Hardwiring a outdoor power socket (MK Masterseal) with automation (UK)

During the lockdowns my partner and I invested in an Intex 3x2 metre temporary pool for the kids to enjoy during the summer months complete with a filter / pump. So far it has been a case of open a window and manually plug in the filter for a few hours each day, obviously with suitable RCD consideration but for 2023 I’d like to add Home Assistant controlled outdoor power sockets to the house for the pool. We are also having solar PV installed soon hence I am considering actually installing two independently controllable single outlets and purchasing an Intex pool heater to enable either when we would otherwise be exporting energy or when the family are complaining about the cold water! :wink:

Depending upon which website I check the heater is rated at ~3kW (13A) which rather limits the choice of modules, my HA is primarily Z-Wave hence I was thinking Fibaro smart switch however the latest FGS-212 is now only rated at 10A resistive load. The filter / pump is obviously less on an issue current rating wise. In general supporting a 13A load would make sense for flexibility.

Alas the ubiquitous plug in automation 13A sockets are not an option alas as there is insufficient clearance with the water resistant lid closed and I assume it is not permitted to request the electrician wires the external sockets via flex, 13A plug and have a secondary, internet socket inside the house where plug in automated sockets could be employed? Caveat the ring main in question would be RCD/RCBO protected. If this approach is legal then it seems to make most sense as I can then change the automation hardware without involving an electrician in the future.

The advantage of the wired approach is I can have remotely installed toggle switches in the house for the Luddites who prefer being able to physically switch the sockets rather than use a browser or app and the modules can then be operated regardless of whether or not HA is running.

My other question is how would the modules be wired? I assume fused spur as any of the typical automation module terminal screws are not going to be rated for inserting in a 32A ring main? I shall obviously involve a qualified electrician however I’d like to be sufficiently clued up to request the correct approach and to at least plan and install wall boxes in preparation.

I have actually just received my Nabu Casa SkyConnect stick so open to Zigbee suggestions, I am just more familiar with Z-Wave and am happy with the stability of the HA Z-Wave JS stack, plus Fibaro Dimmer 2 work nicely with MK toggle switches.

Thank you, and apologies for the long post!

You could install one of these externally

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SMWPM02.html

It would be perfectly acceptable to feed the above from a plug top on an internal automated socket within the house and passing the supply through the wall. The flex that ultimately ends up running from the internal plug to the box outside will need to be suitable for exterior use.

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Thank you, that’s a good idea.

I use this to replace the socket in the waterproof housing for my hot tub, energy monitoring as well

https://www.smart-secure.co.uk/product/aone-zigbee-twin-switched-socket/

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