9kw electric shower upgrade to 9.5... cable size?

[Diyordie123]

I currently have a 9kw shower installed and looking to buy a new one which is 9.5kw.
The fuse box has a 45 fuse but I’m not sure what size cable has been used. The shower is currently sealed so don’t want to open up until the new one will be installed.

There is a switch outside in the hall and I have added a photo of the cables inside below.

Would I need to check cable size? Does 9kw and 9.5kw run on the same size cable? I’m guessing/hoping mine should already be 10mm?

 

[EFLImpudence]

There will be no difference in the requirements for 9kW or 9.5kW.

Your switch wiring looks like it has overheated a bit.
If that is the case, it would be advisable to cut back the wires to undamaged copper.

 

[sparkwright]

Agreed, that wiring is buggered, probably caused by loose terminals.

The box looks plastered in, so hopefully there is a way to gain some more slack on the cable to cut away those burnt bits.

 

[flameport]

The fuse box has a 45 fuse

Fuse or circuit breaker? Is there an RCD?
Can you add a picture of the 'fusebox' or whatever you have got?

 

[chivers67]

The Back box doesn't look deep enough and I think it looks like the accessory has been stuffed into it and this has squashed the cables by the looks of things. I'd be inclined to fit A skeleton spacer or deeper back box

 

[Diyordie123]

Yes the last time the electrician came for the shower he said the box wasn’t deep enough and we have previously had that electrical burning smell and had it changed but they didn’t change the box.
We are in housing association so they tend to just make it better for now rather than fix the actual issue.

 

[Diyordie123]

 

[flameport]

That has an RCD (although a rather old and obsolete one), a 45A circuit breaker is plenty for a 9.5kW shower, so assuming the cable was properly installed in the first place, it's suitable for the new shower.

The wall switch needs to be replaced, and the box behind replaced with a larger one. The damaged cable at the switch also requires attention, it should not be covered with half a roll of insulation tape.

 

[chivers67]

One these might help if you can't get the back box replaced > https://www.toolstation.com/schneid...m_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed

 

[Diyordie123]

Thank you all for the excellent advice.
I will get my electrician to quote me for installing the shower as well as sorting out the switch.