Help needed - shower!

[retro]

Hi,

I had my shower replaced yesterday but for some bizarre reason the isolation switch doesn't appear to turn the shower off any more Does anyone know why this would happen?

The shower is definately wired correctly (there are only 3 wires).

Thanks in advance.

Retro

 

[dynomo]

are you sure the replacement shower was of the same power rating as the previous??
it could be a case of a faulty isolation switch but a little more details from you will certainly help..

 

[retro]

If you mean 240v then yes, if you mean 7.8kw or 8.5kw (can't remember and not at home at the minute) then I'm not sure, I was replacing the ancient Mira shower that was in the house when I moved in 9 years ago. The shower also rather worryingly still works when the trip switch in the fuse box is turned off

Could it just be coincidence that the isolation switch has gone wonky at the exact same time that the shower was swapped over???

One other thing that happened at the same time and I'm not sure if it's relevant is that the horrible overhead light in the living room was changed for a normal ceiling rose.

Ta,

Retro

 

[RF Lighting]

YIKES

Call an electrician.

DO NOT USE THE SHOWER until you have had it checked and or repaired.

 

[dynomo]

dammmm!!!
RF Lighting is def right...

 

[Softus]

I had my shower replaced yesterday but for some bizarre reason the isolation switch doesn't appear to turn the shower off any more

Who replaced it, and who tested it?

 

[retro]

Who replaced it, and who tested it?

A friend. The old shower was 7Kw and the new one is 8.5Kw. Does that really make a difference? I thought because I was just swapping one for the other that it would be simple and straightforward.

I'm disabled so short of cash and really need my shower working.

 

[retro]

DO NOT USE THE SHOWER until you have had it checked and or repaired.

Not planning to! Don't like electricity anyway.

Retro

 

[Softus]

Who replaced it, and who tested it?

A friend.

Your friend might be well-meaning, but may not be competent - is he/she qualified/experienced in any way?

The old shower was 7Kw and the new one is 8.5Kw. Does that really make a difference?

Yes - it's potentially dangerous, because the new shower will draw more current than the old, and the installer should have determined that the increase can be handled by all of the electrical components in the circuit. The risk is of overheating, and this can start a fire.

Do not use the shower until someone competent has checked the circuit.

I thought because I was just swapping one for the other that it would be simple and straightforward.

It's not your fault - this is a common misconception, but please find someone who's qualified.

I'm disabled so short of cash and really need my shower working.

I'm sorry to hear that, but this is something that can't be risked. If you're disabled then a fire would be even more devastating (i.e. possibly fatal) than for an able-bodied person.

My hope is that one of the forum sparkies works close enough to you to be able to attend and advise.

 

[mikeyd]

When you switch off the isolator or the MCB, are you saying that the water still keeps flowing, or that the water does not go cold?

Your old shower may have had a solenoid which cuts off the water flow when isolated, your new shower may not.

 

[Reynardine]

The new shower drawing 8.5kW power equates to around 34Amps

Previously, the 7kW shower would have drawn around 28 Amps.

Assuming the circuit breaker at your fuse box / consumer unit is rated at 30 or 32 Amps then your friend may just have exceeded the rating of the circuit.

Am not qualified to give an opinion, but you may need to ensure your new shower is protected with a higher rated circuit breaker e.g. 45 Amps.

 

[davy_owen_88]

Am not qualified to give an opinion, but you may need to ensure your new shower is protected with a higher rated circuit breaker e.g. 45 Amps.

... but only after you have confirmed that the circuit is capable of supplying the new load after all applicable factors have been taken into account.

 

[retro]

Thanks, I'll see what I can sort out.

Retro

 

[Softus]

The new shower drawing 8.5kW power equates to around 34Amps

It's actually much closer to 35.4 Amps.

Previously, the 7kW shower would have drawn around 28 Amps.

Er, 29.2 Amps.

Assuming the circuit breaker at your fuse box / consumer unit is rated at 30 or 32 Amps then your friend may just have exceeded the rating of the circuit.

Am not qualified to give an opinion, but you may need to ensure your new shower is protected with a higher rated circuit breaker e.g. 45 Amps.

And what about the cable?

Do you actually understand the principles that underpin the figures and statements that you're bandying around?

 

[retro]

When you switch off the isolator or the MCB, are you saying that the water still keeps flowing, or that the water does not go cold?

Your old shower may have had a solenoid which cuts off the water flow when isolated, your new shower may not.

Feeling a bit silly now. I was just thinking about it and when the shower was initially fitted it had to be "primed" by pressing the on/off switch. I just checked and without the isolation switch turned on the water doesn't heat up

I'm guessing it's just something that neither of us had seen before and is perfectly safe to use

Thanks alot guys.

Retro