Electric heaters and timers?

CurlySue2017

I suspect there isn't really much that can be done, but thought I would ask here anyway because as a long time lurker I have taken a lot of tips from here!

We are fully electric so no central heating and have electric panel heaters (not storage heaters) and wanted to see if there was any way that we could get these on some sort of timer?

There are no plugs on them, the cables go straight into a fused switch on the wall. There are no time settings, just a temperature dial and on/off switch.

We would like to be able to have the heating come on in the mornings before we get up and maybe for the evenings when we get home - any suggestions welcome

Ebe_Scrooge

Assuming each heater is less than 3KW, and they're wired in to a standard 13-amp outlet ... it may be possible to disconnect them, replace the fused outlet with a standard socket, and fit a 13-amp plug to the heater. You could then just plug it into one of those cheap timer gadgets - something like this, though there are dozens of types available :


https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-plug-in-mechanical-daily-24-hour-timer-240v/25518


Personally I'd DIY this easily - though I will admit I'm not sure if that would technically break the rules & regs ... Risteard, any views ?


Obviously, it goes without saying - kill the power at the mains before you start fiddling about !

Owain_Moneysaver

If the existing heater circuits aren't RCD protected, fitting new sockets might not be compliant.

If there's enough spare flex then immersion heater timers can often be fitted into the flex (with cord grips for both the in and out flexes, so safe) eg

https://www.electricaldirect.co.uk/product/timeguard-24-hour-immersion-heater-time-controller-638261

Or replace the existing fused spur plate with a timer one:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/greenbrook-t205-scr-kingshield-7-day-fused-digital-timer-spur-switch-230v/7643g

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SMFST24.html
(which is also available in a 7 day version if you want different times at weekends)

CurlySue2017

Ah thank you both for your very detailed replies but it looks like as I suspected, we will have to leave it.

The house is rented so I very much doubt we would be able to start changing sockets and things. We will definitely check with the LL though, they may agree to it (lucky to have a very good LL).

Thanks once again

sevenhills

I have just ordered a oil filled radiator that has a digital 24hr timer, £80 Tesco.

stator

As long as you get a qualified electrician to do it, there is no reason why you shouldn't.
It's definitely possible.
Why not get one round for a free quote?

Pdbaggett

Get some sonoff WiFi switches cut the power cable and attach both ends into the switch takes 5 mins and you can control it with your phone and set a timer

CurlySue2017

stator wrote: »

As long as you get a qualified electrician to do it, there is no reason why you shouldn't.
It's definitely possible.
Why not get one round for a free quote?

It's complicated by the fact that we rent, so I think we would have to get the LL's permission before carrying out any works and he may not want us to make any electrical changes.