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/u/DrkMith Your post is super clear, and incredibly helpful. Yes, I do run the fan on occasion for circulation. That add-a-wire device seems like magic; very cool and handy and seems like my best option. I watched the video, it's within my capabilities I believe. If you've installed them before, any advice or watchouts?

One other note, if all I need is the C wire to the nest to get the setup to work, could I instead use a 24vac transformer connected to a normal outlet? Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075PN6NCV/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_Im6QDbHZ0Y450

Thank you for your expertise on this.

I am not a professional either, but in my opinion it definitely sounds like a C-Wire issue. My house had 3 wires, Power, Heat, and Fan, so I plugged them in accordingly. This worked all summer, but as soon as winter came, the heat would turn on for about a minute, turn off for 30 seconds, turn back on for a minute, over and over until it got to the desired temperature. I quickly noticed that this of course was not appropriate behavior, which is when I learned that the C-Wire can be important. So I switched the Fan wire to the C-Wire at both my Nest and furnace, and everything works as expected now. I lost manual control of my fan, but I never used that feature anyways.

However you don't have a C-Wire or a Fan wire, so you either need to run a new wire bunch from your furnace to your thermostat so you can have a third wire, or buy something like the Venstar Add-A-Wire. Like I said though, I'm no expert, just my two cents.

It is concerning though that the Nest worked for years prior. I guess from a troubleshooting standpoint, do you have a dumb thermostat to hook up just to see if you can rule out the Nest as the culprit?

Hey there! Sorry that this is happening to you. While I agree with others, it makes no sense that that using your fan wire as a common fixed your issue - But it did! So that's great news for now.

For the record, I have had clients before tell me your same exact story - Their Nest suddenly needed a common after years of it working perfectly. Whether it's due to a surprise update, power outage, or strange anomaly - don't worry, others have been in your shoes. Just another quirk that comes with having the Nest.

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• Here is an adapter of sorts that you were looking for (Plug in outlet common maker): https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Transformer-Honeywell-Thermostat-Fyve/dp/B075PN6NCV/
  
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• Here is another option (add -a-wire at the air handler): https://www.amazon.com/FAST-STAT-Common-Thermostat-Extender-Connection/dp/B01N6ERM04/
  
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  The "plug in" common wire is by far the easiest method, however you'll have to be creative on how you'll hide the wiring. Hope this helps!

There are smart controls for window A/C units with IR remote control

MOES WiFi Smart IR Remote Controller Smart Home Infrared Universal Remote Blaster,One for All Control AC TV DVD CD AUD SAT etc,Compatible with Alexa and Google Home,No Hub Required https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QH1X7PX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SV2pDbJY76JJR


atomi Smart Air Conditioner Adaptor, WiFi Thermometer Monitoring, Provides Smart AC Control, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, iOS and Android, Control temperature from anywhere https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MZ6BHMZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MX2pDbG6043GY

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010ACFKNE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_6S2pDbBSTBKR9

Sensibo Sky (International) - Air Conditioner Controller, Wi-Fi, Compatible with iOS and Android, Compatible with Alexa & Google Home https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MU2YSR4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gV2pDb1JNWVF2


Ambi Climate 2 Smart Air Conditioner Controller - AI Powered, WiFi Enabled | Works with Alexa, Siri, Google Home, IFTTT, iOS, Android | Auto Temp Control for Window Units, Mini Split & Portable Units https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076BCPJP4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hX2pDbWDXSG28


But using the nest sensor to control it, that's not possible. You could use another nest in the room and have it actuate a relay that tells a arduino or raspberry pi to send an IR signal to the A/C.....you can do all kind if things

Corner cutting... Not a severe hazard with LV wiring, but just kind of a cruddy thing to do. Older furnace?

I'm using a 24VAC 40VA transformer for my hello, and it's the only thing on the wire.

Honestly, I'd probably get a more powerful transformer. They're relatively inexpensive. If you have experience working with 120VAC, you can get very inexpensive transformers. If not, or you don't want to mess with it, you can get plug-in transformers for a bit more that have the same little screw terminals, and you can just move the wire, assuming there's an outlet near enough to reach.

I got mine on amazon for $20, they're cheaper than that now.
Here's the link to the one I got, but there are lots of options...

https://www.amazon.com/Class-II-Transformer-Approved-MGT-2440/dp/B004VMVDTA/

EDIT: And just to add:

I had a lower power 16vac transformer originally (slightly above minimum spec for the Hello, and had problems with the Nest -- Chime wouldn't work, and would buzz instead of ding.) The chimes themselves have a pretty good power draw, so often the minimum spec for the Hello not enough (or barely enough) unless you're not using a chime on the circuit.

Hey, wow didn't even know about inbox replies. Appreciate it

I purchased the same 24v relay but with the ground: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VMVDTA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And this ice cube relay:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PZXGHZY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used your wiring scheme and it worked fine (then I unplugged and let die) but I was just testing without it hooked to my HVAC system and was able to get the relay to engage. Now after plugging back in I am getting a variety of wiring errors and the nest restarting.

Let me know if you think it is diagnosable or should provide more info. Appreciate the help.

I would like to pre-order 4 but I just need to know if this is wall mountable like the previous ones. I see no wall mounting options in the promo video.

Edit: it looks like it is handled this way

Gone is the standard wall mounting plate which Nest includes with the old camera: that simply wasn’t used, Nest tells me. Instead you get a regular tripod screw, for those few people who do want to mount it.

It looks like the thread mount is going to be right under the weighted base, so how would we mount this on the ceiling? is there a flat tripod thread that can mount flush with the ceiling and we can screw the base on? or do we have to drill a small hole on the ceiling/wall and glue in one half of a male/male adapter like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Threaded-Mounting-Converter-Precision/dp/B018SMYL9M/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_421_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=191X1DD6B5F9EG4YMAYK

>So I was going to buy a new transformer. Are you saying I should go with a 24V over a 16V? Is that preferable?

24 V transformers are only needed if there's a long wire-run between the transformer, Hello, & chime. If any of these distances are more than 20 feet you should get the 24V.

Your best option would be one like this: https://www.amazon.com/Heath-Zenith-SL-125-02-Wired-Transformer/dp/B000BQY88I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537965228&sr=8-1&keywords=Heath+Zenith+SL-125-02+Wired+Door+Chime+Transformer

It supports 8, 16, & 24V for future-proofing.

I use this with two of my outdoor iq cams. - GAT-USBC | Easily Convert 802.3at PoE+ to USBC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D199JQP/

Works great and it’s just as nice as regular Poe.

I have had a very similar experience to you and the problem was solved by installing a C-wire between the furnace and Nest. If you do not have a spare fifth wire going between your thermostat and your furnace, you can:

• Run an extra wire
  
• Install an Add-A-Wire kit (I'm not sure how well these work but it has good reviews)
  
• Temporarily change your fan wire into a C wire (but you won't be able to manually turn your fan on)

Sadly you have a direct voltage / line voltage setup (240V). You'd insta-fry your Nest with this.

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The best you can get (I've been in your situation before) are these: https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-TL8230A1003-Line-Thermostat-Programmble/dp/B0016J2CYQ/r

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Which still make a huge difference, cost savings wise, to what you have.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CYRS8KF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HWHlDb6ZWKYFF

Would this work? I don't know the dimensions of the Ring Pro but it worked great replacing my old doorbell.

Buy the add-a-wire and you will then have a common wire. Easy to do, trust me.

Venstar ACC0410 Add-A-Wire Accessory for All 24 VAC Thermostats (4 to 5 Wires), White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IF3QXMC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_B9SRAbW6XM3TD

Yes, that zone board is a problem. Only a few thermostats work with it so best to swap it out. Note the second thermostat should not need O and B so you can replace that one as is.

Since it is winter season what you can do for now is disconnect the O and B at the main thermostat and then put a jumper wire between B and R at the SWZ board. That should let you install the Nests and get most of the fun.

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I would recommend a Honeywell zone controller as they have a longer track record: https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-HZ311-TrueZONE-Panel/dp/B001GLYC8S

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It's this product.

It adds a 5th wire (common) to a 4 wire setup. Extremely simple install (just Google it and an official video will come up). I had a lot of doubts on its effectiveness after reading issues on the nest community, but its working great for me so far.

I have Y1, G, Rc and C wires coming from the A/C unit, and W1 and Rh coming from our boiler. This was causing our TACO box / heat pump to continuously click/engage in the winter, I believe because the Nest thermostat wasn't getting power from the AC unit and was constantly turning on our TACO unit / pump in order to draw some power. I installed a RIBUC1 Relay in line with the TACO box and pigtailed the Rh from the boiler and C from the A/C, then plugged into the C slot at the thermostat, and it solved our issues. Not sure if that would be helpful, but wanted to share our fix just in case!

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/164759/yet-another-nest-install-nightmare

https://www.amazon.com/Functional-Devices-RIB-U1C-Relay-Box/dp/B006YVL93Q

I’ve installed many Nests in two wire only heating systems. Unless you have multiple zones, you have a very low chance of needing a common wire installed.

However, if installing a new bundle of wires is something you don’t want to do or don’t have the money for, here is another solution:
24 Volt C-Wire Power Adapter/Transformer for Ecobee Nest Honeywell Emerson Smart WiFi Thermostat by Fyve Global | 25 ft Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075PN6NCV/

I installed this out of their reach. Works great.

Door Lock Child Proofhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JHHB7KR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_t8KACbBWGC76V

Something like this should work. SHOULD. I don't know the exact specifics of your setup, but it looks like 240V line-voltage baseboard heating based on your existing thermostat.

If you get this thing, connect all 3 wires to the Nest. It just saves headaches to have a C wire.

You've got a ghost living where your camera is mounted.

Jk, I've never seen anything like this on my IQ outdoor. Since it happened to the last one too - maybe check the power outlet itself. Use a multimeter and make sure you're getting correct voltage. Turn off the breaker to the outlet and check the connections or maybe even replace it if it's old. They also sell receptacles with surge built in like this. Power surges or undervolting are just the first things that come to mind if Wifi connection has been ruled out. Did they replace just the camera portion or the power supply puck too?


Speaking of wifi, do you have it on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz? A lot of people have been having issues with 5Ghz. I'm actually thinking about buying a second access point to run on a different 2.4GHz wifi channel dedicated to my cameras/IOT to take some of the load off my main network.

Not officially supported, but you can use Nest and Ecobee with a transformer and relay, like this: https://www.amazon.com/Aube-RC840T-240-Switching-Electric-Transformer/dp/B0037MXM1C

I got this:

24 Volt Transformer, C-Wire Power Adapter for Ecobee Nest Honeywell Emerson Sensi, Ring Doorbell Pro, Nest Hello, Skybell, Smart WiFi Thermostat and Doorbell Power, 25 ft Cable by Fyve Global https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075PN6NCV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HTKiDbK0DNCZ1

I don't have a c-wire in my steam heat system either. Got a Nest Gen 3 thermostat coz National Grid was selling it for $109 as part of Earth Week. I ordered a plug-in transformer to act as a c-wire. The reviews sound promising. Will report back once I have it installed.

Maybe? 24 Volt C-Wire Power Adapter/Transformer for Ecobee Nest Honeywell Smart Wifi Thermostat By Fyve Global | 25 Foot Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075PN6NCV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nl20BbXE66AP7

Angle mounts could help. Lots of options out there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DDBQD69/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eMjBDbRKWK7A8

99% chance you need a C wire. Myself and many others with 2 wire boiler systems were in this boat (even down to getting the same error e195). The good news is that it sounds like you already have a third wire in your walls, even if it isn't hooked up. You could just try and connect the wire to your boiler transformer but I wouldn't recommend this. Those transformers weren't meant to power both the boiler and an additional device (the Nest) and you'll likely see more power problems. Instead, you could purchase a plug-in external transformer, plug it in near your boiler, and send power over the C wire (there's lots of articles on how to do this - it's dead easy). I've been running mine in this configuration for a year with zero e195 errors. I actually had to take the extra step of installing a FastStat CommonMaker to "fake" a third wire as I didn't have one in my walls but luckily you don't have to do that.

**EDIT: You do not require a Nest Pro installer for this... if you were able to install your Nest then you will be able to do the above very easily.

To me it sounds like you need this: https://www.amazon.com/Venstar-ACC0410-Wire-Accessory-Thermostats/dp/B01IF3QXMC

Also use this as a guide: https://youtu.be/R3pea5qtygo

Edit: Reason I say so is you should always use a common wire with Nest. You have to check your furnace terminal to see if it has a the right setup.

Could try something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DDBQD69

I got this and it works quite well - https://www.amazon.com/elago-Wall-Plate-Hello-Black/dp/B07CYRS8KF

Venstar Add a Wire works well if you have a 4 wire setup and want a C wire.

Venstar ACC0410 Add-A-Wire Accessory for All 24 VAC Thermostats (4 to 5 Wires), White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IF3QXMC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hbbqDbMETV109

Also Nest has a feature called Airwave that is supposed to turn off your compressor and keep running the fan but only after temp has been achieved.

I just checked the electrical unit which has the transformer.

It's a 16V transformer, 10 VA (not sure what VA is). Transformer Model: CT-380G 122C-A Multi-purpose 16 Volt AC Heath Zenith

If I upgrade to this: https://www.amazon.ca/Heath-Zenith-SL-125-02-Wired-Transformer/dp/B000BQY88I#customerReviews

24VAC-20VA, will that be enough power?

Wires are wires. Cat5e just means it's four twisted pairs of 24-26AWG wires. Most commonly terminated for use with network connections but you can do whatever you want. The one problem is 26AWG is pretty tiny. So what I would do is combine two (or four) wires together. One set for hot, one set for neutral. Then get a 24V transformer. Wire the 120V side to your electrical panel and the 24V side to the Cat5e wires and you'll get power at your doorbell for the Nest Aware.

You don’t have a common wire. It won’t work well. You can try this: Venstar ACC0410 Add-A-Wire Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008PLWT8C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Why do you need the transformer? If your doorbell has power it should be fine. I purchased this, but don't use it anymore.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DDBQD69/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You’ll probably need something, depending on the hole size and if you can get rid of that brown shit. Something like this could help: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CYRS8KF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_toAOBbME7J67P

If it covers everything you don’t want to see, I personally would seal it with a white caulk or something to make it look clean on the stone. Or just leave the gaps if it’s way too bumpy.

Here you go. I found one that is 60 degrees angle ; closest to 90 degrees I could find.

Look on amazon for "POPMAS Nest Hello Adjustable Angle Mount" Left 60 to Right 60 Degree Metal Adjustment Adapter Mounting Plate Bracket Wedge Kit Black for Nest Hello Video Doorbell

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https://www.amazon.com/POPMAS-Adjustable-Adjustment-Mounting-Doorbell/dp/B07DDBQD69

Venstar ACC0410 Add-A-Wire Accessory for All 24 VAC Thermostats (4 to 5 Wires), White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IF3QXMC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fPY2DbGJFZZCP

Here is an example of a combination relay & transformer that would work:

Aube RC840T-240 On/Off Switching Electric Heating Relay with Built-in 24 V Transformer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037MXM1C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qSldAb96GGBRE

This is the only thermostat on my system....it’s a small house, so just one zone. I found a 24v transformer without the relay that’s included in the venstar, has high reviews. Is the relay aspect in the venstar really needed?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075PN6NCV/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

sorry for bothering you again. i found this thermostat voltage adapter on amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Transformer-Honeywell-Thermostat-Fyve-Global/dp/B075PN6NCV). would this work for my system if i use it to power Nest (as there is no C wire). thank you