No C-Wire and N262 error

[Eddie_Savage]

So I’m confused. My system has no C-Wire. I checked your compatibility website and it said the Nest is compatible with my unit. I bought it, installed it, and a day later started losing wifi connection and getting an N262 error. Your website says this code is used when there is extreme cold and problems with the safety shutoff. It’s the middle of the summer. So I Google the error and every single post says the issue is caused by not having a C-wire.

Apparently my options are sacrifice my fan wire and use it as a c-wire, pay thousands of dollars to have my house wired with a c-wire, or buy your additional power adapter which according to the internet may or may not resolve the issue. 

So what’s the deal? Why are you claiming this doesn’t require a C-wire when it clearly does, as evidenced by the fact that you sell an additional product for people with no C-wire?? Why doesn’t your help site explain that the N262 is caused by no C-wire? Who is running the show here???

This is deceptive selling and poor management. 

[moralesvicente]

Hello Eddie_Savage,

Thank you for reaching out to our community. I'm sorry to hear that you're encountering trouble with your Nest thermostat. It seems you're receiving error code N262 before installation. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you. 

To assist you effectively, please provide the following information:

• Image of Wire System: Could you attach a photo of the wiring currently connected to your Nest thermostat?
• Previous Thermostat: What was the model of the thermostat you were using before the Nest?

Any additional details that might be relevant would also be helpful. 

Best regards, 

Daniel

[Eddie_Savage]

I don’t see an option to attach a photo, but here is how my wife’s are set up: 

Blue to Y

White to W

Green to G

Red to R

This also matches the configuration to actual heater/furnace. 

I have no idea what the old model was. It was from the 80’s. 

[moralesvicente]

Hey Eddie_Savage, 
 
Thank you so much for keeping me updated. 
 
Based on the information that you have provided me, your Nest Thermostat is compatible with your wiring system. However, if you see this error code, it could be a sign that your HVAC system needs maintenance.
 
I recommend contacting a Nest Pro for expert advice and installation. To get better assistance, you can reach out to one of our recommended professionals. 
 
Best regards,
Daniel

[Eddie_Savage]

It doesn’t need maintenance. If I change the batteries in the Nest the error goes away for 4 days, until the Nest drains them again because there is no C wire to pull power from. Since I never run my fan independently, I moved my G wire for the fan to the C wire position on both the unit and the Nest so that now I have a C wire (but no G wire) and the error went away without the need for me to change the batteries. I can do this because it’s a newer unit that runs the fan for heat/AC on its own when they are initiated. 

So again, you guys are selling these for units that it’s not compatible with. The Nest is not compatible with units that do not have a C wire, and either the Nest throws the wrong error when it can’t pull enough power, or what you list as problems for the error codes is incorrect. 

[moralesvicente]

Hi Eddie_Savage, 

I'm sorry about the power trouble you've encountered with your Nest Thermostat. 

As the compatibility checker indicates, some customers may need to use a Nest Power Connector or install a C wire to ensure their Nest Thermostat receives adequate power.

The C-wire provides a constant power source to the thermostat. This ensures the unit can maintain its settings and communicate with your WiFi network. Without it, the thermostat may experience power fluctuations or intermittent connections, leading to errors like N262. As a smart thermostat, it will need to get enough power to provide good performance.

• Smart Features: Some advanced features of the Nest thermostat may require a C wire for optimal functionality.
• Battery Life: When connected, the C wire can help charge the thermostat's battery more efficiently, preventing frequent battery replacements.

For professional guidance and installation, consider consulting a Nest Pro.

Check out this article for more information: Learn about the common or C wire. 

Best regards,

Daniel