Central heating timer switch for rented home

DigiMarc · 10-11-2012 9:11pm #1

Hi all,

I'm looking for advice on a new 1ch timer switch. I live in a rented house and broke the APT timer switch same as this one.

I've found plenty of places I can get a straight replacement but I'd rather go with something digital. Are there any digital timers out there that would fit into the same size back plate?

Thanks,
Marc.

shane0007 · 10-11-2012 9:18pm

In short no, but if the back box is inset, a new one could cover the opening. If the back box is surface mounted, you would need to remove. If you are going at this yourself, it is not advisable, but ensure all electrical power is safely isolated.

DigiMarc · 10-11-2012 11:13pm

Thanks Shane. I won't be doing this myself, but can you explain what you mean by

In short no, but if the back box is inset, a new one could cover the opening.

The back box is inset btw. Because the house is rented, I don't want to go making permanent changes to the wall.

Is there a way to do this or should I just settle for the straight swap?

shane0007 · 10-11-2012 11:20pm

Basically if the APT was removed, the box that contains the wiring for same is not protruding from the wall but it is inset within the wall. All digital programmers are larger than an APT time clock so would therefore cover the inset back box and therefore hide the wiring within it, protecting from little fingys entering it.

DigiMarc · 10-11-2012 11:31pm

Ok now I understand. Would the digital timer then need to be screwed into the wall rather than the back box though?

shane0007 · 10-11-2012 11:35pm

Yes of course but that would not be an issue.

DigiMarc · 10-11-2012 11:44pm

Thanks for the help Shane, much appreciated.

Central heating timer switch for rented home

Comments