Umair Gaines
Electric showers are one of the most popular types of showers on the market in England. They can be installed in any bathroom and are known for their versatility. Electric showers heat water on demand, using electricity and a cold water supply, rather than relying on a boiler or hot water tank. They are an efficient way to shower, offering the potential for energy and water savings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | Can be installed in any bathroom |
| Water heating | Heats water on demand using electricity |
| Hot water supply | Does not rely on a hot water connection |
| Cold water supply | Connects to the cold water supply |
| Temperature | Has safety functions to prevent overheating |
| Temperature control | Thermostatic temperature control allows for tailored water temperature |
| Water pressure | Does not rely on water pressure |
| Energy efficiency | Potential to save energy and reduce energy bills |
| Water efficiency | Potential to save water and reduce water bills |
| Wattage | Generally range from 7.5 kW to 10.8 kW |
| Flow rate | Typically between 3 l/min and 8 l/min |
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How they work
Electric showers are boxes installed on the wall of a bathroom. They are versatile and can be installed in almost any bathroom, regardless of the plumbing system. They are powered by electricity and heat their own water, without relying on a boiler or hot water supply.
Electric showers connect directly to the cold water supply and heat water on demand, just like a kettle. Each shower has its own heating element inside its own tank. Cold water flows past the heating element, warming up to a temperature set by the user. The temperature of the water is controlled by varying the speed at which the water runs over the heating element. This is why electric showers have multiple power settings, in addition to temperature settings.
The kW rating of an electric shower determines how quickly it can heat water. They typically range from 7.5 kW to 10.8 kW. A higher wattage will generally result in a warmer shower with better water flow and pressure. However, higher kW showers require thicker cables and a higher fuse capacity. They also cost more to buy and run.
The flow rate of an electric shower is primarily based on the energy rating of its heating element. It is also affected by the incoming water temperature and the desired temperature set by the user. Flow rates for electric showers typically range between 3 l/min and 8 l/min.
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Cost-effectiveness
Electric showers in England are popular because they provide on-demand hot water, making them a cost-effective and energy-efficient choice for many homes. They are also ideal for households where hot water demand from multiple sources can be challenging. Unlike other shower systems that rely on a boiler or tank, electric showers heat water directly from the mains supply, ensuring a steady supply regardless of other simultaneous water usage in the home.
The cost of running an electric shower is influenced by several factors, including the shower's power rating, the duration of usage, and local electricity rates. A more powerful shower will heat water more quickly but will consume more electricity, leading to higher running costs. Similarly, the longer your showers, the higher your electricity bill will be. Therefore, reducing shower time and being aware of peak and off-peak rates can help manage costs effectively.
Electric showers come in different power ratings, typically ranging from 7.5 kW to 10.5 kW. The power rating of the shower dictates the flow rate of hot water. For example, a 9 kW shower uses 9 kilowatt-hours of energy if run for a full hour. However, most people don't shower for an entire hour. Assuming a 15-minute shower, you would use roughly a quarter of that energy, or 2.25 kWh. Over a month, this would result in an energy consumption of about 67.5 kWh and 810 kWh for the year.
The cost of electricity varies by region and provider, but in the UK, the cost per kWh can be used to calculate the cost of running an electric shower. For example, at a rate of 24.5p per kWh, a 15-minute shower would cost around 35p in electricity. When you include the cost of water, this brings the total to 60p per shower for an electric shower. In comparison, a gas shower would cost around 34p for the same duration. Therefore, while electric showers offer convenience and immediate hot water, they may be more expensive to run than traditional gas-heated showers.
To enhance the cost-effectiveness of electric showers, selecting the right model and employing strategies to minimise energy use are crucial. Some modern electric showers come with an eco-mode setting that uses less power to heat the water, resulting in significant savings over time. Additionally, keeping showers under 10 minutes can reduce water and electricity costs by up to a third. Shower timers and low-flow shower heads are also useful tools to monitor and reduce water and energy usage, contributing to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly showering experience.
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Installation
Installing an electric shower requires careful planning and execution, and it is recommended that you hire a qualified plumber or electrician to carry out the installation. However, if you are confident in your DIY skills, you may be able to install it yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install an electric shower:
Planning:
Before purchasing an electric shower, it is essential to research and ensure that the shower you choose fits your bathroom and is compatible with your electricity supply and plumbing. Electric showers require a significant amount of electricity, so you need to consider other electrical appliances in your property and their power loads. Items such as kettles, washing machines, ovens, and hobs use large power loads, and you need to ensure your electrical setup can accommodate the shower.
Preparing the Pipework and Electrical Supply:
If you are replacing an old electric shower, there might already be a pipe in place, and the electricity cables and water supply pipe will be roughly in the right place. However, if this is a new installation, you will need to locate an appropriate access point for water and electricity connections on the wall where the shower will be installed. Ensure that the water supply to the shower is isolated by turning off the isolation valve.
Drilling and Fixing:
Hold the shower unit against the wall and mark the positions of the fixing holes with a pencil. Remove the shower unit and drill holes for the screws and wall plugs. Place the wall plugs into the holes and apply silicone sealant. Drill a separate hole for the electric cable and run the cable from the unit to the ceiling-mounted cord switch, ensuring it is not fitted in electrical zones 1 or 2.
Connecting the Shower:
Loosely screw the shower unit into place and connect it to the water supply pipe. Ensure that the shower unit covers any holes. Once the water pipe is connected, firmly screw the shower unit into place. Connect the hose to the unit and then attach the showerhead.
Final Checks:
Before using the shower, ensure that a qualified electrician has checked over the installation. The electrician should make the final connection from the shower unit's circuit to the consumer unit and ensure that the shower is connected to an RCD (Residual Current Device).
Please note that local authorities' building control departments must be notified before installing electric showers, and specific regulations and certifications are required for the installation process.
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Safety
Electric showers are a popular choice in England, offering instant hot water without relying on a boiler or hot water tank. They are generally considered safe, but there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is crucial to have an electric shower installed by an Electrically Competent Person. Bathrooms are considered "special locations" for electrical work due to the inherent dangers of mixing water and electricity. As such, it is essential to ensure that the installation complies with building regulations and electrical regulations. This includes connecting the shower to an independent electrical circuit directly from the consumer unit and using a 45-amp pull switch.
Secondly, electric showers should have built-in safety functions to prevent scalding. These include a safety cut-out feature, a safety stop function, and a high-temperature cap. These functions ensure that the water temperature remains consistent and prevent it from overheating, reducing the risk of injury.
Thirdly, regular maintenance and cleaning are important for safety. It is recommended to have a qualified electrician or plumber service the electric shower annually to ensure it adheres to safety standards and extends its lifespan. Additionally, keeping the shower head and hose clean from limescale and debris is crucial, as build-up can affect water flow and temperature control.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the power rating and cable size when installing an electric shower. A higher kilowatt rating generally provides better water flow and quicker heating, but it also requires thicker cables and a larger fuse capacity. If replacing an existing shower, the cables may need to be upgraded to accommodate a more powerful shower.
Lastly, electric showers should not be sealed to the wall. Spacers should be used to allow ventilation around the unit, preventing condensation and overheating, which can damage internal components.
By following these safety guidelines and seeking professional installation and maintenance, electric showers can be a safe and convenient option for hot water in England.
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Water pressure requirements
Electric showers in England are popular as they can be installed in any bathroom, regardless of the plumbing system. They heat water on demand, using electricity and a cold water supply, rather than relying on a hot water connection.
The water pressure requirements of an electric shower depend on the existing water pressure in your home. If you have a low-pressure system, an electric shower can provide decent water pressure. However, if you have a gravity-fed hot water tank, you may find that an electric shower is not powerful enough, and you may need to install a shower pump to increase the pressure.
The kW rating of an electric shower affects the water pressure and temperature. A higher kW rating generally provides warmer water with better flow and pressure. For example, a 10.8 kW shower will require thicker cables and a higher fuse capacity than a 7.5 kW shower. The flow rate of an electric shower is also influenced by the energy rating of the heating element and the temperature of the incoming water.
Calculating the required water pressure for an electric shower can be done using the formula: Flow rate (litres/minute) = 14.3 * kW rating / Temperature rise (deg C). For instance, for a 7.5 kW shower and a desired temperature of 39 degrees C, the flow rate would be 2.75 litres per minute.
It is important to consider the water pressure requirements when choosing an electric shower to ensure it meets your needs and is compatible with your existing plumbing system.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric shower is a box on the wall that can be installed in almost any bathroom. It powers and heats its own water, regardless of your plumbing system. It connects to your cold water supply and uses electricity to heat the water on demand.
Electric showers have their own heating element in their own tank. Cold water flows past this heating element, warming up to a temperature that the user has set. The speed at which the water runs over the element determines the temperature. This is why electric showers have power settings in addition to temperature settings.
Electric showers are versatile and can be used in most homes. They offer instant hot water and the potential for energy savings as they only heat the water you use. They also maintain their temperature and water pressure even if someone else turns on a tap.
