Options for adding a timer to boiler switches

Ken2000

Hi, 
I'm looking to add some sort of timer to my boiler switch(es), as I just don't need much hot water, particularly at this time of year. I've got a mechanical timer switch https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mydome-Light-Switch-Timer-Deterrent/dp/B00YA95TZI/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&m=A2GZGQ4QW8MOKS&qid=1591358193&s=merchant-items&sr=1-3 that can be attached to a 1 gang switch, however, the depth of the current switch is too great for the cradle of the timer switch. I'm looking to do this as cheaply as possible, as it's only a temporary measure until I have an air source heat pump installed, later this year. Could it be as simple as buying a new 1 gang switch for a couple of quid?

Hasbeen

Ken2000 said:

Hi, 
I'm looking to add some sort of timer to my boiler switch(es), as I just don't need much hot water, particularly at this time of year. I've got a mechanical timer switch https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mydome-Light-Switch-Timer-Deterrent/dp/B00YA95TZI/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&m=A2GZGQ4QW8MOKS&qid=1591358193&s=merchant-items&sr=1-3 that can be attached to a 1 gang switch, however, the depth of the current switch is too great for the cradle of the timer switch. I'm looking to do this as cheaply as possible, as it's only a temporary measure until I have an air source heat pump installed, later this year. Could it be as simple as buying a new 1 gang switch for a couple of quid?

You have bought a timer intended for lights to enable timing to a boiler?


You would need a central heating programmer that is fitted at the same time as the boiler.


Your pictures appear to show 2 switches that usually are used to supply a domestic Hot Water Cylinder?


I assume that is what you are trying to accomplish?


Perhaps a more heavy duty timer is required rather than a lighting timer?

LINK

EDIT: There should be a MFG plate/label on your "boiler" can you post that, to determine model make etc?

Talldave

What do the two switches control?  Are you on economy 7?  Is one of the circuits controlled by the meter?

You could have bought a proper digital immersion heater timeswitch for less money than the device you've actually bought.

Gerry1

Hasbeen said:

You have bought a timer intended for lights to enable timing to a boiler?
You would need a central heating programmer that is fitted at the same time as the boiler
Perhaps a more heavy duty timer is required rather than a lighting timer?

There's a bit of confusion here.  The OP is probably referring to a hot tank with an immersion heater, not an electric boiler.  The device physically pushes the existing switch, so there's no rating problem because it's a mechanical finger.

avoidtheupsidedownbottles

I would return your switch pusher and buy a timer.  Light switches can't handle the high current of an immersion heater.

Ken2000

Sorry for the confusion, yes, I'm on Economy 7 (well THTC with SSE) and it's a hot water cylinder. I was given the switch pusher and was able to fit it to the hot water cylinder in my old place, hence I assumed I could use it in my new place.

My plan was to set the lower immersion heater (that uses cheaper rate electricity) to only come on for three hours a night, every other day, but equally, would I be better off just boosting the top immersion heater for an hour every few days? The only real need for hot water is to do the washing up in the evening. I may even be better off just boiling the kettle.

Gerry1

THTC is not Economy 7 and therefore you're probably paying a fortune.  You need to check whether the upper heater circuit has lower rates at certain times, it may be the same 24/7.

thorganby

Ken2000 said:

Sorry for the confusion, yes, I'm on Economy 7 (well THTC with SSE) and it's a hot water cylinder. I was given the switch pusher and was able to fit it to the hot water cylinder in my old place, hence I assumed I could use it in my new place.

My plan was to set the lower immersion heater (that uses cheaper rate electricity) to only come on for three hours a night, every other day, but equally, would I be better off just boosting the top immersion heater for an hour every few days? The only real need for hot water is to do the washing up in the evening. I may even be better off just boiling the kettle.

Can't answer your question about which immersion to time, as I know nothing about your tariff but Axiom do a low profile switch that is worth trying for £3 and this could be fitted to replace either upper or lower switch:
https://www.toolstation.com/axiom-20a-dp-low-profile-switch/p64900

Talldave

Does that Amazon toy have the leverage to operate a 20A double-pole switch???

anniecave

If it's simply for washing up, I would boil a kettle, if you don't need a full tank of water.

That wall switch looks like a standard wall switch to me though, and the mydome timer works for me with a normal switch. I think I had to put extra spacers in to get it rocking correctly on the switch.