I recently upgraded my electric shower to a 10.5 kW model from an 8.5kW. After about 5 minutes it trips out the MCB.
Having investigated this further it appears that the old shower unit was connected to an MCB that was not suitable for the load placed on it. The old shower was connected to a 30Amp MCB which meant that the system was always running close to the MCB's upper tolerance.
I did some calculations (P=VI) to see what current each unit would draw and the old shower running at 8.5kW unit running at 240V would draw ~35.4 Amps and the new 10.5 Unit running at 240V will require about 43.8 Amps therefore I need at least a 45A MCB to take this current.
I have checked that the cable is 10mm2 to be safe and I have the following questions:
There seems to be no branding on the consumer unit but do MCB's come in a standardized fitting. I have seen numerous references to Type B so can I just buy a 45 or 50 Amp MCB and replace it in the consumer unit.
Can I just replace the MCB in the consumer unit with a 45A or a 50 Amp MCB. Which would you recommend.
Do the new building regulations in Jan 2005 affect me if I just want to uprate the MCB.
Having investigated this further it appears that the old shower unit was connected to an MCB that was not suitable for the load placed on it. The old shower was connected to a 30Amp MCB which meant that the system was always running close to the MCB's upper tolerance.
I did some calculations (P=VI) to see what current each unit would draw and the old shower running at 8.5kW unit running at 240V would draw ~35.4 Amps and the new 10.5 Unit running at 240V will require about 43.8 Amps therefore I need at least a 45A MCB to take this current.
I have checked that the cable is 10mm2 to be safe and I have the following questions:
There seems to be no branding on the consumer unit but do MCB's come in a standardized fitting. I have seen numerous references to Type B so can I just buy a 45 or 50 Amp MCB and replace it in the consumer unit.
Can I just replace the MCB in the consumer unit with a 45A or a 50 Amp MCB. Which would you recommend.
Do the new building regulations in Jan 2005 affect me if I just want to uprate the MCB.