CBI Geyser Timer

Dolby

Dolby

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So about 2 yeas back, I bough this :

1623170612507.png

I was told that it doesn't play well with load shedding and, well, it didn't. Sometimes after load shedding, it stays off (cold geyser!) - but other times it doesn't. I can't work out a pattern - but I assume it has something to do with an internal battery that runs dead with days upon days of loadshedding.

Anyway - I'm getting this (below) which you all seems to swear by.

Does it have a backup battery or anything that can fail though ?
Should I budget for a new one after a 1-2 years of load shedding ?



1623170752582.png
 
No battery.

It needs internet connectivity and gets the settings and current time from the internet and cloud. So basically it will work a lot better, if you have wifi coverage at the DB or wherever you install it.
 
Oh I see the original is not even a battery :
  • Backup function is done via a super cap and not a battery. The capacitor cannot be replaced.
 
Dolby said:
Oh I see the original is not even a battery :
  • Backup function is done via a super cap and not a battery. The capacitor cannot be replaced.
Click to expand...
Yes unfortunately loadshedding pulls all the life from it, those new WiFi ones are awesome and can be flashed.
 
Get the Sonoff POW R2 - you can tell it what state to go into after power is restored i.e. if it was ON, then go ON when powered up again. And you can manage the schedule from your phone
 
I have the astute and it works great.
A trick is to set to to come on ever 15 minutes during your "on" times so if there is load shedding, it will automatically switch on within 15 minutes.

Managing from your phone is great and the power monitoring works well. Also integrates with Google home.
I was going to go with with Sonoff POW R2 but the CBI is rate for 30A which was an instant win especially for the geyser
 
Dolby said:
Oh I see the original is not even a battery :
  • Backup function is done via a super cap and not a battery. The capacitor cannot be replaced.
Click to expand...
Both. The originals had batteries, then moved to capacitors. I have one of each at the moment. Both are rated for 30A.
I am busy with a battery change in another one. It is a mission but not impossible.
 
Last edited:
The_MAC said:
Get the Sonoff POW R2 - you can tell it what state to go into after power is restored i.e. if it was ON, then go ON when powered up again. And you can manage the schedule from your phone
Click to expand...
Nope, NOT suitable for geyser use. And not compliant with SA regulations without being used with an external contactor or SSR.
 
Dee96 said:
I have the astute and it works great.
A trick is to set to to come on ever 15 minutes during your "on" times so if there is load shedding, it will automatically switch on within 15 minutes.

Managing from your phone is great and the power monitoring works well. Also integrates with Google home.
I was going to go with with Sonoff POW R2 but the CBI is rate for 30A which was an instant win especially for the geyser
Click to expand...
Yes that will be my next move.
 
Dolby said:
So about 2 yeas back, I bough this :

View attachment 1085279

I was told that it doesn't play well with load shedding and, well, it didn't. Sometimes after load shedding, it stays off (cold geyser!) - but other times it doesn't. I can't work out a pattern - but I assume it has something to do with an internal battery that runs dead with days upon days of loadshedding.

Anyway - I'm getting this (below) which you all seems to swear by.

Does it have a backup battery or anything that can fail though ?
Should I budget for a new one after a 1-2 years of load shedding ?



View attachment 1085281
Click to expand...
The batteries don't last more than two years. The charging circuit is the problem, just too nasty.
 
I don't think any of the Sonoff range are certified

My next buy is going to be the Shelly EM when available :

I'll forgo the smart functionality of the Astute I Just got, but seems that the EM can control it ?

1623236366544.png
 
What about the major tech timer?
Has battery backup and has been flawless for my pool. Packaging said it was also suitable for geysers.

Link
 
The_MAC said:
Suitable, yes. Complaint, thats another thing
Click to expand...
You mean suitable as in this?

New Sonoff has no fuse

Hey All I just bought 2x Sonoff TH16s and opened up one to find that it has no fuse. One of the reasons I bought this version was because it is (or was) fused. Is there some other safety feature on the newer Sonoff's that's allowed them to remove the fuse? Or is it just unprotected now? I want...
mybroadband.co.za mybroadband.co.za
 
Paul Kemp said:
What about the major tech timer?
Has battery backup and has been flawless for my pool. Packaging said it was also suitable for geysers.

Link
Click to expand...
Those are real rubbish. They are just junk.
Have a whole box full of them with burnt components inside, damaged SSRs, flat batteries, burnt components damaged tracks on the circuit boards, you name it.
 
This is the calculation I get, based on my lowest unit cost and assuming a few other bits and pieces.

I feel I should make the money back on the device pretty quickly !

1623239367582.png
 
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