Re‑using Existing 24 V Zone Dampers with Braemar Dominator Systems

(Wiring & Zoning Compatibility)

Common Question

When upgrading an existing ducted heating or cooling system to a new Braemar Dominator Series, the home may already have zoning installed using 24 V motorised dampers wired to an older zone controller.

These dampers are commonly connected using:

• Single 3‑core cabling, or
• Paired wiring marked Open (NO), Close (NC) and Common (Neutral)

Customers and installers often ask:

• Can the existing zone dampers remain, or must they be replaced?
• Can existing zone wiring be reused with the new LE60 controller?
• Can zoning still operate using wireless temperature sensors without wired thermostats in each room?

Quick Answer

✅ In most cases, existing 24 V AC on/off zone dampers can be reused with a Braemar Dominator system, provided they are electrically compatible, in suitable condition, and correctly wired.

⚠️ Existing zone wiring cannot be connected directly to the LE60, as it does not provide screw terminals for zone motors.
While dampers may be retained, wiring must be adapted to suit the RJ11 / RJ12 plug connections used by the LE60.

✅ Basic on/off zoning is supported, and zone control can be achieved using wireless (RF) temperature sensors, meaning additional wired thermostats in each room are generally not required.

Using Existing 24 V Zone Dampers

Existing 24 V AC on/off motorised zone dampers may be reused with a Dominator system via the Braemar LE60 Zone Control Interface, provided they operate using standard open/close control.

This commonly includes dampers previously installed with:

• Zoned ducted gas heating systems
• Older zoned ducted evaporative or refrigerated cooling systems

Electrical Requirements

To be compatible with the LE60:

• 24 V AC operation only
• On/off (open/close) control
• Typical wiring formats:
  • 3‑wire (Open / Close / Common or NO / NC / Common)
  • 6‑wire paired cabling (Open / Close / Common sets)
• Maximum damper motor current draw: ≤ 150 mA

⚠️ Dampers exceeding 150 mA must be replaced.

Age, Accessibility & Replacement Considerations

Zone dampers are mechanical components and subject to normal wear.

Before deciding to reuse existing dampers, installers should assess:

• Accessibility – Can the damper be accessed for future service?
• Condition and age – Older dampers may be near end of service life
• Customer awareness – Zone dampers are not covered under product warranty

⚠️ If zone dampers will be inaccessible after installation, replacement during the system upgrade is strongly recommended rather than reuse.

Zone Wiring – Critical Information

LE60 Zone Connections

The LE60 Zone Control Interface accepts zone motor connections only via RJ‑style sockets.

• ✅ RJ11 and RJ12 use the same 6‑pin physical plug
• ℹ️ RJ11 typically uses only the centre 4 pins
• ❌ No screw terminals are provided for zone motors
• ❌ Existing hard‑wired zone cables cannot be connected directly

✅ Existing cabling can often be reused if:

• Terminated with an RJ11 or RJ12 plug, or
• Connected using an adaptor lead converting hard wiring to RJ format

Only three conductors are required for standard on/off dampers.

Important RJ Pin‑Use Limitation

The LE60 zone outputs utilise the centre pins only of the RJ connector.

⚠️ Any zone damper motor that requires electrical signals on the outer pins (pin 1 or pin 6) will not operate correctly when connected to the LE60.

In such cases, symptoms may include:

• Damper drives fully closed, but
• Damper does not re‑open when zone demand is present

✅ Most standard on/off zone dampers use internal pin groupings that remain compatible
❌ Dampers requiring outputs or functions on outer RJ pins are not suitable for use with the LE60 and must be replaced

Typical Wire Functions (General Reference)

✅ Dampers do not require replacement simply because they were previously hard‑wired
✅ Wiring adaptation is expected when upgrading older zoning systems

Zone Control & Wireless Temperature Sensors

Zone operation must be controlled solely by the LE60 Zone Control system.

• The wired wall controller operates the system but does not measure room temperature
• Each active zone uses an RF (wireless) temperature sensor
• Zone 1 must always have an RF sensor assigned
• ❌ Independent wall switches or third‑party zone controllers cannot operate zones separately

This ensures correct, safe, and coordinated zoning operation.

Important Wiring Notice & Installer Responsibility

This article, along with the 24 V AC Zone Damper Motors – Wiring Configuration Guide, is provided as general guidance only.

The installer is responsible for:

• Confirming correct wiring for each damper
• Verifying Open / Close / Common connections
• Ensuring compatibility with 24 V AC on/off control
• Consulting the damper manufacturer where wiring is unclear

⚠️ Incorrect wiring may damage:

• Zone damper motors
• LE60 Zone Control Interface
• The ducted system

Any damage resulting from incorrect wiring, wiring assumptions, or damper incompatibility is not covered under product warranty.

Summary

• ✅ Existing 24 V AC on/off zone dampers may be reused if compatible
• ✅ Damper current draw must be ≤ 150 mA
• ⚠️ Dampers are not covered under product warranty
• ⚠️ Replace dampers that are inaccessible or near end of life
• ✅ LE60 requires RJ11 / RJ12 connections (no hard‑wiring)
• ⚠️ Dampers requiring outer RJ pins are not compatible
• ✅ Zoning control relies on LE60 + RF sensors only