Smart switch for immersion

Sam W · 27-04-2025 02:09AM #1

Hi,

My immersion can be heated by both gas boiler and electricity. I have a Climote which allows me turn gas boiler on or off from my phone, so I’m looking to do something similar for my electric switch.

I don’t know what’s inside the switch but it looks like a pretty standard switch. I wonder if I buy one of those smart switches from Amazon, what would be a good suggestion? Anything to look out for? Thanks in advance!

jbv · 12-05-2025 11:45AM

If you still haven't got it sorted yet, here is what I did with mine.

The controls are inside the hot press, so I bought a smart assistant-compatible switch on Amazon and wired it to the Immersion ON/OFF panel. I use the Smart Home app or Google/Alexa assistant to control it. The cost was around €15 for 2. I used the other one for another appliance.

JazzyJ · 12-05-2025 11:51AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123439997#Comment_123439997

Now I'm no electrician, but isn't a 10A switch way underrated for an immersion?

jbv · 12-05-2025 12:38PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123440016#Comment_123440016

Thanks. You are correct. Here is one that comes in 20A and 40A

coylemj · 15-05-2025 04:26PM

JV, can you give us the make and model of that timer/switch please. A link would be greatly appreciated.

Sam W · 16-05-2025 06:12PM

So this is what I found on Amazon. They are more or less the same design with different brand names.

I’m having second thoughts as I now think it’s cheaper to just sell excess electricity from solar to grid directly and use gas to heat water. Although these should still benefit those who want to boiler water with a night saver meter.

coylemj · 20-05-2025 02:17PM

I looked at that HBN wi-fi timer, the absence of an earth connection on a timer rated for 16A did not inspire confidence.

Sam W · 21-05-2025 01:48AM

Maybe a controversial but stupid question - how much more dangerous can it be without earth connection? It seems most of the switches these days don’t have them, even for those high power ones. Is there any stats on this?

Soarer · 05-06-2025 02:35PM

I'm gonna jump in here if the OP doesn't mind, as I'm in the same boat ie. immersion can be heated with gas or electric, use Nest at the minute for timed heating, looking to upgrade to smart switch for timed usage.

So I have 2 options, pictures attached.

First option is the switch bought from Amazon, like the ones shown above. Seems the easiest to install (even though if someone could spell out how to do it it'd be great!), but there's nowhere for the earth. Do you just terminate them thoughter and leave them there?

Second option is my preferred option as it's a Shelly 1PM relay, and it'd tie in nicely with my SigenStor system. I haven't a clue how to wire it, the terminals seem too small for the existing wiring so no idea how to step them down, and the Shelly Switch also has 2no. wires pre-installed that need to go into the relay somewhere.

Anyone able to shine some light on things?