Connecting Shower circuit.

[Bald Rick]

Hi, I hope one (or more) of you guys can give me some advice.

I am installing an electric shower and have so far installed the shower unit and run 10mm cable to the CU location. I have the manufacturers recommended RCD, but this is where I need some advice.

The CU and RCD are made by Proteuss, the former being reasonably old. If I were to fit the RCD into the CU, the buzz bar will interfere with the line side neutral connection. What would be the safest method on installation? If an electrician is required (to install a Henly block, if required), and given that the CU is wall mounted with unrestricted access, how much work is generally involved? I realise that you can't give me an idea of the labour costs involved.

Thankyou.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You cannot install the RCD into the CU, except possibly as a replacement for the main incomer, but this may not be a good idea.

If the RCD is to be used just for the shower circuit then it can go into a separate enclosure next to the CU, with the incoming cable coming from the CU.

Which leads onto the next topic - you haven't mentioned the MCB. Is it going to be in the CU, or is that also going to be external to it, in which case the supply will need to be isolated, and the tails split using a henley block, and a mini-CU fitted with the RCD and MCB in it.

The other problem that you will have is that you've already done some of the work - installing the shower and running the cable. All of this work is notifiable, and any electrician that you get is going to have to accept responsibility for all of it. Please don't be surprised if you cannot find anybody who is prepared to do that.

 

[Bald Rick]

Hi

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, to clarify, the MCB is indeed located in the CU. I was aware of the notification required, but wanted to have everything in place in order to save on cost. I was intending to get an electrician to do a periodic inspection of the property and at the same time connect the shower circuit. Your point about finding an electician to validate the installation is a good one. As the wiring is highly accessible, I am hoping I will not have too much trouble in this instance, but thanks for the comment.

One last question if I may, when connecting the CU to the RCD (in it's enclosure), would the same (10mm) cable be suitable?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I was aware of the notification required, but wanted to have everything in place in order to save on cost.

Not sure what you mean. Whether you notify is up to you, but if you do, there is nothing you can do to to reduce the cost - LABC fees are fixed.

I was intending to get an electrician to do a periodic inspection of the property and at the same time connect the shower circuit.

If you think that will meet the requirements of the LABC in conjunction with notification you will almost certainly be sadly disappointed.

One last question if I may, when connecting the CU to the RCD (in it's enclosure), would the same (10mm) cable be suitable?

Yup.

 

[Igorian]

Use some old cable and say it's been there for ages.

Edit. Would you like some