🔎 Overview
The Herschel Smart Switch S-HSS is a wall-mounted Wi-Fi heating controller designed for direct electrical switching of suitable Herschel heaters and for activating Smart Life heating scenes. Available in White, Black, Brushed Silver and Brushed Gold, it provides convenient one-touch control from the wall or remote operation through the Smart Life app.
The Herschel Smart Switch can be installed as a wired on/off control for a compatible heater or appliance. Its touch-sensitive power button allows the connected equipment to be switched manually, while Smart Life adds remote operation, countdown timers and delayed switching. The switch has a specified 20A peak rating, with a maximum connected load of 3200W listed in its installation instructions.
The S-HSS can also trigger Smart Life scenes for compatible Herschel thermostats, allowing customers to activate a heating Boost, reduce temperatures or change selected heating zones with one touch. It is particularly suitable for smart-home heating systems where a simple wall switch is preferred alongside existing thermostats. The Smart Switch is not itself a thermostat and does not measure or regulate room temperature.
📏 Size & Fit Information
The Herschel Smart Switch measures 86 mm wide and 86 mm high, making it suitable for a compact, wall-mounted heating control installation.
The Australian product listing specifies a depth of 30 mm, while the installation instructions list a 33 mm housing depth.
A suitable single-gang mounting box with a depth of 46 mm is specified in the installation instructions, with fixing centres 60 mm apart.
Choosing a colour
- White: A neutral finish suited to light-coloured walls and conventional electrical accessories.
- Black: Suitable for modern interiors, darker finishes and contrasting wall plates.
- Brushed Silver: A metallic finish that coordinates with contemporary electrical accessories and stainless steel detailing.
- Brushed Gold: A warmer decorative finish suited to interiors with gold, brass and similar metallic accents.
All four colours provide the same switching, Wi-Fi and Smart Life functions.
Choosing the installation position
The Smart Switch should be positioned somewhere convenient for everyday operation.
A location near a room entrance can be useful when the switch controls heating in that room.
For whole-home Smart Life scene control, a central hallway or position near the main entrance is often practical.
The switch must have access to a suitable electrical supply and reliable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi coverage.
Because the S-HSS does not measure room temperature, it does not need to be positioned according to thermostat temperature-sensing requirements.
📘 Additional Information & Resources
The Herschel Smart Switch provides two useful control options in one compact wall-mounted device.
It can act as a direct on/off switch for suitable electrical heating equipment or form part of a larger Smart Life heating system using compatible thermostats and automation scenes.
Unlike the Herschel Four Scene Control, the S-HSS has a switched electrical output for suitable connected appliances.
Unlike the Herschel iQ R3, MD2 or other heating thermostats, it does not measure or regulate room temperature.
Cleaning and maintenance
Clean the switch using a soft, dry cloth.
Avoid water sprays, abrasive products and chemical solvents.
Electrical repairs, inspection of wiring and any changes to the connected load must be completed by a licensed electrician.
📱 Smart Life App, Countdown & Delay Functions
The Herschel Smart Switch connects to the Smart Life app through a compatible 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
Once paired, users can operate the switch remotely and configure supported timed switching functions.
Remote on/off switching
Where the S-HSS is connected directly to a compatible heater or appliance, Smart Life allows the electrical output to be switched remotely.
This provides an alternative to pressing the wall-mounted power button.
Countdown timer
Smart Life supports a countdown between one minute and 24 hours.
This can be used to operate the connected appliance for a defined period before automatically changing its switching state.
Delayed switching
A delay function can be configured from two seconds to one hour.
For example, a suitable heating installation could be configured to switch off automatically after a short period of additional heating.
Smart Life scenes
The S-HSS can also participate in Smart Life automation scenes involving compatible heating thermostats.
A scene may change temperature settings in one room or coordinate actions across several heating zones.
The available actions depend on the devices connected to Smart Life and the chosen automation configuration.
Wi-Fi requirements
A 2.4 GHz wireless network is required for app-based operation.
The local wall button provides direct switching where the S-HSS is installed for that purpose. Remote commands and Smart Life scenes depend on the relevant network and app connectivity.
⚡ Infrared Heating Performance & Efficiency
The Herschel Smart Switch can help manage electricity use by simplifying how heating equipment is switched and scheduled.
It does not reduce the rated electrical consumption of a heater while that heater is operating at full power.
Its potential benefit comes from avoiding unnecessary operation and making heating routines easier to manage.
Timed heating
A countdown can limit the operating period of compatible equipment.
This is useful where heating is only required for a short period.
Automatic switching
A delayed switching routine can turn connected equipment off after a selected interval.
Room temperature routines
Through Smart Life scenes, the switch can activate reduced-temperature settings on compatible thermostats.
This can help avoid maintaining normal occupied temperatures in rooms that are not being used.
Whole-home scenes
Smart Life allows supported heating zones to respond to one action.
For example, a Leaving Home scene may reduce temperatures across several rooms.
Energy savings
Actual savings depend on heater wattage, building insulation, operating hours and the control routines configured.
A separate thermostat remains important where accurate room temperature regulation is required.
🎛️ Thermostat & Heating Controls
The Herschel Smart Switch is different from a conventional thermostat because it provides switching and automation rather than measuring room temperature.
Option 1 – Direct electrical switching
In this configuration, a suitable heater or appliance is electrically connected to the S-HSS.
Pressing the power icon changes the switching state of the connected circuit.
Smart Life can provide remote operation, countdown timers and delayed switching.
This arrangement is useful where straightforward on/off control is required and the connected appliance's necessary safety and temperature controls remain in place.
Option 2 – Smart Life scene control
In this configuration, the S-HSS activates a scene linked to compatible smart heating controls.
For example, a scene may increase the temperature setting on a Herschel iQ R3 thermostat or adjust several connected heating zones.
The heaters are controlled by their respective thermostats rather than being connected directly through the Smart Switch.
Choosing the correct control approach
For room heating, a compatible thermostat is generally the preferred method of maintaining a selected temperature.
The Smart Switch can provide an additional convenient control point, while the thermostat continues handling room temperature regulation.
For high-temperature commercial heaters, any direct-switching arrangement must be approved for the selected heater and its electrical load.
🏠 Smart Heating & Home Applications
The Herschel Smart Switch is suited to residential and commercial heating systems where convenient manual and app-based operation is required.
Living rooms
Use a Smart Life scene to activate preferred heating settings on a compatible room thermostat.
Home offices
Configure a scene or timed routine for a working area that does not require heating throughout the day.
Bedrooms
Where a compatible thermostat is installed, use the Smart Switch to activate a prepared heating routine without changing the thermostat's normal wiring.
Whole-home heating
One configured Smart Life scene can coordinate actions across several supported thermostats.
This makes it possible to apply a Leaving Home or other heating routine from a convenient wall position.
Commercial premises
Suitable electrically connected equipment can be controlled through the S-HSS where the load and installation requirements are satisfied.
A smart heating scene can also coordinate compatible thermostats in offices and other indoor workspaces.
Specialist applications
Direct switching may be suitable for selected Herschel heaters without their own remote controls, provided the electrical and temperature-control arrangements are properly specified.
The switch must not replace any mandatory heater safety or control components.
🌬️ Installation Clearances & Safety Requirements
The Herschel Smart Switch is intended for indoor use only.
Its IPX0 rating means it must be protected from water and installed in a suitable dry environment.
Installation requirements
- Indoor location: Install in a suitable dry indoor area.
- Bathrooms: Position outside applicable splash zones and comply with Australian bathroom electrical requirements.
- Electrical supply: Use a suitable fixed mains electrical connection.
- Electrical protection: All circuit protection and wiring must be appropriate for the connected load.
- Connected equipment: Do not exceed the approved switching capacity.
- Protective earthing: Any connected Class I heater must retain its required earth connection.
- Wi-Fi coverage: Maintain reliable 2.4 GHz network access for Smart Life operation.
- Accessible mounting: Position the switch where it can be operated without reaching behind furniture.
- Moisture protection: Do not expose the unit to rain, condensation or water sprays.
Important electrical load considerations
The supplier advertises a 20A peak rating, while the installation instructions specify a maximum load of 3200W.
These figures should not be interpreted as permission to connect a continuous 20A heating load.
The licensed electrician must assess the proposed heater wattage, circuit protection, duty cycle and installation conditions before connecting the switch.
For higher-powered heating equipment or installations involving several heaters, a separate contactor or specialist control arrangement may be required.
Temperature regulation
The S-HSS provides switching and automation functions but does not independently regulate room temperature.
Where an infrared heating installation requires thermostat control, a suitable separate thermostat must remain part of the system.
🛡️ Warranty & Safety Information
The Herschel Smart Switch includes a two-year manufacturer warranty, subject to the applicable conditions.
It is a fixed mains electrical device and must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Safety requirements
- Use the switch only in suitable indoor environments.
- Maintain the specified electrical load limits.
- Preserve protective earthing for connected appliances where required.
- Keep all electrical connections correctly enclosed.
- Do not expose the switch to water.
- Do not bypass mandatory thermostat or over-temperature protection.
- Use appropriate switching equipment for larger loads.
- Isolate the electrical supply before servicing.
- Do not modify the internal electronics.
- Ensure Smart Life automations do not unintentionally operate connected heaters.
A properly planned heating installation should maintain safe thermostat and heater operation even when Smart Life connectivity is unavailable.
