION.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or

consequential damages, so the above exclusion or limitations may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state

to state.

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