Umair Gaines
Installing an electric shower requires careful planning and execution, as it involves working with both water and electricity. It is essential to ensure that the shower is compatible with your electricity supply and plumbing. Before beginning the installation process, it is recommended to consult a qualified electrician or plumber, especially for tasks like turning off the main power and water supply. The shower unit should be securely attached to the wall, with cables and pipes fed through the correct holes and properly connected. The shower should be installed in accordance with wiring regulations and building regulations and the manufacturer's instructions. It is crucial to prioritize safety by using proper fuses, switches, and earth connections to prevent accidents.
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What You'll Learn
Planning and research
Firstly, it is essential to determine the compatibility of your chosen electric shower with your bathroom setup. Ensure that the shower fits into your bathroom space and works effectively with your electricity supply and plumbing. This includes considering the available access points for water and electricity connections on the designated shower wall.
Next, you should assess the electrical requirements for your specific shower model. Different showers have varying power requirements, which will influence the cables and fuses needed. As a general rule, opt for a 10sq mm cable to future-proof your installation. Additionally, calculate the required cable length by measuring the distance between the consumer unit and the shower heater.
It is also important to be aware of the potential power limitations of your existing setup. Large showers can draw a significant amount of power, similar to an electric oven. If you have an older installation, your consumer unit may struggle to handle this load. Contact your electric supply company to understand your setup and ensure it can accommodate the shower's power demands.
Furthermore, safety should be a primary consideration. Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. It is recommended to use a Residual Current Device (RCD) or a Residual Current Breaker with Overload (RCBO) for enhanced protection against overload, short circuit, and earth fault. Ensure that your installation complies with IEE wiring regulations and relevant building regulations.
Lastly, decide whether you will install the electric shower yourself or hire a professional. Installing an electric shower involves handling electricity and water, requiring specific knowledge. If you choose to hire a professional, obtain multiple quotes and ensure they are Part P qualified, which means they are certified to work with both plumbing and electrical components.
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Cable sizing and preparation
Firstly, it is important to determine the appropriate cable size for your electric shower. The cable size depends on the power requirements of the shower, which is typically measured in kilowatts (kW). Most properties have a main fuse of 60, 80, or 100 amps, and you can refer to a cable sizing chart to identify the required fuse rating for your shower's power. It is recommended to use a 10sq mm cable, even if it is larger than necessary, to avoid future replacements.
Before starting any electrical work, ensure that the power to the relevant circuits is turned off at the consumer unit. The cable route should be carefully planned, running from the consumer unit to the pull switch on the ceiling, which must be positioned away from the shower or bath area. The cable is then fed from the pull switch along the ceiling and down the wall to the shower heater, where it connects to the terminal block.
When preparing the cable, ensure that it is cut to the appropriate length. If you are using a new wire, strip the plastic outer layer to access the individual wires within. The wires are typically colour-coded, with brown or red representing the live wire, green for the earth wire, and blue or black for the neutral wire. These wires need to be connected to the corresponding terminals: live to 'load', black or blue neutral to 'Neutral', and yellow-and-green or green earth to 'Earth'.
It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific shower model and adhere to safety precautions when working with electricity and water. If you are unsure or uncomfortable at any point, it is always best to consult a qualified electrician or plumber.
Additionally, consider other electrical appliances in your property that may be in use simultaneously as the electric shower. Appliances such as kettles, washing machines, ovens, and hobs can draw significant power loads. Ensure that your electrical system can handle the additional load of the electric shower to avoid overloading the main circuit.
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Connecting the cables
Firstly, ensure that you have the correct cable size for your electric shower. The cable size depends on the power of your shower, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Most properties have a 60, 80, or 100-amp main fuse, and you can use a cable sizing chart to determine the required fuse rating for your shower. It is recommended to use a 10sq mm cable to future-proof your installation.
Next, turn off the electrical supply at the mains and disconnect any power supply to the existing shower if you are replacing one. Measure the distance between the consumer unit and the shower heater to determine the required cable length. If the cable route is under 13 meters and the shower is rated up to 8kW, use a 6mm2 cable and a 45-amp rewireable fuse.
Now, prepare the cable route from the consumer unit to the pull switch on the ceiling, ensuring it is not located directly over the bath or shower cubicle. Run the cable from the pull switch along the ceiling and down the wall into the back or base of the shower heater. Feed the cable through the entry hole in the heater and connect it to the terminal block inside.
At the shower heater unit, you will typically have three wires to connect: live, neutral, and earth. The process for connecting these wires may vary depending on your shower model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions. As a general guide, connect the live and neutral cores first to the terminal marked 'load'. Then, connect the earth cable to the earth terminal.
Finally, prepare the ends of the cables for connecting to the terminals. Connect the cores to the appropriate terminals: the red core to the terminal at the top of the fuseway or MCB, the black core to a free terminal on the neutral terminal block, and the yellow-and-green core to a free terminal on the earth terminal block. Install a 45-amp fuse or a 45-amp MCB, and your circuit is now complete.
Remember, always exercise caution when working with electricity. If you are unsure or uncomfortable at any point, consult a qualified electrician.
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Water supply connection
If you're replacing an old electric shower, the water supply pipe will already be in place, and you simply need to connect the new shower to it. If you're installing a new shower, you may need to run a pipe from the water supply to the shower's location, possibly through a wall.
Before installing the shower, isolate the water supply by turning off the isolation valve, which is usually found on the pipework leading to the shower, often behind tiles or under the bath.
If you're installing a new pipe, ensure it's a 15mm pipe and flush it through to clear any debris before connecting it to the shower. If the water supply is taken from a rising main, include a non-return valve to prevent water from flowing back into the mains under fault conditions. It's also a good idea to include an isolating valve just before the shower unit so that it can be isolated if necessary.
When you're ready to install the shower, hold the unit against the wall and mark the fixing holes. Drill the holes, insert wall plugs, and screw the unit into place. Feed the water inlet pipe through the correct hole in the casing of the shower unit and attach it using a pipe wrench.
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Testing and maintenance
Testing
Before turning on the power and water supply, it is essential to test the shower to ensure correct installation and functionality. Start by turning on the water supply and carefully checking all connections for any signs of leaks. Ensure that the water cylinder in the shower is adequately filled and primed. If the cylinder is not ready, turning on the shower may lead to burning out the heating element or causing other damage.
Inspect all terminals to confirm that they are securely screwed in place, and then fix the shower cover that protects the internal components. Only after completing these checks can you turn on the shower. A properly installed shower should deliver good water pressure and quickly heat up to the desired temperature set by the main control.
Maintenance
To maintain the optimal performance of your electric shower, regular testing and maintenance are necessary. Here are some key considerations:
- Water Supply and Connections: Ensure that the water supply is adequate and meets the minimum requirements for pressure and flow rate. Regularly check for leaks and ensure that all connections are tight and secure.
- Electricity Supply: Verify that the electrical supply can handle the load drawn by the shower. Assess if there is a spare way on your consumer unit with a sufficient rating for the electric shower. Consult a qualified electrician if you have any doubts or need to make adjustments to your electrical setup.
- Cable and Wire Management: Keep cables and wires securely managed and organized. If you notice any damage to the inner insulation of cables, particularly due to heat from the boiler, consult an electrician for replacement.
- Limescale Build-up: Address any limescale buildup, as it can impact the performance and longevity of your shower. Consider products or technologies that help reduce limescale, such as the Mira Clearscale™ technology.
- Professional Assistance: While some maintenance tasks can be DIY projects, more complex issues should be addressed by qualified professionals. Consult Part-P certified plumbers or electricians to ensure compliance with safety regulations and correct installation practices.
Remember, safety should always be a top priority when working with electricity and water. If you encounter any issues or have doubts during the testing and maintenance process, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that a professional plumber or electrician replace and install all showers. However, if you are competent and confident with DIY, you can install an electric shower yourself.
Before installing an electric shower, you need to do some planning. You must ensure that the shower you buy fits into your bathroom and works with your electricity supply and plumbing. You should also decide whether you will install it yourself or get it done professionally.
All electric showers require a dedicated cable from the consumer unit to the shower itself. You cannot take a supply from your ring main or existing electric circuit. The shower you choose may affect the cables you need, but it's usually best to opt for a 10sq mm cable.
Electric showers are plumbed into the cold water supply and are run on a separate circuit to avoid overloading the main circuit. You will need to install a switch near the electric shower to turn the power off when not in use.
Water and electricity can be a dangerous mix. Ensure that the connections are secure and there are no leaks. Before turning the shower on, check that all terminals are screwed up tight and the shower cover is fixed in place.
