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How to connect a tap timer to my pump for watering lawn?

I’m seeking advice as to what type of tap timer I could use that will turn pump on for 1 hour a day to water lawn via pop up sprinklers. The power switch I assume would need to be on along with the tap which is located alongside the pump as per photo.

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Comments

AlanM52

Hi @Garrygaz,

Did not spot it at first look, that's an extension cord weather cover with motor power lead plugged into extension cable - interesting.

We can't use a regular tap timer so instead I am suggesting a programable Smart Plug that can be controlled locally or via a phone app.

TP-Link Tapo P100 Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug.jpg

TP-Link Tapo P100 Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug.

Basically the extension lead plug is removed and the Smart Plug is plugged into that power point and... the extension lead plugged into the Smart Plug. We need a photo of where the extension lead is plugged in and hopefully it is under cover like a patio area because the Smart Plug cannot be exposed to the weather.

P100 Features:

Instantly turn connected devices on/off wherever you are through the Tapo app
Preset a schedule to automatically manage devices
Create countdown timer lists for connected electronics
Manage your smart plug with voice commands via Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant
Mini-sized to avoid blocking adjacent sockets

Instantly turn connected devices on/off wherever you are via the Tapo app.
Designed to facilitate your life and help eliminate potential safety hazards.
Schedule and Timer features allow you to create weekly schedule and countdown plans. All of your connected electronics will automatically work at your preset time, making your life smart, convenient, and energy-saving.
Away Mode, a feature that intelligently simulates someone being home by turning the plugged in device (like a lamp) on and off, makes it appear that someone is home when you’re on long trips to keep away people with ill intent.

Discuss more when you come back...

Cheers

EricL

Hello @Garrygaz

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about adding a timer to your pump.

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @AlanM52. I was thinking along the same lines and was going to suggest an analog device such as the HPM 24 Hour Heavy Duty Weatherproof Outdoor Timer. But the more versatile and programmable TP-Link Tapo P100 Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug is much more convenient. My only added suggestion is to place the unit inside an Arlec 5 Outlet Weatherproof Electrical Enclosure Box to protect it from the elements.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/60800#Comment_60800

Hi Alan

this is the power cord location, probably not really water proof, although EricL mentioned the Arlec cover not sure if that would be suitable any further advice would be appreciated.

many thanks for your excellent advice

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/92862#Comment_92862

Hi @Garrygaz,

Yep... that's what I was leading up to it's not under cover so use a weatherproof box as @EricL suggested.

Come back if you need assistance setting up the Tapo Smart Plug.

Cheers

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/92862#Comment_92862

Hello @Garrygaz

My best advice is to make sure that the device you connect is protected from the weather. Another possible option is to get an electrician and have a weatherproof plug set installed under a covered area where you can attach a Smart Wi-Fi timer.

Eric

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/112588#Comment_112588

Many thanks mate, I will certainly get back to you if needed👍

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/112592#Comment_112592

Thanks Eric for you assistance 👍

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/112588#Comment_112588

Hi Alan

ive purchased the Tapo plug unfortunately not having a lot of success connecting my phone to it. I’ve plugged it into a power point and the light flashes green and orange. I then go to the app and push add device select the right model P110 and then select Bluetooth to set up it keeps coming back that my phone can’t find device.

any thoughts?

cheers

garry

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123832#Comment_123832

Good morning @Garrygaz,

General overview:

Bluetooth is used to speed up the initial connection to the Tapo app, but it is not used for controlling the device (P110) after it is configured.

Tapo smart plugs will not work only on Bluetooth and need a home wi-fi network (2.4 Ghz) to function.

It's likely you are unable connect to the app via Bluetooth because of visibility and/or permission issues.

Check the Bluetooth system setting and try again.

Let us know how you go...

Cheers

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131269#Comment_131269

Hi AlanM52,

just a quick question.

if our internet wont cover the outside area where the pump power point is located, will the Tapo plug work?

I’m just not sure if our internet will be picked up from this location.

Sorry for all the questions, have a great day today👍

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135812#Comment_135812

Hi @Garrygaz,

That's a question you should not have needed to ask because I should have included the possibility of needing a wi-fi range extender - plus the extra cost. Let's see if we can check the wi-fi coverage out there near the weatherproof power point using your phone.

e3b44722-0ef9-4802-aa51-2c86ddf07d8a (1).jpg

Here is my Motorola g84 listing the available wi-fi networks.

Can you do the same and walk outside to the power point area, the signal level will drop but hopefully your connection will remain stable.

If it does you should not need a wi-fi range extender but... we should be prepared for the possibility of needing one like this one because there are variables including RFI (Radio Frequency Interference).

Let us know how things work out...

Cheers

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138915#Comment_138915

Hi AlanM52,

thank you so much for your assistance, we are currently away from home and back tomorrow so I will look at this when I return. If it’s ok I will get back to you with the result👍Cheers

Garry

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138915#Comment_138915

Hi Again AlanM52

i seem to have successfully added the plug via our internet. I have plugged the Tapo into the power point with the power switch to on. I have set the turn on and off times for the sprinkler system in the app. However when I plug the pump lead into the Tapo the pump turns on. Is there something else I need to do?

cheers

Garry

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141005#Comment_141005

Hi @Garrygaz,

Allow me to tag @AlanM52 so he is notified of your question.

I am sure he will get back to you shortly.

Jacob

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142551#Comment_142551

Thanks @JacobZ i think I’m starting to get a handle on this group chat👍😂

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142551#Comment_142551

Hi @Garrygaz,

Try this... with the power point switched OFF plug the pump lead into the Tapo and then turn ON the power - does the pump still turn ON?

If so we will need to do some more troubleshooting.

Cheers

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143656#Comment_143656

Hi @AlanM52

yes the pump does turn on after I did this.

cheers

Garry

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144487#Comment_144487

Some patience is required for troubleshooting...

To save going out there take the Tapo into the kitchen and plug into the same power point used for the toaster.

With power OFF plug Tapo in and while watching the tiny power on LED indicator and also listening for a possible click sound - turn ON power point.

The Tapo indicator should sharply 'blink' and there should be no click sound indicating the Tapo is OFF - all OK.

Press the manual button a few times to check the Tapo turns ON & OFF - all OK.

With the Tapo turned OFF plug in the toaster.

Turn ON the Tapo and press the toaster lever down until it clicks, toaster should turn ON - all OK.

Try again outside and if the pump keeps turning ON we need to do more trouble shooting.

Cheers

Garrygaz

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143656#Comment_143656

Hi @AlanM52

@it appears that the plug has dropped out of the internet as well so I may have to get an extender after all. I was going to get one anyway because the internet does not reach inside the shed. Also do you think to get the P110 to act as an actual "on/off" switch, I may need to purchase a relay and wire up the on/off switch.

in regards to the extender I was going to locate that in the shed.

Garry

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144488#Comment_144488

G'day @Garrygaz,

Definitely no need to purchase anything else like a relay.

Did the Tapo work OK in the kitchen?

At this point something worries me and it's related to the pump! and I was considering asking some questions.

That is a older pump with pressure gauge and... it even has a plumbed water connection with shut-off tap.

Are you able to identify the make & model because I am starting to suspect the age of the pump could mean the motor has minimal or no RFI suppression which it triggering the Tapo to turn ON.

For now I suggest putting a hold on the wi-fi extender.

Cheers

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