FAQs of battery-powered devices
What batteries does each device use, and how long should they last?
Device | Battery Quantity & Type | Expected Battery Lifetime | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Room Thermostat | 3 x AA | 2 years |
|
| Genius Radiator Valve | 2 x AA | 1 - 2 years, depending on use |
|
| Wireless Room Sensor | 1 x CR123 | 2 years |
|
Genius Room Thermostat (WRT-C) (Discontinued) | 2 x AA | 2 years |
|
Genius Room Thermostat (WRT-B) (Discontinued) | 2 x AAA | 1 year |
|
How does the battery affect the percentage of the device page?
Battery levels are measured based on the voltage supplied to the device. For example, with the Radiator Valve - a good quality AA battery will output about 1.5-1.6 volts. Our system reports this 'full' battery 100%.
An AA battery that is nearly dead read 1.2 volts or below. We report this as a 0% battery warning on the app. Any voltage between this is scaled to the percentage on the device pages. When batteries are new - they will often output this high voltage for a period of time before it will start to decline. Batteries are designed to work this way so the devices they power are as reliable as possible for the longest period of time. Therefore the app will show 100% until it goes past below 1.5 volts.
Can I use rechargeable batteries?
We do not recommend using rechargeable batteries as most types of rechargeable battery output too low a voltage (1.2v not 1.5v) and so only last a few months. They also trigger more battery warnings on the app as they output this lower voltage.
One of our customers has reported that the Kentli PH5 Li-ion batteries can be used with our system as they maintain a regulated constant 1.5V and maintain a reasonable current load, however these batteries are more expensive than many on the market.
What happens to a Genius Radiator Valve when it has a dead battery?
When the batteries go flat in a Genius Radiator Valve, it sets the position to slightly open so that the boiler can still heat the rooms slightly. This is in case the devices are fitted in a second home, where you do not want the place to freeze if it gets cold and no-one is there to fix the problem.