When a technician measures 5.5 amps on the thermostat sub-base, what should he set the heat anticipator to?

The heat anticipator in a thermostat is responsible for preventing temperature overshoot by turning off the heating system just before reaching the set point. The setting of the heat anticipator should closely match the current draw of the heating system to ensure optimal operation and efficient temperature control.

In this scenario, the technician has measured a current draw of 5.5 amps on the thermostat sub-base. Setting the heat anticipator to the same value of 5.5 amps allows for accurate control over the heating system, minimizing the chances of running too long and causing temperature fluctuations. By matching the heat anticipator setting to the actual current measurement, the system will effectively cycle the heating on and off, maintaining comfort levels without unnecessary energy consumption.

Setting the anticipator to this measurement ensures that the system operates within its intended parameters, providing efficiency and comfort. This understanding of matching the anticipator setting with measured current is crucial for technicians working with HVAC systems, as it directly impacts performance and energy usage.