FAQ
Where do I install the ShowerStar?
The ShowerStar should be installed onto exposed shower piping or directly onto a shower-head. It can be mounted on rigid or flexible piping.
Do I need a plumber or electrician to install the ShowerStar?
No. The ShowerStar is designed to be a quick DIY install in only a few minutes. Simply mount the mounting cradle using the supplied cable ties onto the shower piping. No special tools are need, but you may wish to trim the cable ties using a craft knife or pair of scissors.
How long does it take to install a ShowerStar?
No. The ShowerStar is designed to be a quick DIY install in only a few minutes. Simply mount the mounting cradle using the supplied cable ties onto the shower piping. No special tools are need, but you may wish to trim the cable ties using a craft knife or pair of scissors.
How do I configure a ShowerStar?
Download the TouchGrid App (iOS or Android) to configure, view usage, analyse costs and forecast savings.
What safety measures are included to minimise the risks with lithium batteries?
There are a number of ways that the risks with lithium batteries are mitigated:
1. Use of UL , IEC, CB, CE, RoHS, UN38.3 and Reach approved battery.
2. High quality battery vendor that is regularly tested.
3. Battery design includes a battery management system with thermal cutout.
4. Water resistant battery design.
5. USB charging over voltage protection.
6. USB charging over current protection.
7. Water resistant enclosure design along with over-moulded operation button and waterproof USB connector.
8. Full SMT design for fully automated production.
9. Product safety approvals.
10. Regular factory inspections by 3rd party inspectors.
How does the App connect to a ShowerStar?
The App is installed onto a smartphone and connects via Bluetooth to the ShowerStar. The typical RF range is typically around 10-15 meters.
What is the battery life time?
The battery will typically last for ~12-18 months. This depends on a few factors such as how many showers per day, the brightness and loudness of alerts and how often you connect the App to the ShowerStar.
At least 12 months is a good rule of thumb assuming 4 showers per day. Fewer showers per day and less intrusive alerts will result in longer battery lifetime.
How do you recharge the battery?
The ShowerStar has a USB Type C connector on the underside. Simply plug in the supplied USB cable and plug it into a standard 5VDC USB charger.
What sort of savings can I expect?
The typical payback period is 3-6 months, depending on your cost of energy, water and length and frequency of your showers.
Typically larger families with children will have shorter paybacks.
Depending on whether you keep using the ShowerStar diligently a reduction of household energy consumption of ~7% and 15% in water consumption is achievable.
Does the ShowerStar or App collect any personally identifiable data?
No. The App does not require you to enter your name, email address, mobile phone number or any type of personally identifiable data.
Data that is collected includes location (to determine average incoming water temp), water heater type (gas, electric resistance, heat pump or solar thermal), shower duration.
This data can help utilities and program sponsors verify product has been installed and is being used along with understanding when hot water is used. Hot water use is particularly useful for utilities to design water heater load flex programs that minimise inconvenience to residents.