Control your electric radiators with the connected pilot wire
Do your electric radiators have a black wire (pilot wire)? This is the key to making them smart.
Recommended Materials
- Pilot Wire Modules (Shelly, Heatzy, Connected Cable Out)
- Electric radiators with pilot wire
Steps to follow
Step 1
The secret of the Pilot Wire: In France, most modern electric radiators have a control wire (often black) called the 'Pilot Wire'. It allows you to change the radiator mode (Comfort, Eco, Frost Protection, Off) by sending an electrical signal, without suddenly cutting off the power.
Step 2
Hardware: You need 'pilot wire connected modules' (eg: Shelly, Heatzy, Sonoff with diode, or Legrand/Schneider connected cable outputs). Allow 20 to 50€ per radiator.
Step 3
Installation: 1. TURN OFF THE POWER. 2. Dismount the radiator from the wall or open the cable outlet. 3. Plug the module into power (Phase/Neutral) and connect the radiator pilot wire to the module output. 4. Restore power.
Step 4
Adjusting the radiator: Set the radiator dial to 'Prog' or 'Auto' mode (often a small clock) and set the thermostat to the desired comfort temperature (eg: 20°C). This is the module which will now tell the radiator 'Heat' (Comfort) or 'Stop heating' (Eco/Stop).
Step 5
Scheduling (The gain): From your sofa or desk, create zones (Living room, Bedrooms) and a schedule. 'Heat the living room to 20°C from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., otherwise 17°C'. 'Heat the bathroom for 30 minutes in the morning'. You can also mute everything remotely if you forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
My radiator is an old 'toaster' without a pilot wire ?
You cannot use these modules. You must use a powerful connected socket (16A) which will do brutal On/Off. It's less precise (the radiator thermostat loses its bearings) but it works to troubleshoot.
Precautions
- Cut the power.
- Carefully identify the pilot wire (often black) and do not connect it to Earth (yellow/green)!
