Electric shower to replace dads old one

[jimbo07g41]

Hi,

my dads electric shower has finally died. It has its own spur with a dual pole ceiling switch and a 30 amp fuse in the consumer unit. However, its quite an old CU. Will something like the Basic Triton Enrich be a straight swap?

Thanks in advance

Jay

 

[EFLImpudence]

It depends on the wattage.

On a 30A fuse you can have no more than 7000w/7kw.

 

[LearningSpark]

You will need to consider RCD protection for the new shower.

 

[jimbo07g41]

Thanks, the Enrich is a 8.5kw.

Is there a place to get old type catridge fuses (45 amp)?

 

[EFLImpudence]

You cannot just increase the fuse rating.

The cable may not be suitable for the increased load.

 

[jimbo07g41]

You will need to consider RCD protection for the new shower.

Looks like the shower was installed correctly but this was in the eighties, so dont know whether they will have put a seperate RCD in. The consumer unit is the the old cartridge type, so would cost a few pounds to upgrade. Wanted to save my old man a few quid if I could just swap the shower.

I imagine the wiring will be 6mm. Does any one do basic low watts showers?

 

[EFLImpudence]

It's not necessary to upgrade the CU.

The manufacturer will state that an RCD must be fitted.
Manufacturers' instructions must be followed.
A separate RCD unit could be fitted near/next to the CU.
This has nothing to do with the operation of the shower.
It's additional safety.

Fitting a replacement item does not mean installations which complied with the regulations at the time have to be upgraded to current standards.

However, fitting a shower greater than 7kw. would be dangerous if the circuit is not suitable.

The shower in your post comes in a 7kw version or, at least it quotes 7kw in the instructions.
That's why a straight yes or no was not possible.

http://www.tritonshowers.co.uk/media/1155695/enrich.pdf

 

[jimbo07g41]

Thank you very much for your help. I think I will go for a 7kw replacement, so i dont need to get the wiring checked.

Merry christmas

 

[EFLImpudence]

Merry christmas

And to you too.