Hot water cylinder timer - compatibility of UK purchase

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reticent

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#304568 15-May-2023 17:13

Evening all,

I’m looking at getting a timer for our hot water cylinder so we can make the most of off peak rates. I’ve noticed this equipment (https://www.plumbnation.co.uk/site/honeywell-st9100c-7-day-single-channel-programmer/) is way cheaper in the uk, so was just wondering if I’d have any issues purchasing one of these there and installing it in NZ? I understand it’s very similar uk->nz.

Cheers!

gregmcc

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#3076443 15-May-2023 17:23

This is a timer only, you still need a contactor/relay or similar to do the actual switching.

There would also be a bit more involved to allow for the ripple/pilot control that most houses already have.

SomeoneSomewhere

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#3076445 15-May-2023 17:26

Yeah, spec sheet says 3A load only so it definitely needs a contactor.

Pretty sure DIN rail mount timers are available for <$100 at most wholesalers, and typically good for 16A resistive load, more than the 13A of a 3kW HWC. We had one that lasted for twenty years before it got upgraded.

reticent

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#3076454 15-May-2023 17:46

Cheers, didn’t spot that it was only rated for 3 amps. So a din mounted timer goes directly in the switchboard? Is this the better way to go? I was hoping to find something a little smarter than even the one I posted - Wi-Fi would be great so it could get connected to home assistant.

Spyware

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#3076468 15-May-2023 19:26

Mechanical DIN rail timer. Retails for NZ$280 or so.

https://www.se.com/nz/en/product/15335/acti-9-ih-mechanical-time-switch-24-h-without-memory/

Bluetooth Controlled Switch

https://www.kiwisparks.co.nz/products/bluetooth-hot-water-cylinder-control-kit

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RunningMan

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#3076470 15-May-2023 19:33

A bit OT but related to what the OP is doing - Octopus trialling load shifting outside peak times for hot water cylinders using smart meters. https://octopusenergy.nz/blog/hacking-hot-water-to-save-money