On my suburban furnaces, do I need to use suburban thermostats, or can I use any 12V thermostat? Does that allow me to use household thermostats? I don't know if I want to, but I am curious about my options. Thanks!
Glenn
Most thermostats are just on/off switches-so it really doesn't matter. But I would suggest using their thermostat since it is more vibration resistant. You could use most any thermostat so long as it isn't a mercury bubble type. The problem with electronic thermostats is that they run on 24v, and at least my bus is 12v. Best to check with Suburban. Good Luck, TomC
The type you want, that TomC suggested, are called snap action thermostats. Thus, the bus movement does not effect like the mercury type.
Ed Roelle
Flint, MI
I use 2 thremostats, for the front AC and furnace I use an RV type. The bus will never be in motion when I use the rear AC, so I use a mercury bulb household type. It may be me but they seem more responsive.
I would sujest using a relay to isolate the tstat from the furnace then voltage differences don't matter and a problem with the furnace won't burn the tstat up. Relay could be 12 or 24 volt. Most a/c relays are 24 volt and the tstat doesn't care about the voltage. Larry
I wired TWO stats directly in parallel to my furnace. Like was said "they are simple switches". The second one I installed at the head of my bed. At night I turn off the front "main" thermo and, liking a cold sleeping room, the bedside one is off as well. In the morn I can start the furnace without getting out of bed so Mama will get the coffee on arfter it warms up inside. Worked for years!
John