Replace manual heating timer switch with Wi-Fi enabled one

Slipshaney · 03-01-2023 4:01pm #1

Hi all

I Have the standard heating switch in my house, with constant on, constant off, and timer functions. Looking to get something like this on Amazon to replace, so it can be accessed remotely.

https://amzn.eu/d/0EblIax

I'm wondering if this would be a simple enough job to do myself, or would I need to get an electrician in?

10-10-20 · 04-01-2023 2:57pm

I take it that you have no zoning?

You'll still need a double-pole isolating switch and corresponding 3/5A fuse, so if that's easy for you to install alongside this new switch then it could be a DIY job alright.

kirk. · 04-01-2023 5:07pm

Well that's it anything electronic controlling immersions ,boilers etc.

Make sure you still have the DP isolation 2M max away from appliance and the fusing obviously for boilers

Lighting doesn't matter you can just replace a standard switch with a wi-fi operated one

kirk. · 05-01-2023 5:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120064927#Comment_120064927

Do these devices all keep the settings after you program them , if you were using a phone hotspot and didn't have any Internet

10-10-20 · 06-01-2023 11:40am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120070299#Comment_120070299

If we're talking about that WiFi timer linked above - I don't use that one but I would definitely hope so.

If you're talking about Shelly devices which I discussed in a previous posting, then yes, absolutely. The timer function or even the switching works as normal and the device will save the settings until it's brought back into the WiFi (hotspot, etc). They also now have a WiFi and Bluetooth hot-spot of their own which you can log onto and control the device.

kirk. · 06-01-2023 12:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120073193#Comment_120073193

I'm not seeing the need for all this smart control of lighting, heating, immersions , smoke alarms etc

Seems to be adding complexity to routine tasks

I can see the occasional need to control stuff remotely, definite benefit there

10-10-20 · 06-01-2023 2:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120073444#Comment_120073444

And you're not wrong. But with an Electronics and IT background, it's second-nature to me.

I'll tell you what I just configured the other day which you might see benefit in. It's a monitor for my hot-tank so that when the top temperature drops below 40oC between the hours of 9am and 9 at night, it calls the gas boiler to boost the cylinder for 1hr20. It's in addition to the normal timed water heating cycle and ensures that with two teenagers that I don't run out of water for my late showers. I know that newer systems or demand systems do that, but my boiler and tank are 15m apart and there was no easy way of doing this without smart controls.

cute geoge · 06-01-2023 4:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120074182#Comment_120074182

Love to pick your brain ,like kirk above have no need for remote controls in the home .I do not even have a timer on the oil heating switch ,I turn on at 4pm and switch off at 9pm etc but i find house cools down about hour after switching off heating.Lately instead of turning off switch at 9 i turned the boiler in the garage dial down and it keeps the house warmer and switch off heating when going to bed at 11. so basically 2 hours heat while using no oil and hot water cylinder is cooled down at this stage.Next evening i just put dial up again on boiler before putting on switch for heating My question could there be a remote control switch got to turn down boiler dial to spare me walking to garage at 9pm .I hope you understand what my idea is

10-10-20 · 07-01-2023 10:29am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120074888#Comment_120074888

Yes, sure. This would be a good example of where smart controls can simplify life.

Let me ask one question though - do you have WiFi and would it reach the shed? If not, we'd have to think of different communication method.

Slipshaney · 27-02-2023 2:37pm

sorry guys, I wasnt getting notified of replies here.

Just to update, I had the Wifi switch installed and it works a treat. Its handy for turning on/off the heat when we are out and about. Also works fine with Alexa.

fergiesfolly · 05-10-2024 10:06am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120294286#Comment_120294286

Sorry to drag up an old thread but have a similar issue to yours. Just bought a house and the heating is just a simple fused on/off switch.

So, few questions...

Did you install this yourself? Is it a straight forward swap?Is this still working for you? Have you had any issues with wifi connectivity?

Thanks

Slipshaney · 06-10-2024 1:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122686628#Comment_122686628

my brother in law installed, hes not an electrician but quite handy and he said it was a very easy swap

still working away fine, just turns on/off the heating, and controlled by Alexa, so you can say stuff like "turn on the heating for 30 minutes" etc. Needs toe be in range of existing wifi

spaceHopper · 23-10-2024 10:51am

To me that looks little more than a light switch with timer and some smarts. I wouldn't use it for hearting.

I've EPH controls boiler controller with a separate wifi bridge and wireless thermostats. I'm very happy with it. An advanced DIY job for some but an electrician could fit it in an hour. But it will be much better end result.

Also a 20 pound switch for you most valuable investment, nope.

Replace manual heating timer switch with Wi-Fi enabled one

Comments