Adding a WI FI outlet to plug tractor into.

[brokenknee]

I would like to add a Wi Fi outlet that I can plug my tractor into. I did a short search on the internet and saw some Wi Fi plug in outlets. I was wondering if those would handle the 1500 watts of a block heater. It would be nice to be able to "plug" my tractor in while I was still at work so I can start it once I get home.

I would also like to add a second one to plug my work vehicle into. Something with a timer function so instead of paying to have the block heater plugged in all night it would energize it a couple of hours before I go to work.

Has anyone done something like this? What are my options? What would I need and how difficult is it to install?

Thanks for the help.

 

[xring100]

That sounds like a good idea. I've wanted a way to control mine from inside the house.

 

[brokenknee]

Was just looking further into the plug in outlets. One I saw said there is a monthly fee. I would think there would be a system out there were no fee is required.

 

[crbr]

X10 Home Automation

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[xring100]

http://www.belkin.com/us/F7C029-Belkin/p/P-F7C029/
1800 watts

Looks like it might be free service but I can't find the details

 

[timster2]

You can find lots of WiFi stuff here, including relays up to thirty amps. Smarthomeｮ | Home Automation, X10, Remote Control, Lighting, Wireless Security, IP Cameras

You can set up your own network controls free, no service required.

 

[brokenknee]

Was looking at the links provided, some seam to require a hub and others do not. What are the advantages to having a hub? Reading the reviews; most of the outlets hub or not seam to have a larger than normal negative comments; are these systems not all that reliable?

Has anyone done this?

 

[xring100]

The Belkins use your wifi router then you can set it to control it through "ifttt.com" which looks to be free and can setup control strategies or use it just like a remote switch this looks pretty cool.

 

[timster2]

Investing in a hub is not such a bad idea. You can control much more than just the block heater outlet. I use it to control outside lighting inside lighting and thermostats. Its nice to be able to turn on lights and turn up the heat from a remote location. Rather than investing in and maintaining a number of timers I can control the lights from my laptop, set up timers and use motion detectors to turn on multiple lights. Lots of controllers are available than can be linked to a hub and you can use a smart phone app to connect to the hub as well.

 

[brokenknee]

Investing in a hub is not such a bad idea. You can control much more than just the block heater outlet. I use it to control outside lighting inside lighting and thermostats. Its nice to be able to turn on lights and turn up the heat from a remote location. Rather than investing in and maintaining a number of timers I can control the lights from my laptop, set up timers and use motion detectors to turn on multiple lights. Lots of controllers are available than can be linked to a hub and you can use a smart phone app to connect to the hub as well.

Was it easy to set up? Have you had any problems with it? What besides a hub and outlets would I need? Is there any brand or operating system you would recommend?

I know a lot of questions, thanks for the help.

Edit; any monthly cost involved? I want to avoid that.