How do I wire a thermostat without dying?

[Kullas]

I would agree on using the lower water heater thermostat its $8 at lowes or HD
here is a diagram

 

[walkswithdog]

Follow Kullas's diagram - wire it to the upper set of "screws" and to the light bulb and then SEE if it will turn the lightbulb on and off like a lower thermostat would.

If that doesn't work, wire it to the two lower screws and SEE if that will do it.

If those don't work, you have to get the lower waterheater thermostat and toss that one.

You could also daisy chain both the upper and lower and see, but that might cause something like smoke to happen LOL.

 

[catwalk]

I don't have a screwdriver to fit the inner two screws; they're star-shaped. So I wired it to the outer two, and voila! What on earth was I scared of? It works, nothing exploded or sparked, and I'm really happy with it. Bring on the eggs!

 

[McCord6]

When it comes to electricals, cars, or anything of the such, I always say "Give it over to Hubby or Father in law, they will do it in seconds"

I don't mess with that stuff! LOL!

I do the wood building and stuff like that, anything related to electricals or cars, I give to my husband or his father, I ain't touching it! LOL

 

[walkswithdog]

Hmm no hubby.

Figured it out myself. Like it that way. I'm on my third homemade and reconditioning an antique redwood bator on my own.

I do all the construction too. Generally by myself unless it's a roof. When roofs come up I'm supposed to get help and stay off big ladders, long story... several bad stories LOL.

It's not rocket science. Most guys who work on wiring for a living generally did graduate or almost graduate high school. If they can figure it out so can I.

It can't be all that complicated if you really think about it.