shower pullcord burning out

[chewy668]

can any one help ?
have a triton ivory II 9.5W elec shower. smelt burning and got smoke out of pullcord housing yesterday. assumed pullcord fault. have replaced with a new 45amp pullcord. same thing has happened. smoke and fuse trips at consumer unit. any reason why ? im not the best with electics, could it be that pullcord rating needs to be greater than 45 amp ?
any help much appreciated.

 

[RF Lighting]

//www.diynot.com/forums//viewtopic.php?t=176930

 

[chewy668]

that post is not too clear. is the unit on the limit. i.e. need a 50 amp pullcord ? or is it because connections are dirty and loose. if it is because connections are dirty and loose can i reuse the new pullcord and just clean up wires and make sure they are tight

 

[securespark]

No, you need a new switch. If the copper conductors are tarnished, you will have to cut the back to bright metal.

Does this problem happen with the shower switch on or off?

 

[Taylortwocities]

. smoke and fuse trips at consumer unit.

Is the smoke at the consuner unit then, or at the switch?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

1) You're not that good with electrics.

2) You have smoke coming from part(s) of your installation.

3) Get an electrician out ASAP, and until then don't use the shower, and turn the circuit off at the CU.

 

[chewy668]

smoke is at the switch. it happened when switch was on and off

 

[ban-all-sheds]

CLICK

 

[Taylortwocities]

smoke is at the switch. it happened when switch was on and off

So that means smoke is coming out even under no load conditions. ie when the switch is OFF.
So right now there is smoke coming from the switch, yes?.


If you have followed the guidance above, properly then you need to click on BAS's link.

 

[Steve]

chewy, when you replaced it the first time, you would have noted significant burnt conductors. If you just reconnected to these thinking it'd be alright, you are a damn fool. Those conductors are no good to run a light, never mind the most powerful appliance in your house.

You MUST pull some cable through and cut off a good 6 inches of cable and reconnect to bright copper. Choose a pullswitch with double screw terminals and do them up TIGHT, especially the neutral.

While you are at it, open up the shower and check those connections and inspect the internal wiring for signs of burning or hardening. If any is found, disconnect the shower and have it replaced or repaired.

If you cannot pull back to clean copper, you must replace the cable or have it extended by an electrician.