Timer Switch for Immersion Heater

jackieblack

Myser wrote: »

Most hard-wired immersion heater timers would replace the same wall space as a double plug socket. If you only have a single socket, you would need to check that you have the correct wall width available to fit the equivalent of a double socket.

Width isn't a problem

Myser wrote: »

The Horstmann Electronic 7 is about £70. So a plug-in digital timer would be cheaper. You may struggle to fit a digital plug-in timer if you don't have much vertical height.

Unless you purchase something like this:

http://www.wilko.com/electrical-accessories/wilko-electronic-timeswitch-24h7day/invt/0155321

Once set, you wouldn't be able to see the time/settings (as the top face would be up against the shelf) and you'd need to make sure that the shelf isn't pressing down on any of the buttons too!

Would a plug-in one be safe though?
You and Jonesya both indicated that a hard wired one would be safer.

I assume I'd have to find an electrician to install a wired in one, which will add to the cost, but I'd rather not go for the cheaper option if there's any chance it could be dangerous.

Rockingit

Jackie - as the work is in a bathroom (if I've understood your OP) then it falls under Part P regs (assume you're not in Scotland) in which case your best bet is to get a registered electrician to move it around anyway. A decent chap/ess will come and take a look first and advise you on the best way forward.

Myser

jackieblack wrote: »

Width isn't a problem

Would a plug-in one be safe though?
You and Jonesya both indicated that a hard wired one would be safer.

I assume I'd have to find an electrician to install a wired in one, which will add to the cost, but I'd rather not go for the cheaper option if there's any chance it could be dangerous.

The plug-in timer would work and probably be safe but I wouldn't be happy about using a plug in timer as a permanent solution for switching a 13A load daily for long periods of time.

Analogue hard-wired timers are cheaper than digital ones however, you would need to reset the time in the event of power failure or in your case, the PV system not providing continuous mains supply.

Old_Git

before you get a timer do you really need one .
What time off the day are you going to be using it and for how long .
If its 10 minutes in the morning ,then a portable kitchen timer would do .
Timer goes ding ding ding you turn heater off.

jackieblack

Rockingit wrote: »

Jackie - as the work is in a bathroom (if I've understood your OP) then it falls under Part P regs (assume you're not in Scotland) in which case your best bet is to get a registered electrician to move it around anyway. A decent chap/ess will come and take a look first and advise you on the best way forward.

Not in a bathroom, on the landing

jackieblack

Old_Git wrote: »

before you get a timer do you really need one .
What time off the day are you going to be using it and for how long .
If its 10 minutes in the morning ,then a portable kitchen timer would do .
Timer goes ding ding ding you turn heater off.

I don't need one but it would be useful to be able to have it turn on and off when I'm not at home.