Hive · Receivers and hubs
Hive OpenTherm Receiver Installation in London
Updated
Hive's newer receiver, model OTR1, works either in standard relay mode, switching the boiler on and off, or in OpenTherm mode, telling a compatible combi how hard to work. A vetted JACK pro fits it in relay mode in place of your old controls. OpenTherm mode is wired at the boiler, which needs a Gas Safe engineer.
In short
A JACK pro in London fits Hive's OpenTherm receiver (OTR1) in standard relay mode, where it replaces an existing timer or receiver that already switches the boiler on the same wiring. OpenTherm mode needs a two-wire connection to the boiler's own OpenTherm terminals, and on some boilers extra hardware or changes, so that part needs a Gas Safe engineer. Only where a Gas Safe engineer has already connected the boiler end, and it works, does the swap stay at the wall.
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OpenTherm Receiver: key facts
- Hive model code
- OTR1 (single channel) Source: Hive Thermostat Professional Installation Guide, 2025 (PDF)
- Modes
- Standard relay, or OpenTherm on compatible combi boilers; single zone only in OpenTherm Source: Hive Thermostat product page and FAQ (hivehome.com)
- OpenTherm brands Hive names
- Ideal, Baxi, Ariston, Main, Vokera, Atag and Ferroli, among others Source: Hive Thermostat Professional Installation Guide, 2025 (PDF)
- OpenTherm wiring
- Separate cables for the low-voltage and mains connections, not sharing the same sheath Source: Hive Thermostat Professional Installation Guide, 2025 (PDF)
- Status light
- A single red flash means OpenTherm mode is set but no OpenTherm data is coming from the boiler Source: Hive Thermostat Professional Installation Guide, 2025 (PDF)
- Supply
- 230 V mains from a switched fused spur with a 3 A fuse Source: Hive Thermostat Professional Installation Guide, 2025 (PDF)
Model details come from Hive's UK product pages, user guides and installation guides. Hive can change a design or what comes in the box, so check your own kit and send a photo of it with your request. Last checked 31 October 2026.
How the OpenTherm Receiver is powered and mounted
In relay mode the OTR1 behaves like Hive's single channel receiver: on, off, on the existing wiring. In OpenTherm mode it talks to the boiler over a low-voltage two-wire link, so the boiler can run at lower output for longer instead of cycling on and off. Hive's guide says some boilers with OpenTherm terminals also need extra hardware or changes in their wiring before OpenTherm works.
That OpenTherm link ends inside the boiler, at its OpenTherm terminals. Opening the boiler and connecting there is boiler work, and boiler makers such as Worcester Bosch restrict fitting controls to the appliance to engineers working under the gas safety regulations. JACK pros do not do it. The practical route is a Gas Safe engineer for the boiler end, often at a boiler service, and a JACK pro for the rest of the Hive kit.
What the pro checks first
- Whether the boiler supports OpenTherm, from its label
- Whether a Gas Safe engineer has already connected an OpenTherm link at the boiler, and whether it works
- That the system is a single zone, since Hive's OpenTherm is single zone only
What the pro does on the OpenTherm Receiver
- Existing controls replaced with the OTR1 on the same wiring
- Mode switch set to standard relay and the boiler tested
- Thermostat and hub paired, schedule set up
- Where a Gas Safe engineer has already connected and set up the boiler end of an OpenTherm link, the wall-end swap and pairing
Before you book: what to send
- A photo of the boiler label, so OpenTherm support can be checked
- A photo of the controls by the boiler and of any cable running into it
- Whether a Gas Safe engineer has already wired an OpenTherm link
How Hive installation is priced
A vetted pro prices your job from photos of the boiler, your existing controls and the Hive kit, and the JACK app shows you that fixed price before you book.
Full pricing guide for Hive installationFrequently asked questions
Is it worth running Hive in OpenTherm mode?
On a compatible combi, OpenTherm lets the boiler modulate instead of switching fully on and off, which Hive says can cut gas use. It only works on single-zone systems and only on boilers that support it, and the boiler-end connection needs a Gas Safe engineer.
Why does my Hive receiver flash red once?
Hive's guide says a single red flash means the receiver is set to OpenTherm mode but is not getting OpenTherm data from the boiler. Checking the boiler-end OpenTherm connection, or rewiring the boiler end for relay mode, is work for a Gas Safe engineer.
How much does Hive OpenTherm Receiver installation cost in London?
It is a fixed price for your OpenTherm Receiver, worked out by a vetted pro from the model, a photo of where it is going and what power is there now, and shown in the JACK app before you book. Other devices can go on the same booking for one price. If you would rather pay for time, hourly hire for smart home is typically £45–£95 per hour as a guide.
Often booked together
Single Channel Receiver installation
The combi-boiler receiver (SLR1): fitted, replaced or moved on the existing wiring.
Thermostat installation
The current Hive Thermostat with the dial: receiver wired in, boiler tested, thermostat placed and paired.
Thermostat Mini installation
Hive's dial-free thermostat: receiver fitted, Mini placed and paired, schedules set up in the app.
More Hive receivers and hubs
Hive receiver and hub installation
Single channel, dual channel and OpenTherm receivers, and the Hive Hub that runs the app.
Dual Channel Receiver installation
Heating and hot water on cylinder systems (SLR2): wired at the programmer or wiring centre.
Hub installation
The Hive Hub (Nano 3): placed for range, connected, and paired with every Hive device.
All Hive installation guides
Hive Thermostat, Mini, receiver, hub and radiator valves fitted in London by vetted pros who work at the wall, not inside the boiler. Fixed price first.
Related services in London
Sources
The device facts and rules on this page come from these pages, checked on 31 October 2026.
- Hive Thermostat Professional Installation Guide, 2025 (PDF)
- Hive Thermostat product page and FAQ (hivehome.com)
- Hive UK security update statement, October 2026 (PDF)
- HSE L56: Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances (code of practice)
- Gas Safe Register: who can legally work on a gas appliance (factsheet)
Jack All Trades (JACK) is an independent London service. It is not part of, affiliated with or endorsed by Hive, Centrica or British Gas. Hive product names are used only to describe the devices JACK pros install, and prices are set by JACK pros, not by Hive. JACK pros do not work inside boilers or claim Gas Safe registration.
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