Shower cooking fuse?

[ban-all-sheds]

the shower is a Triton 9.5kw and manual says to use a 45a cartridge fuse. Everything else has been done to specification

Everything else.

i.e. everything apart from the one thing that is giving you problems.

As ColJack asks - why on earth should you be surprised, or "need clarification" when you have an appliance with instructions which say it should have a 45A fuse and you've got it on a 30A one??

The wiring doesnt really look cowboy and Im pretty sure it 10mm.

On what basis are you "pretty sure"?

 

[g60kg]

I dont just want to replace the fuse with 45a if the wiring is wrong anyway. and now Coljack mentions that in order to use a 45a fuse I need to upgrade the CU.

so I need clarification on the following if possible
1, is the wiring size ok?

2, can I use a 45a fuse in the current CU?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

so I need clarification on the following if possible
1, is the wiring size ok?

Possibly, but the only safe answer anyone here can give is "no".

2, can I use a 45a fuse in the current CU?

No.

 

[g60kg]

So how do I upgrade the CU. Is it difficult and what exactly is required?

Is there a good online guide for this sort of job is it one for an electrician?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You don't need to upgrade the CU, not for the purposes of the shower circuit. You should consider it from a general POV, as it's getting on a bit, you can't put the shower on it, there's no RCD etc.

Replacing the main CU is not a task for an inexperienced DIYer. The circuits would need testing to ensure that there are no hidden surprises, and the incoming supply from the meter would need isolating, and unless there's an isolation switch already fitted that involves cutting the seal on the main fuse and removing it - very much not recommended for a DIYer.

BUT - you've already got a mini CU for the shower, and as JohnD has already pointed out it should not have been installed the way that it has - feeding it from the CU is wrong, and doing that via a 30A fuse is even more wrong. That shower CU should be supplied directly from the meter tails.

To do that will also require the incoming supply to be isolated.

And then there will be a mismatch between your cable size and the 50A breaker in the shower CU - you'll need to run a larger cable, or install a smaller MCB.

So overall I think its get-an-electrician time for you....

 

[g60kg]

So overall I think its get-an-electrician time for you....

OH NO! what a B**** Its just difficult with work and everything Im never at home what do you reckon the quickest solution would be for now, would I be able to get a less powerful shower for the meantime... what a hassle Im so pssed off.

cheers for all the advice though, much appreciated

 

[g60kg]

Quick question, what is the highest ampage fuse I can use with my current fuse box/ 35a? 40a? and what is the highest kw shower I can use with these fuses

 

[securespark]

Reggie, apologies...I only read the first line of your post...

As for the fuse size, the maximum recommended for a Wylex board with a sub-100A switch is 32A.

 

[g60kg]

Is there not a guide for beginners on home electrics. Somewhere that explains what to do when installing MCBs etc... bit like a haynes manual. I would like to see whats involved and judge whether I feel confident enough to give it a go. It would be good to learn new skills too.

 

[DESL]

Is there not a guide for beginners on home electrics. Somewhere that explains what to do when installing MCBs etc... bit like a haynes manual. I would like to see whats involved and judge whether I feel confident enough to give it a go. It would be good to learn new skills too.

There books and there's info in the wiki on this site BUT ......

The work required to sort your problem is best left to a professional for your own safety.

Assuming the cable is the correct size for the shower rating and doesn't need replacing the cost of getting an electrician in will be less than fitting a shower of a lower rating.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Is there not a guide for beginners on home electrics. Somewhere that explains what to do when installing MCBs etc... bit like a haynes manual. I would like to see whats involved and judge whether I feel confident enough to give it a go. It would be good to learn new skills too.

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//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=75416#75416
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[ColJack]

also, changing a breaker or fuse size is notifiable under part P of the building regulations as you are changing the circuit protective measures..

 

[ban-all-sheds]

g60 - have you got a shed?

 

[g60kg]

g60 - have you got a shed?

no I havnt but I was thinking of getting one to put the garden stuff in as I need a bit of space in the garge to work on an engine, why do you ask?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I was thinking it could be a good place to install a CU (not connected to any supply), and practice installing MCBs, wiring it up etc, if you want to find out what's involved...