Hager Auto switches for hot water supply

I have a Merlin Gerin contactor with the same markings as yours, O is the normal operating position, it switches to auto when the signal is received from the supply co that off peak is in force, 1 is normally right at the top and by pushing the slide up to 1 it comes on, and switches off at the next automatic finish of off peak. The item is refered to, I believe as a contactor by the French, and that item should be protected by a 2 amp breaker, the actual water heater is protected by, normally a 16 amp breaker.

I am a fully qualified English electrician, and to say that I find this method of utilising off peak tariff bizarre, is an understatement. I do know of several electricians of English origin, that will substitute this system with a normal wire in timer, possibly because the connection of the French system requires a pair of signal wires from either the meter or main RCD. I have the French system in operation but mainly because it was inheritied when the house was purchased, supposedly rewired by a French qualified electrician, I've never seen such a bodge up in all my life, it all works but how the consumer unit copes without a firework display God knows. Hope this is of some help.

Thanks for your reply, and also to "Chris" who sent me a similar message.

Can I therefore, for all normal day to day purposes, and to take advantage of water heating ONLY in the off peak period, leave the switch in the "AUTO" position?

Thanks in anticipation of your reply.

Ron

Thanks for the explanation.

Regards,

RT