Electric Shower

[sarbay]

Hi, can anyone tell me what KW shower to buy? I am not sure the size of electrical cable that has been installed. How will I know the size of the cable?
I have a 8.5 kw shower at the moment, but would like to upgrade to 9.5 or 10.5 if possible.
Many Thanks Dave

 

[EFLImpudence]

You will need to determine the size of the conductors.

See here //www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:flatpvccables

and what rating is the shower fuse/circuit breaker?

 

[sarbay]

Hi, It says BS 6004 on the cable. Does this tell you what size the cable is?
Thanks Dave

 

[WabbitPoo]

Do you mind if I ask why you are looking to upgrade?

The reason I ask is, I have made the mistake in the past of thinking that a bigger kW shower will give me a better shower - IMHO, they don't. If you are expecting a power shower or something, I think you'll be disappointed.

Just trying to help.

 

[sarbay]

Hi Wabbitpoo, The 8.5 kw shower I have at the moment doesn't get very hot especially in winter when the temp drops, that's the reason for a higher kw shower.
Thanks Dave

 

[Lectrician]

A 6mm cable will typical have a single core earth (2.5mm).
A 10mm cable will typically have a stranded earth cable (4mm).

A larger shower will provide higher flow rates, and better winter performance when the cold mains is cold. I have a 10.8kw, and can happily use it on medium in the summer. It allows a decent flow of water. Nowhere near a mixer type shower, you would never achieve that.