Shower isolator.

[JohnW2]

The solution - don't install electric showers. They are a last resort choice, only to be considered when there is absolutely no other option.

Yes, it's certainly true that, for many people, there are preferable alternatives.

However, for those (quite a lot) who have no choice but to use electricity to heat water, and particularly IF they are happy with the flow rates from an electric shower (which many seem to be), then an electric shower is presumably the most energy-efficient solution - and also the most cost-efficient, at least unless they have a dual-rate electricity tariff (which makes sense for few unless they have storage heaters {or maybe, temporarily, EV charging}). Is that not the case?

Kind Regards, John

 

[sparkwright]

All the badly installed shower wiring I have seen, even that carried out by the most idiotic of people, I still haven't seen anyone idiotic enough to exclude a shower isolator.

It may not be a requirement, but I think it's expected, and only an idiot would not insist on one.

 

[JohnW2]

All the badly installed shower wiring I have seen, even that carried out by the most idiotic of people, I still haven't seen anyone idiotic enough to exclude a shower isolator.

I have

I'm not saying I would necessarily give my blessing to such a practice, but I have to say, for what it's worth, that I have personally seen or heard of far more electrical problems (including some that could have resulted in fires) in relation to shower isolators than in relation to the showers themselves!

Kind Regards, John

 

[SUNRAY]

I have

I'm not saying I would necessarily give my blessing to such a practice, but I have to say, for what it's worth, that I have personally seen or heard of far more electrical problems (including some that could have resulted in fires) in relation to shower isolators than in relation to the showers themselves!

Kind Regards, John

I have to agree with this, although I'm not yet aware of a 50A switch having problems. The original 30A switch was OK for the original 6-7KW showers but my experience is bigger and bigger shower heaters were fitted on the original 30A switch and 4mm² cable ( found this recently during EICR in one of my rental properties).
I don't force the pullswitch and its wiring in a patress box and I like to think it makes a difference.

 

[SUNRAY]

Agreed. Even a standard shower and a separate separate instant water heater is preferable.

What difference will that make?

 

[JohnW2]

What difference will that make?

I wondered that, too - but forgot to ask!

Kind Regards, John

 

[winston1]

Less hassle to change if it fails. Can also feed the wash basin.

 

[SUNRAY]

Less hassle to change if it fails. Can also feed the wash basin.

Oh I see... I get it... two pipes is easier than one pipe?
And of course instant pressurised heaters cost more
And instant heaters require all the additional paraphenalia like taps.

How is one cold pipe feeding a single unit on the wall more hassle than a remote unit and additional tap/shower mixer? I just don't get your logic.

 

[ericmark]

I think I have seen more shower isolators fail than shower power switches and relays built into the shower. Yes turning off isolator before going on holiday does seem a good idea, but this turning off items can also cause problems, we don't want pipes to freeze, or freezers to defrost, my grand parents would turn of isolator on fuse box, and water at stop cock, before going away, but did not have central heating, or a fridge never mind freezer, and wifi linked door bells, lights etc, have never been thought about.

 

[JohnW2]

I think I have seen more shower isolators fail than shower power switches and relays built into the shower.

The same as my experience (and the experiences of those I have spoken to), then.

It's one of those situations in which 'intuition' is not necessarily rational. I imagine that many/most of us would probably not really question the installation of a shower isolator, despite the fact that there are probably likely to be more electrical problems (include some which carry the risk of fire) if one has one than if one doesn't.

An N-E fault in a (SP) RCD-protected (rather than RCBO-protected) shower is one situation in which an isolator would be useful, but I suspect that is extremely rare.

Kind Regards, John

 

[SUNRAY]

I think I have seen more shower isolators fail than shower power switches and relays built into the shower.

In my own properties all but two had/have an electric shower, (it really is my goto preference) I have replaced one isolator due to failure (rental property 30A isolator, 4mm² T&E, 10.5KW heater) I've replaced the same set-up which hadn't failed in another rental (found on EICR). I can recall replacing 10 heaters for various faults and repaired at least 3. (I've standardised on heaters and re-use working parts now). Plus there have been at least 3 replaced by tenants, hence undersized switches. 2 rentals don't have pullswitches.
At work I reckon it may be more isolators failed than heaters but not by a large margin, again usually undersized switches. However there is a good chance a plumber will be called so hard for me to get a decent feel of the situation.
I don't recall a failed 50A pullswitch.

I have encoundered far more failures with power shower pumps than with instant heaters and they are so much quieter. On that point I know of 2 blocks of flats where shower pumps are forbidden in the lease and enforced when complained.

 

[sparkwright]

It seems to me that the bog standard square pull switches for showers fail a lot more often than a round Crabtree 50amp pull switch, or most types of 45 or 50 amp wall switches.

I try to use 50amp Crabtree stuff wherever possible for showers,

 

[Tricky-Dicky]

Hi, I prefer a 2 gang switch switch, a bit more space to manoeuvre the cables, and as sparkwright mentions, Crabtree are quality.

Crabtree Capital 50A 2-Gang DP Cooker Switch White with Neon

Order online at Screwfix.com. 50A 2G DP control switch. Dual terminal, vertical, fitted with neon. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 5 minutes.

www.screwfix.com

MK Logic Plus 50A 2-Gang DP Control Switch White with Neon - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Double pole switch with neon locator. Base-positioned flex outlet. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[JohnW2]

Hi, I prefer a 2 gang switch switch, a bit more space to manoeuvre the cables, and as sparkwright mentions, Crabtree are quality.

I'm a bit lost - what is "2-gang" about either of those you have linked to?

Kind Regards, John

 

[SUNRAY]

I'm a bit lost - what is "2-gang" about either of those you have linked to?

Kind Regards, John

Those 2 switches use a double socket size back box, hence 2 gang.