Otis Singleton
Fitting an electric shower unit is a feasible DIY project, but it requires careful attention to safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions. Electric showers offer a slick, economical option for instant hot water, particularly in older buildings or locations without easy access to gas-heated water. Before installing an electric shower, it is important to consult professionals like electricians and plumbers to ensure adequate electricity and plumbing systems. This guide will provide an overview of the process, but specific steps may vary depending on the type and model of the electric shower unit.
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What You'll Learn
Pick the right location
Picking the right location for your electric shower unit is crucial, and there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to fit the electric shower over your bath or in a shower enclosure. This decision may depend on the available space in your bathroom and your personal preferences. Ensure that there is enough room to remove the cover for servicing and that the water supply pipe can be accessed from the top or bottom, depending on the unit type.
The next step is to prepare the pipework and install an electricity supply. This involves running a 15mm pipe from the cold water supply near the storage tank to the wall where the shower will be installed. It is important to ensure that the pipework is secure and leak-free. Mark the position of the inlet pipe and power supply cable, and use a pipe and cable detector to check for any hidden pipes or cables before drilling into the wall.
The location of your electric shower unit should also consider the cable size and length required. The cable size depends on the power rating of the shower unit, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). A higher kilowatt power rating generally requires a larger cable size. Additionally, the length of the cable run and the kilowatt rating will determine the appropriate cable length.
When choosing a location, it is essential to comply with electrical regulations. The shower unit must have its own dedicated circuit from the consumer unit, and an electrician should make the final connection. The circuit must be protected by a residual current device (RCD), and the unit should have an isolation switch located outside the bathroom. Ensure that the cable supplying the shower is appropriately sized to handle the load, and consider seeking advice from a qualified electrician.
Lastly, consider the impact of steam production on your property. Electric showers produce a large amount of steam, which can create dampness in the home. This is especially important if you have an older property with inadequate insulation. Choose a model that minimises steam production or has features to mitigate this issue.
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Prepare pipework and electricity supply
Preparing the pipework and electricity supply is a crucial step in installing an electric shower unit. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Plan the Location:
Before you begin, choose an area near the main cold water supply. This will make it easier to secure a water connection for the shower. Pick a spot where you can install an independent circuit for the shower, ensuring it's easily accessible for future servicing.
Prepare the Pipework:
Start by running a single 15mm pipe from the cold water supply near the storage tank to the wall where the shower will be installed. Hold the shower unit in position and mark the locations of the inlet pipe and power supply cable. Use a pipe and cable detector to ensure there are no hidden pipes or cables behind the marked areas. Once confirmed safe, drill holes in the wall for the pipe and cable to run through.
Install the Mounting Bracket:
Fix the mounting bracket to the wall at the desired height, ensuring it is level. The bracket will support the weight of the shower unit, so it's important to secure it firmly.
Connect the Water Supply:
Connect the inlet pipe to the shower unit. Use a pipe wrench to tighten the compression fitting, creating a secure and leak-free connection.
Prepare the Electricity Supply:
Determine the size and type of independent circuit needed based on the kilowatt rating of your shower unit. Consult an electrician for advice on this. Install the circuit near the shower location, along with any necessary consumer units or earth cables. Remember, an electric shower needs its own dedicated circuit from the consumer unit.
Connect the Electrical Wiring:
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the electrical wiring to the shower unit. Feed the electric cable through the backplate of the shower unit and screw it to the wall. Connect the live, neutral, and earth cores to the corresponding terminals. Ensure all connections are secure and firm.
Now that the pipework and electricity supply are prepared, you can continue with the installation process, including attaching the shower unit to the wall, connecting the hose and rail, and finally testing your new electric shower! Remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and seek professional help if needed.
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Connect the water supply
Connecting the water supply is a crucial step in installing an electric shower. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, identify the water supply pipe's entry point. The water supply pipe can enter from the top or bottom, depending on the unit type. Ensure you have sufficient cable length coming out of the wall to connect to the terminal block. Mark the position of the inlet pipe and power supply cable by holding the shower unit in place.
Next, prepare the pipework. Run a single 15mm pipe from the cold water supply near the storage tank to the marked position on the wall. Drill a hole in the wall for the pipe and electric cable to pass through. Check for hidden pipes or cables with a detector before drilling.
Now, connect the hot and cold water pipes to the electric shower unit. Ensure a secure and leak-free connection by using appropriate fittings. You may need to attach a non-return valve or stop tap to the pipe to isolate the shower's water supply. Use a pipe wrench to tighten the compression fitting that attaches the pipe to the shower unit.
Finally, seal any gaps between the unit and the wall with waterproof sealant. This step ensures that water does not enter through the gaps.
After completing these steps, you can move on to the next stage of the installation, which includes connecting the electrical wiring and testing the shower.
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Connect the electrical cables
Connecting the electrical cables is a critical step in installing an electric shower unit. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it safely and effectively:
Planning and Preparation:
Before you begin, ensure you have the correct cable size for your shower unit's power rating. Electric showers come with different kilowatt (kW) ratings, which determine the cable size needed. For example, a 7.5kW shower typically requires a 6mm² cable, while a 10.8kW shower may need a 10mm² or 16mm² cable. Check your shower's specifications to select the appropriate cable size.
Running the Cable:
Start by marking the position of the fixing holes on the wall. Use a chinagraph pencil to mark the spots where the inlet pipe and power supply cable will be located. Ensure you have enough cable coming out of the wall to reach the terminal block on the shower unit. Drill the holes with a masonry bit, or use a tile bit if drilling through tiles.
Feeding the Cable:
Feed the electric cable through the backplate of the shower unit. This cable will connect to the unit's terminal block. Ensure you follow the correct colour coding: green to green, brown to brown, and blue to blue. Securely screw the cables into their corresponding brackets to prevent any loose connections. If there is excess wire, tuck it back into the hole in the wall.
Connecting the Cables:
Now, you can connect the live and neutral cores to the terminals marked "load" and the earth core to the earth terminal. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure.
Safety Considerations:
Electric showers need a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit, and an electrician should make the final connection. Consult a qualified electrician to ensure compliance with local electrical standards and regulations. Additionally, check that the circuit is protected by a residual current device (RCD) for added safety.
By following these steps and paying close attention to safety guidelines, you can successfully connect the electrical cables for your electric shower unit.
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Test the shower
Testing your electric shower is a simple process but requires careful attention to ensure everything is working as it should. Before testing, make sure to take the necessary safety precautions.
Firstly, check for power. Before doing anything else, make sure the power is off by unplugging or switching off the circuit breaker box. This will prevent any electrical shocks from occurring during the installation or maintenance of your electric shower. Once you have confirmed that there is no power running through your system, you can proceed to test the water flow.
Test the water flow by turning on both hot and cold taps simultaneously and checking for a steady stream of water coming out of each tap without any leaks or drips. If everything looks good, then proceed to check the temperature control. Ensure that all controls are set correctly so that you can adjust the temperature according to your needs and preferences without the risk of scalding.
Finally, turn on your shower and let it run for a bit to ensure there are no leaks. If everything seems to be running smoothly, then congratulations! You have successfully fitted your electric shower.
It is important to always put safety first when dealing with electricity and water. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines, and if you are ever unsure, seek professional help.
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Frequently asked questions
Fitting an electric shower unit is a complex process that requires some electrical and plumbing knowledge. It is recommended that you consult a qualified plumber or electrician to install an electric shower. However, if you are a competent DIYer, you may be able to carry out some of the work yourself.
Before installing an electric shower, you need to prepare the pipework and install an electricity supply. Pick an area near the main cold water supply and install an independent circuit. Ensure your pipe system can accommodate an electric shower and that you have the correct size cable for your shower unit.
First, mark the position of the fixing holes and drill them. Then, connect the inlet pipe and electric cable to the shower unit, ensuring the connections are secure. Fit the cable to the unit by connecting the live and neutral cores to the load terminals and the earth core to the earth terminal. Place the cover on the unit and screw it in place. Finally, fit the rail and hose, and test the shower to ensure it is functioning correctly.
The cost of fitting an electric shower unit can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the installation, your location, and whether additional electrical or plumbing work is required. Basic electric shower units can start at around £50, while more advanced models can range from £100 to £300 or more. Getting an electric shower professionally installed typically costs between £150 and £300, but this can increase to £700 for high-end units.
