Geyser switch off

Gnome

Gnome

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2005
Messages
7,791
Reaction score
2,314
Location
Cape Town
Hi all

I know this has been discussed many times. I had a look at the cost of something like Geyser wise which is roughly R1.5k. It is a bit steep in my opinion and looking at the build of it, it is seriously behind the times (ie. you need to set the schedule using manual controls, you need to make sure it has the correct time instead of using a time server, etc.)

I'm thinking of doing something even simpler. Using a ESP32 with a relay to turn on-off the geyser at certain times and allow it to be controlled through a web-interface to control the schedule.
I have a ton of ESP32-WRoom (chip only, I bought a bundle of 10 for like R30 each a long time ago) and 30a relays.

I guess it is similar to using a Sonoff, who else has done something like this, something similar etc?
 
Not 100% sure about the relay you want to use but the concept is fine - run the ESP to switch the relay. I don't know if the relay itself is sturdy enough to handle the geyser current and you may have a run in with electrical compliance if the relay fails and causes issues in the roof. Maybe look at those smart CBS din switches for something similar and maybe a bit safer?
 
Mista_Mobsta said:
Not 100% sure about the relay you want to use but the concept is fine - run the ESP to switch the relay. I don't know if the relay itself is sturdy enough to handle the geyser current and you may have a run in with electrical compliance if the relay fails and causes issues in the roof. Maybe look at those smart CBS din switches for something similar and maybe a bit safer?
Click to expand...
I live in an apartment so the switch will be in a closet and it is quite accessible. The relay I want to use is actually larger than the relay I see they are using on the Geyser wise (looking at their circuit diagrams). Resistive loads are the easiest to switch (inductive loads, ie. motors are the hardest to switch).

If it fails, the Geyser would just stop powering on, so no biggie. My back of the napkin diagram uses an opto coupler to drive the relay (they are convenient for this because they have enough drive current to switch the relay and provide isolation).

beans100 said:
Voltex had a timer switch for your geyser for like R200 +/-. Can't find it on their site now. (EDIT: Might be this...little more expensive : LINK)

But here is a different kind, don't know if this will work on a geyser: https://www.voltex.co.za/product/hellermanntyton-twst-wifi-smart-timer/
Click to expand...
They are a bit expensive but mostly their current handling is a bit too low in my opinion.
But still pretty much what I want.

I think even a Sonoff with a contact would work just fine.
 
Your idea is 100% fine, and many people have actually used a Sonoff controlling a relay to control their geyser.
Hell some people use a Sonoff POWR2 to actually control their geyser when the element isn't too large, but YMMV on that one.

I do wish they would release a POWR2 type of unit with a higher load capacity, then I'd be much more comfortable using it on a geyser myself.
 
ToxicBunny said:
I do wish they would release a POWR2 type of unit with a higher load capacity, then I'd be much more comfortable using it on a geyser myself.
Click to expand...
Have you considered just switching a contactor using the POWR2?
 
ToxicBunny said:
Your idea is 100% fine, and many people have actually used a Sonoff controlling a relay to control their geyser.
Hell some people use a Sonoff POWR2 to actually control their geyser when the element isn't too large, but YMMV on that one.

I do wish they would release a POWR2 type of unit with a higher load capacity, then I'd be much more comfortable using it on a geyser myself.
Click to expand...
Didn't Shelly release a higher rated unit for geysers? My brain.exe has stopped working today...
 
Gnome said:
Hi all

I know this has been discussed many times. I had a look at the cost of something like Geyser wise which is roughly R1.5k. It is a bit steep in my opinion and looking at the build of it, it is seriously behind the times (ie. you need to set the schedule using manual controls, you need to make sure it has the correct time instead of using a time server, etc.)

I'm thinking of doing something even simpler. Using a ESP32 with a relay to turn on-off the geyser at certain times and allow it to be controlled through a web-interface to control the schedule.
I have a ton of ESP32-WRoom (chip only, I bought a bundle of 10 for like R30 each a long time ago) and 30a relays.

I guess it is similar to using a Sonoff, who else has done something like this, something similar etc?
Click to expand...

I would go for those R350 CBI timers with the ESP modules built in. Doubles as a electricity meter.
 
I bought a 3d printer some time back and got an extra temperature sensor lying around. Saw a video where they show the inside of a thermostat. It is really simple. Thinking I should maybe attach the temperature sensor (tiny like a grain of rice) to the inside of the thermostat. Then run it into an ESP32, set the Geyser thermostat to the maximum temperature. That way I can use the ESP32 to control the temperature but should it not work correctly, the thermostat itself will still turn off.

Basically everything the "Geyser wise" does just not as expensive.

The thermostat I have is basically R130 so may as well get an extra one open it up and take a look
 
Gnome said:
I bought a 3d printer some time back and got an extra temperature sensor lying around. Saw a video where they show the inside of a thermostat. It is really simple. Thinking I should maybe attach the temperature sensor (tiny like a grain of rice) to the inside of the thermostat. Then run it into an ESP32, set the Geyser thermostat to the maximum temperature. That way I can use the ESP32 to control the temperature but should it not work correctly, the thermostat itself will still turn off.

Basically everything the "Geyser wise" does just not as expensive.

The thermostat I have is basically R130 so may as well get an extra one open it up and take a look
Click to expand...

You can buy the Geyserwise element with temperature probe separately.
 
Use a swimming pool timer, R200 and ten minutes to wire. Mine lasted 25 years until house was sold..
 
I bought one of these for my pool pump. Seems solid and works well thus far. Also uses ewe link to control.

www.robofactory.co.za

63A 1P Smart Circuit Breaker with monitoring - eWelink

Connect this high powered Smart Switch to your high current appliances and control it from anywhere. This device is perfect to control your geyser (up to 63A). You can set this device to automatically switch off your geyser during peak times and switch it back on during off peak times.
www.robofactory.co.za www.robofactory.co.za

Rated at 63amps, but should be ok for 40 Amp
 
Hi Shop around there are much better prices, and more the Geyser wise also replaces the thermostat so you can see the temperature, and it controls the temperature to your requirements, I have one and it works great, and I have a solar retrofit system as well, it would simply be so easy to get a sonoff with a contactor, but I guess it is about personal choice. I would rather choose a Geyser wise.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X