Wifi switch for bathroom heated towel rail

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Wifi switch for bathroom heated towel rail

Sifu

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#232219 5-Apr-2018 11:37

Hi guys

Just wondering if anyone has managed to connect a wifi switch to their heated towel rail? Like most homes, I have a hard wired switch like the one shown in the picture attached for a heated towel rail.

Im wanting to connect it to a wifi switch to be able to put a timer on it to turn on and off at certain times. Ive seen the timers you can get at bunnings etc. but its limited with regards to time/date schedule therefore wanted to go the wifi route where you can set multiple time schedules etc.

What would be the best way to do something like this?

Thanks in advance

rogercruse

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#1988709 5-Apr-2018 11:48

Sounds like a job for https://aeotec.com/z-wave-outlet-socket

There are a few prerequisites before you can install this...

Setup a Home Automation system
Install a Z Wave stick

BTW I'm working on installing a https://aeotec.com/z-wave-light-dimmer-switch

I've done the 1st part using OpenHAB running on a Synology NAS and I believe I've got the 2nd part working (I won't know until I install the dimer switch). It's takoing longer than I expected as life keeps getting in the way.

Controlling the heated towel rails is on my hitlist once I've got my 1st Z Wave device working.

hio77

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Lizard Networks

#1988710 5-Apr-2018 11:48

i'd personally opt for something like a sonoff pow, unless your game to do much DYI in terms of software.

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

Sifu

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1988719 5-Apr-2018 12:00

Thanks for the reply guys. Im thinking Zwave for something like this might be overkill? As Ive heard its quite expensive.

I looked at the sonoff system but can someone advise how to mount it? Do i put the whole unit inside the wall aswell behind the switch? Ive never used the system before so when connecting a new device do I have to take the module out of the wall and press the buttons etc. to get it to connect?

Also I've got a broadlink pro unit at the moment to control my tv + aircon etc. Is it better to get the sonoff RF unit to make this work?

Thanks

Chrisclarke

196 posts

Master Geek

#1989193 6-Apr-2018 08:13

Have a look at the new PDL Iconic range. They have a timer which uses bluetooth to connect to an app called Wiser Home which you can use to configure the settings. If you download the app there are demo devices you can have a play with to see the functionality.

I've recently had some dimmers installed and it works well. Not wifi - but if you don't need to turn the heater on and off from outside the home then it could work for you.

https://www.pdl.co.nz/Trade/Ranges/Products/Switch-Socket-Ranges/Iconic

timmmay

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#1989204 6-Apr-2018 08:36

I have one in my bathroom that you control on time / power by flicking the switch at the right time, no user interface other than beeps you can hear. It's a pain in the butt, but it's cheap at something like $50 and fit for purpose. I'd prefer a digital version where I can set on and off times, but that's likely overkill. WiFi control seems to be even more overkill.

doingnz

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#1991057 7-Apr-2018 14:44

what would you be prepared to pay for a wifi switch for the towel ladder that includes a simple web interface to set on and off times?

how many different on/ off times need per day?

variation by month or day of week only?

interface is simple web page you can view on your home network.

other must have features :-)