Remote for an electrical socket ???

[theguvnor]

Are any of you tech bods aware of any system which would allow me to switch on an electric engine room heater ( mains plug ) via a telephone link?

As a live-aboard I must return to the UK from Holland for the upcoming festivities as the kids need access to my wallet (whats new ?)

The thought of an unexpected cold snap during that couple of weeks is a bit of a concern.

I am connected to shore power and have a tube heater in the engine room for the coldest of nights but don`t completly trust the crappy little timers from The Pound Shop ( sorry I mean Euroland Shop)

I could leave the heat on for 2 weeks but shore power costs in my Marina are a bit savage ( 50 Ec per KW ) but that would be cheaper than a short notice return flight during Christmas or a replacement engine block !

Any advice, suggestions or reccomendations gratefully received

 

[pvb]

The cheapest solution surely would be to use a frost stat.

 

[Yosilas]

Google X10

 

[pvb]

Google X10

But using X10 would require the boat to have a computer permanently running, with a wifi connection, wouldn't it? Seems rather complex.

 

[prv]

Something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Fashi...50733688824?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item51a95b5ff8

?

Pete

 

[pvb]

We just use a simple frost stat on the pipe heating in the stables, they're only about £12 and are fit and forget. See http://www.electrical2go.co.uk/towerstat-frost-thermostat.html for example.

 

[bedouin]

I would trust a programmable thermostat over any form of remote operation. That allows you to combine timer and temperature.

I would be slightly cautious that many frost stats come on at 5 degrees, probably a bit high for you on a boat

 

[pvb]

I would be slightly cautious that many frost stats come on at 5 degrees, probably a bit high for you on a boat

Most are adjustable, eg the one I linked to can be set between +10 and -5C.

 

[Marsupial]

I would trust a programmable thermostat over any form of remote operation. That allows you to combine timer and temperature.

I would be slightly cautious that many frost stats come on at 5 degrees, probably a bit high for you on a boat

water starts to freeze at +4deg C simple frost stats are usually set at 5, they come on as the temperature is falling, so the heating plant has some time to change the temperature before any damage is done.

 

[theguvnor]

Thank you gentlemen.

Just what I needed to make an informed choice - and not one p!ss take, which was surprising, but maybe I spend too much time in the Lounge !

 

[GrahamM376]

Wouldn't 5L of antifreeze to winterise the engine be simpler and cheaper?