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Boiler and immersion control using pi - complete

Cerdito · 2017-04-14 22:24:29

Hi all, Thought I'd share my recent build as I benefited from similar threads when researching mine. I've just finished setting up remote control of my gas boiler and immersion using the following: Raspberry Pi (model B - 26 pin GPIO) PiTherm software 5V mechanical relay (boiler) 40A rated solid state relay (immersion)…

14-04-2017 10:24pm

#1

Cerdito

Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 365 ✭✭

Join Date: April 2002

Posts: 300

Hi all,

Thought I'd share my recent build as I benefited from similar threads when researching mine. I've just finished setting up remote control of my gas boiler and immersion using the following:

Raspberry Pi (model B - 26 pin GPIO)
PiTherm software
5V mechanical relay (boiler)
40A rated solid state relay (immersion)
DS18B20 temperature sensors

1. Original schematic below. I didn't use a breadboard in the end, connected the relays directly to the GPIOs using Cat5 cable. Also, couldn't fit the SSR and existing immersion timer together so just went with the SSR. The Pi GPIO pins are connected to Cat5 cable. No voltage drop even over 10-15m, multimeter shows 3.3V. Going to tidy up this wiring using an inline punch down box:

2. Three of the Cat5 wires go to the 5V 10A relay beside my boiler. The load on this is only 3A. Two of the Cat5 wires go to the SSR relay beside my immersion. The load on this is 13A so this comes with a heatsink. Gets up to about 40 degrees in normal operation:

4. I was considering coding this myself in Python using WebIOPI but I don't have the time. Purchased PiTherm for GBP20, really excellent software. Can do more than I am using it for (e.g. using temperature inputs to control boiler). I'm happy just being able to switch boiler or immersion on when I'm on my way home. To avoid exposing my system to the internet I get to it via an SSH tunnel through the pi, protected by public/private keys. I use an app called JuiceSSH on me and my wife's phones for this, the paid for version (EUR6) allows port forwarding via home sceen shortcuts so one click and we're in. Web and mobile screenshots:

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