WIFI Water Heater Control

[mint402]

I have a customer with a mostly vacant cabin that he rents out.....currently has people turn on and off water heater manually, but they often forget the off step. We've already installed wifi controlled thermostats for several heating functions but now he wants to put in a wifi control for the water heater. Hoping someone has some good advice.

I've found the device below...

https://aquanta.io/

About $150.....good things about it seem to be that it is self contained, but it is more complex than needed....it has a sensor that gets installed into the T/P relief valve and then "learns" about usage and optimizes the water heater (sort of like a Nest house thermo).....but the wifi could be used to check it and shut it down from afar.

Alternatively I am finding things like the Insteon wireless system....they have a 240V/30A switch with wireless control, so if I am understanding it right it needs a central controller that interfaces with the wifi world, and I think purchasing the 2 pieces is a little more than the above product.

Here is the 240v Insteon link:

http://cache.insteon.com/documentation/2477SA-en.pdf

So, anybody got some experience and advice? (I tried searching forum, didn't find any wifi 240v/ water heater posts).
Thanks,
Bruce

 

[Jraef]

So since you already have Wifi internet going on, just add a simple Wifi switch and use it to control a little contactor that feeds power to the heater. What is it, 40A?

Wifi switch:
https://www.amazon.com/WiOn-Outdoor-Wireless-Switch-50054/dp/B00ZYLTJ16

It's an enclosed 40A contactor with built-in WiFi control via an app:

 

[mint402]

Hmmmmm, see what you are saying, at first glance this sounds like it would fit the bill at good price, but reviews are sketchy....link problems, poor app, doesn't even sound like it has a simple on/off function, which is what we need (ie, want to remotely check if heater on or off and turn it on/off.
Concept is good though! Thanks.

 

[Cletis]

I use a piece of 14/2, general purpose contactor, wi mo to control mine at cabin. Spent
Around $100 total ebay


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Barbqranch]

If you are already happy w/ the WIFI controlled thermostats, use one of those to control a relay. Just set the thermostat temperature up to the max, and locate it where it will never get that hot.