Hive Plug
£39
Smaller and smarter than ever, the Hive Plug makes it easy to monitor power-hungry appliances and save energy. And it’ll boost signal to your other Hive tech too.
Transform any device in seconds
From your TV to your tumble dryer, the Hive Plug allows full control of your electricals from the Hive app. Simply connect it like a normal adaptor and enjoy an even smarter home.
Turn things off from anywhere
Can’t remember if you left the iron on? Just check the app and we’ll tell you. And forget reaching for those awkward behind-the-sofa sockets – simply switch things on and off from your dashboard.
Monitor power-hungry tech
See how much electricity your devices are using in the Hive app – making it easier to cut back where you can.
Banish standby mode
With just a tap, you can turn things off at the socket instead of leaving them on standby. Helping you save a little more energy, every day.
Manage your smart, money-saving home with the Hive app
Set smarter schedules
Whatever your routine, the Hive app lets you programme your smart tech to work around you. Set your lights to come on at sunset and your smart plugs to switch off at bedtime – so you’re never wasting energy when you don’t need it.
Stay in control of your energy
Demystify your daily energy use with Hive Lights and Plugs. They’ll show you exactly how much energy your electricals and lighting is using at any time. And if you want to cut back, simply switch everything off with a tap of the app.
Get home working seamlessly
Use smart sensors and Quick Actions to create a fully automated, energy-saving home. Like telling your lights to switch off automatically when you leave the room, or asking the thermostat to turn up the heat as soon as you get home from work.
Plug in to smarter living
Take a closer look and see what makes the Hive Plug so smart.
Tech specifications
Features
Manage your heating and hot water from anywhere using the Hive app
Add more thermostats to control up to 6 zones of heating if you have an existing multizone heating system
Frost protection protects your pipes from freezing in winter
Geolocation reminds you to switch off the heating if you’ve gone out and left it on
Holiday mode lets you manage your heating while you’re away
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Siri Shortcuts
Group with other Hive devices to create a smart home
Boost heating and hot water from both the Hive thermostat Mini & Hive Thermostat and the Hive app
Compatibility
Most gas and LPG boilers
Oil boilers if they have an existing thermostat or programmer
Electric boilers with standard room thermostat and / or programmer
Size
Thermostat:
Width: 95.9mm
Height: 95.9mm
Depth: 46.2mm (inc. dial) / 31.4mm (exc. dial)
Receiver:
Width: 90mm
Height: 90mm
Depth: 36.8mm
Weight
Thermostat:
265g (inc. batteries) / 172g (exc. batteries)
Single Channel Receiver:
159g (inc. back plate)
Dual Channel Receiver:
166g (inc. back plate)
Power Supply
Thermostat:
4 x AA batteries (included)
Receiver:
230V mains
Connectivity
Zigbee
System Requirements
Internet connection recommended: 1.5Mbps or higher
iOS or Android device running an up-to-date operating system
Hive app download (iOS or Android)
Usage
For indoor use only
What’s in the box?
Hive Thermostat
Hub
Receiver
4 x AA batteries
User guide
Frequently asked questions
Which heating systems / boilers are compatible?
Gas & LPG
Hive Thermostats are compatible with most UK gas and LPG central heating systems and our professional installation engineers are trained to work on both.
Oil boilers
Hive Thermostats work with most oil boilers and can replace your existing conventional thermostat or programmer.
However, if you have existing intelligent oil boiler heating controls that modulate your heating, a Hive thermostat will not replace this functionality.
We don't offer pro installation on oil boilers so we recommend contacting an OFTEC-qualified engineer to install the thermostat.
Electric boilers
If your boiler works with a standard room thermostat and / or programmer then a Hive Thermostat can control it. However, the thermostat doesn’t work with storage heaters or individual plug-in electric room heaters.
Other systems
Unfortunately our engineers can't install a Hive Thermostat on solid fuel boilers (such as biomass systems or coal) and heat pumps. We are yet to complete our testing on these systems and therefore can’t yet guarantee compatibility.
In the unlikely event that the thermostat cannot be installed in your home, you can receive a full refund for your purchase (this is valid for 14 days from the point you receive the product or the day of your installation).
What types of heating control systems and boilers are incompatible with Hive Active Heating?
Control systems
Honeywell SmartFit Controls: this system, sometimes installed to control gas and LPG boilers, is part of the existing central heating system and isn’t compatible with other external heating controls. Hive Thermostats can’t be installed with it unless the engineer removes the SmartFit controls first including all electrically operated valves.
Vaillant VR 65 Control Centre: this is an external controller fitted to some compatible Vaillant boilers. It’s part of the existing central heating system and isn’t compatible with other external heating controls. Hive Thermostats can’t be installed with it unless the engineer removes the Valliant external controller.
Boilers
Hive Active Heating is compatible with most boilers, but it is incompatible with the following models:
- Worcester Bosch ICC2 - ZWBR 11-37A (GC number: 4710810)
- Worcester Bosch *C*RD 537i (GC number: 4710811)
- Worcester Bosch *C*RD 542i (GC number: 4710812)
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar HE Plus - ZWBR 7-28A (GC number: 4731156)
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar HE Plus - ZWBR 11-35A (GC number: 4731157)
- Worcester Bosch *C* Greenstar 30 HE Plus Combi (GC number: 4731175)
- Worcester Bosch *C* Greenstar 35 HE Plus L Combi (GC number: 4731176)
- Worcester Bosch *C* Greenstar R 30HE Plus (GC number: 4731179)
- Worcester Bosch *C* Greenstar R 35HE Plus (GC number: 4731180)
- Worcester Bosch *C* Greenstar R 40HE Plus (GC number: 4731181)
All other boilers are, to the best of our knowledge, compatible with Hive Thermostats. If you'd like clarification on this, an engineer would be able to tell you. Don’t forget we have a 14-day return policy if you want to change or return your thermostat.
How are Hive Thermostats powered?
Our wireless thermostats (SLT3/3b/3c) are powered using 4 x AA batteries.
Our wired thermostat uses 3 x AA batteries.
Can I control heat in different rooms or floors?
Yes. If you want your upstairs warmer than your downstairs, or this room cooler than that room, you can set different temperatures in different rooms and/or floors with Hive Multizone.
You’ll need different thermostats for the areas you want to vary the heating in. Just buy your first thermostat (this comes with Hive Hub) for your main heating zone, then upgrade to Hive Multizone. The Hive Multizone kit contains an extra thermostat and receiver allowing you to control the heat in different areas of your home.
To install Hive Multizone you would need an existing multi-zone set up within your home or have the relevant work done in your home. You can find out more about multi-zone heating by clicking here, or you could always book an engineer visit to find out more.
Does the thermostat work with underfloor heating systems?
Hive Thermostats can be used to support wet underfloor heating systems (which provide heat using pipes) but they do not currently support electric underfloor heating systems.
The heat produced from underfloor heating ensures an even distribution of heat in rooms, so it’s one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home.
Can I control hot water with the thermostat?
Yes, if you have a conventional heating system (i.e. a separate hot water tank heated by your boiler) you can control your hot water with the thermostat. Hot water can be controlled within the Hive app by selecting Hot Water in the app dashboard.
You can’t control your water temperature with the thermostat but you can turn your hot water on or off, set a schedule or boost it (which turns the hot water on from 5 minutes up to 6 hours).
Hive Hint: You can usually set the temperature of the hot water directly on your tank.
Can I install the thermostat myself?
To install the thermostat, you need to be competent in electrical wiring and DIY. We would recommend finding an experienced local tradesperson.
Where should the thermostat be placed?
Your thermostat will work best when fixed to a wall about 1.5m off the ground, away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight. You can also use the thermostat stand (available separately) to position it on a table or shelf within your home.
Will the thermostat still work if my WiFi loses connection?
If your internet connection goes down, your Hive Thermostat will continue to work with your thermostat switching your heating on and off as normal. However, you won’t be able to control your heating using the Hive app until your internet comes back online.
If your Hive Hub gets switched off, your thermostat may be unable to talk to the receiver. In this case, your heating will switch off but you can temporarily switch it on by pressing the heating button on the front of the receiver.
Does the thermostat work with other Hive devices?
Yes, you can connect your thermostat with other Hive devices using the Hive app – for example you can boost the heating when a Hive Motion Sensor detects movement.
You can also operate your thermostat and other Hive devices with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Siri Shortcuts.
What data do I need to provide and why?
We need to access your energy data in order to understand your energy usage and current tariff. This allows us to present your heating usage in pounds and pence and is customised to you personally. We also access your smart meter data in order to calibrate your spending forecast against your actual usage.
We use your address information to get localised weather forecasts for your home, to provide spending estimates based on your heating schedule and outside temperature.
At some point during your subscription, we may also ask you to tell us a bit about your home, e.g., building type, number of bedrooms, age or other. This information will let us further tailor specific insights and recommendations for your home.
How long does it take to calculate my forecast?
For most homes, we’ll be able to generate a forecast within seconds by linking your British Gas Smart meter account, and by using historical data from our Hive thermostat. If, however, you’re new to Hive and we have no historical data to base your forecast on, we’ll enter a learning period that takes a minimum of 30 days. During this time, we’ll learn how your home heats up and cools down and how the boiler consumes gas for space heating.
We’ll notify you of progress in the Hive app.
What’s the difference between Boiler IQ and Hive Heating Plus?
Heating Efficiency Alerts uses your thermostat data to help ensure your home is warming up efficiently. When it recognises your home isn’t heating as efficiently as it normally does, it’ll help you find out why and offer some simple steps to resolve this.
Boiler IQ is a device that continuously monitors your boiler 24/7 and alerts you when your boiler fails to produce heat or hot water.
If you have both Hive Heating Plus and Boiler IQ, we’ll be managing the alerts to make sure you don’t receive duplicate alerts. If that happens, please let us know.
Does this product work with voice control?
Yes, this Hive product can be used with voice control such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Siri Shortcuts.
What devices can I get the Hive app on?
You can get the Hive app on many smartphones, tablets and the Apple Watch. iOS or Android devices must be running an up-to-date operating system.
What are your delivery options?
Free standard delivery is included when spending over £50 (3 - 5 business days).
Once ordered, you can track your order online.
Can I return this product?
Yes.
If you’ve purchased Hive products directly through our website or over the phone, you’ll need to contact us within 14 days (starting from the day you receive your Hive products).
If a British Gas engineer has installed your Hive products and you’d like to return them, you’ll need to let us know within 14 days from the point of installation.
You can contact us on web chat and we’ll provide you with a returns number and send you a returns label. Print the label out and send it to our warehouse, free of charge. Once we receive your product, we’ll aim to process your refund within 5 working days.
What’s the warranty period?
Hive products come with a 1-year standard warranty.
If you want to increase your warranty, you can join Hive Heating Plus for £3.99 per month and get ongoing warranty on all your Hive devices.
OpenTherm FAQs
Can I install Hive OpenTherm on a multizone system?
Currently we only support single zones with OpenTherm. If you’re installing Hive Heating on an OpenTherm-compliant plumb zone system, your engineer will have to configure all OTR1 receivers to Standard (Relay) Mode.
How does OpenTherm increase efficiency?
OpenTherm is a communication protocol used by modern condensing boilers and OpenTherm-enabled controls. It allows boilers and controls to share more information via load compensation (or modulation), which helps improve efficiency.
Modulation through OpenTherm allows the boiler to reduce power when only a little heat is needed. This makes sure the Hive thermostat heats the radiators to the desired temperature and then lowers the boiler’s power output. This stops the temperature going too high and keeps the heat balanced in the home.
This intelligent power switching based on the home’s heat demand allows you to set and forget the system. You won’t need to manually adjust the boiler’s flow temperature for different seasons. And as the boiler changes its power output to match demand, you’ll be able to use less energy and save more.
I don’t know if my boiler supports OpenTherm. What should I do?
Our OpenTherm- compliant receiver can be installed in either Standard (Relay) Mode or OpenTherm Mode, so don’t worry - your engineer will check and install the best one for you. Hive can work with most systems as long as they can be run using external controls.
What other benefits does OpenTherm control have over Standard (Relay) Mode?
More energy-efficient - OpenTherm allows modulating control – this allows the boiler to adjust its output more accurately, based on heat demand. This optimises energy usage and can even reduce gas emissions by up to 12%
Reduced wear and tear - As the boiler adjust the output more accurately, there are fewer on/off cycles which helps to increase the boiler’s lifespan as there is less stress on the system
Lower gas consumption - As the boiler adjusts the water temperature as needed, the temperature change is less dramatic, so less energy is needed to heat the water to the desired temperature
Comfortable room temperature - OpenTherm maintains a steady heat output, preventing overheating or underheating
Will my radiators be cooler when using OpenTherm?
It really depends on how much heat the home requires. When you set a target temperature on your Hive thermostat, our controls will assess how big the gap is between the actual room temperature and the target temperature you’ve set.
When there’s a large gap between the target and actual room temperatures, your Hive thermostat requests a high-water temperature, so the radiators will be warmer. As the room temperature nears the target, the requested water temperature decreases. During this time, radiators may feel cooler, but the room temperature will be approaching the target, which is what matters.
It’s also important to point out that the boiler will run for longer periods, but it will be producing water at lower temperatures, resulting in less energy being used and maximising the time spent in the higher efficiency condensing mode.
One of the main benefits of OpenTherm modulation is more stable and accurate control of the room temperature.
