Wiring error quick reference guide
When Nest senses what wires have been connected to its base, it automatically configures its software for
the system type it detects. If it’s a heat only system, Nest won’t show any cooling options. If it’s a heat
pump, Nest will know—and do a special test to check the orientation of the O/B wire.
If Nest senses a problem with the wiring, you’ll get an error if the issue must be fixed before setup can
continue, or a note if it is not critical to fix during setup. Here’s a breakdown of the errors and notes and
what they mean.
Specific troubleshooting help for wiring errors is available online at nest.com/support.
Error
number
Description
What’s going on?
E1
Common wire C required.
This wiring error may appear after installation when Nest can’t get
power while the system is turned on. Nest’s software should be
updated if this error appears
E2
E22
No power wires detected.
Rh or Rc wire is required.
You’ll see this error when either a Rh or Rc wire was not installed or
the Rh or Rc wire that was installed isn’t powered.
E3
E23
No power to Rc wire
detected.
You’ll see this error if you’ve installed both an Rc wire and Nest isn’t
electrically detecting it.
E4
E24
No power to Rh wire
detected
You’ll see this error if you’ve installed both an Rh wire and Nest isn’t
electrically detecting it
E5
E25
No heating or cooling
wires detected.
W1 or Y1 wire is required
Nest cannot detect any wires inserted into W1 or Y1. At least one of
these is required.
E6
Too many wires detected.
This error indicates that the wiring combination you’ve installed is
no supported by Nest. Verify the actual wiring for the system and
remove at least one of O/B, W1, Y1 or AUX wires as appropriate.
E7
E27
Y1 wire not detected.
Heat pump requires a Y1
wire.
Your Nest is physically detecting a wire in the O/B connector. This
connector is exclusively used for heat pumps which also require a
Y1wire to be attached.
E8
E28
Additional wire(s)
required. AUX/W2
detected by itself.
Your Nest is physically detecting a wire in the AUX/W2 connector.
Supported configurations that use this connector also include a W1
wire or an O/B + Y1 wire.
E9
E29
No power to C wire
detected.
Your Nest is physically detecting a wire in the C connector, but isn’t
detecting any power to it.
Nest Learning Thermostat installation & configuration guide
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