How to turn on a gas geyser automatically during load shedding
To make a gas geyser turn on by itself after load shedding, fit an automatic ignition kit to it and set its heating times. The Autopilot kit lights the burner when gas returns; its programmable socket (or an added Wi-Fi switch) decides when the geyser should be heating.
Check your geyser type
Look for a gas control knob with Off, Pilot and On positions. That is a storage geyser with a conventional unitrol-type thermostat, which the Autopilot kit is made for.
Get the kit for your geyser
Send your city, geyser type and a photo of the thermostat through the form. We confirm compatibility and send the price and photos by WhatsApp.
Fit the kit
Your local plumber fits it using our step-by-step video. The kit works with the geyser’s own thermostat; nothing changes on your gas main line.
Set the programmable socket
The included socket stores up to 20 ON/OFF times. Add a Wi-Fi switch such as SONOFF if you want to switch the geyser on from your phone.
Set a schedule around your gas hours
Heat for an hour or so before morning and evening baths, during hours when your area reliably has gas.
Let it run
If the gas is cut while the geyser is scheduled on, the kit lights the burner again when gas comes back. Switch the schedule off when you do not need hot water.
Can I do this without a kit?
Not reliably. A conventional geyser’s safety valve closes when the pilot goes out and does not reopen until someone holds the knob and lights the pilot. A timer alone cannot do that. Instant gas geysers are different: they light themselves when a tap is opened, so they restart on their own when gas is back.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using a timer on the gas line itself: interrupting gas does not relight a geyser and is unsafe.
- Leaving the geyser on all day because the gas might go: that is the habit auto ignition replaces.
- Ignoring a dirty pilot jet: auto ignition relights the flame, but a blocked jet will keep failing.
Frequently asked questions
Which timer should I use?
The kit already includes a programmable socket with 20 ON/OFF memories. Add a Wi-Fi switch such as SONOFF if you want to turn the geyser on from work.
Will my geyser heat while the gas is off?
No. It restarts as soon as gas returns. For heating during long gas outages you need an electric element, as in a dual geyser.
Get the price, photos and details for your city
Tell us your city, geyser type and WhatsApp number. We send the price, photos and ordering details for your city, usually within one working day.