Replacement for old style central heating timer

pihjin · 16-10-2025 06:51PM #1

Hello folks,

I have an oil boiler and am older clock-style heating timer in my house. This one:

I'm looking to swap it out as the timer on it no longer rotates and ideally I'd like something I can programme to go on and off a couple of times a day and then have the option to also boost an extra hour.

I was wondering if someone could tell me if this would be a suitable replacement? I don't need it to control my hot water separately, or connect to wifi etc. I'm on DA so just need a cheap and simple replacement.

Thanks so much.

Wearb · 16-10-2025 07:04PM

It's difficult to read the print, but I think it reads 2a. Not enough without a relay.

There are cheap WiFi sockets and switches that timers can be set using an app on your phone.

10-10-20 · 16-10-2025 07:30PM

This is a fine controller, available in most electrical wholesalers, etc.

https://www.ephcontrols.com/section/r17-v2/

https://www.eurosales.ie/heating-programmers/c-5274.html

blinking · 16-10-2025 07:32PM

What's the go to "smart" replacement for one of those timer clocks? The time I have runs off 230V AC and the Nest Thermostats aren't compatible as they require 12V DC if I'm not mistaken b

pihjin · 16-10-2025 07:57PM

Thank you. That Eurosales one looks ideal 👍🏻

pihjin · 16-10-2025 07:59PM

How does that physically replace the old timer? Does some part of the wifi setup get wired into where that was?

Wearb · 16-10-2025 08:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123911291#Comment_123911291

None of those would replace what he already has. The ratings are too low.

10-10-20 · 16-10-2025 08:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123911377#Comment_123911377

Pardon my ignorance but what rating is an oil boiler then?

Wearb · 16-10-2025 09:02PM

They recommend a 5a fuse. It will have a higher starting current than run current. Would probably get away with 3a but not what they recommend, and could lead to periodical faults.

The existing timer is rated for at least 13a.

pihjin · 17-10-2025 02:28AM

Thank you for this. It's not something I've any knowledge on.

Would something like this be better?

https://dwyers.ie/products/eph-1-channel-programmer?srsltid=AfmBOorIdDArsDSoRHTo0ZZcOrQshLUT3S02qJRyXeldXdQ8jkXhzAZ6

I can't seem to see where the fuse rating is mentioned.

pihjin · 19-10-2025 02:21PM

Hi there, whereabouts can I find the rating of the timers written ? Thanks

Lenar3556 · 19-10-2025 04:03PM

You might need to google, and get the datasheet on any one you are considering.

Many will have dual current ratings shown, one for resistive loads and a (smaller) rating for inductive loads, of which oil heating loads will be.

A typical oil burner is about 160W, and an old style circulating pump could be another 100W. Zone valves are about 5W each. So a typical domestic heating system doesn’t tend to exceed about 275W or 1.2A (inductive)

Having said that if you have extra pumps, system links, solid fuel boilers etc, you may need more. The circuit should also have suitable overall protection, such as 3A fuse.

geotrig · 20-10-2025 12:00PM

Sorry to jump in on this but was in a similar situation to the OP above and don't remember coming across any bigger than 3a timers /thermos that were digital ,I have a grant euroflame condensing 50/90 which seems to suggest be rated 160w-200w or something like that and a pump nothing else to trigger.

what we have picked up was the below yet to be installed this is all to be installed after the fused spur which is being used to fire the boiler at the moment ! can you tell me if the below is sufficent to fire .

just looking at the old boiler and the mechanical timer that was on it seems to have a 13(2) ? why are these rated so high

op will split this off if it detracts from your thread

https://www.screwfix.ie/p/drayton-digistat-1-channel-wireless-universal-thermostat-with-optional-app-control/857PR?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19663883640&gbraid=0AAAAADmaiedENXBev-hTycOAkTXMOdeDY&gclid=CjwKCAjwu9fHBhAWEiwAzGRC__-YXqpSHTAtiHPMx6RrHlZWIRYJ3NXihfCZ9qSC2V5jwPtIjNKG5RoCiJAQAvD_BwE

geotrig · 20-10-2025 12:06PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123911923#Comment_123911923

looks to be 3(1)a for this one

Explosive_Cornflake · 20-10-2025 12:13PM

you can make a nest work, I did it in my parents house. Just wired the nest to switch the relay, and then had the relay switch the boiler.

Replacement for old style central heating timer

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