shower switch burning out

[shiznit76]

hi, it was updated about 6 months before issues started

 

[winston1]

Note that the only time you need to switch off the shower isolation switch is when you want to work on the shower. There is no need to turn it off after every shower.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Note that the only time you need to switch off the shower isolation switch is when you want to work on the shower. There is no need to turn it off after every shower.

Doesn't matter - it's not on-load switching that is causing the switch to burn out, it's the fact that the current through it is over twice what it is designed to cope with.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

hi, it was updated about 6 months before issues started

Assuming it was a more powerful one, what numpty did that without checking that the circuit was suitable for the increased load?

 

[endecotp]

As others have said, the switch is clearly massively under-spec for the shower. It must have been fitted by an idiot.

You should assume that the rest of the shower installation, and possibly other things elsewhere in the house, have also been bodged dangerously. In particular, please check that the cable that connects the shower to this switch and then the switch to the consumer unit is sufficient large to carry the required current. (If you can find an exposed length of cable you might be able to read some sort of description of the cable. If not, you'll need some way to measure its dimensions, ideally the dimensions of the copper conductor itself.)

 

[ban-all-sheds]

As others have said, the switch is clearly massively under-spec for the shower. It must have been fitted by an idiot.

I would have said "Or left in place by an idiot who put a 44A shower on it" were it not for the fact that a 20A switch is not man enough for even the smallest electric shower.

You should assume that the rest of the shower installation, and possibly other things elsewhere in the house, have also been bodged dangerously. In particular, please check that the cable that connects the shower to this switch and then the switch to the consumer unit is sufficient large to carry the required current.