The white wire connects to the primary heating unit and ends at the air handler or furnace. Typically, the blue wire connects to the heat pump and can also be black. The blue wire is the common wire that links to a power source and is critical for running the thermostat. Here’s a quick rule of thumb to remember about your thermostat color code. Insulation tape, Black, White, Green, and RedĪre you ready to get started? Thermostat Wire Colors – Let’s Start with the Basics.We advise you to purchase a Multimeter for testing circuits, these need not be expensive, and they last a lifetime you can easily get one for under $25.00.So before you start working, make sure you have the necessary equipment. Since you’re dealing with electricity here, you cannot risk a short circuit or a fire. So if the thermostat wiring colors seem unfamiliar, step back from the DIY project and contact a professional electrician immediately it’s better to be safe! Other manufacturers may have their own specifications, or the electrician wiring the house may get creative with the wires. The objective here is to give you a quick tutorial on the different thermostat wire colors and what they do. Safety Precautions to check Thermostat Wire Color Codeīefore we talk in detail about the thermostat wire color code, know that this guide is an overview for beginners.