consumer unit getting hot

[ephellova]

I've tracked it down to the shower breaker. I've a Triton t80i and when it's running the consumer unit gets hot and the wire that's a bit blackened from the heat is the shower one.
The shower is a about 10 years old and we've not noticed a problem with heat/smell before.
The house was rewired about the same time the shower was fitted.
My guess is that shower is on it's last legs and drawing too much current.
Any help will be gratefully received, thank you.

 

[MasterAbacus]

What size breaker is the shower on?

Cable thickness?

Any pictures?

Could be a problem with shower, but could also be a problem with wiring.

 

[ephellova]

only get hots when the shower is running[/img]

 

[ephellova]

sent pics to site admin to upload.
pretty sure the breaker is a 32

 

[dingbat]

overloaded then, possibly with loose terminations.

Get it seen to asap - it's a potential fire risk.

 

[ephellova]

overloaded with what, the shower drawing current like I thought?
I tightened the screws in the unit.

 

[dingbat]

It's possible it has always been overloaded and you've only recently noticed. A 32 A cb is only good for a 7.5kW shower...

 

[ephellova]

in which case, can I buy a bigger CB as the shower may be ok?

 

[dingbat]

The only responsible advice I can give you is to get an electrician to look at it; there are other things to consider before you start changing breakers. But, yes, this may be possible.

 

[JohnD]

picture! picture!

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=99672

 

[bengasman]

Mmmmh. Lets see. I am standing with my bare feet in the water and I know there is something odd with my electricity supply to this shower. Shall I pay a hundred quid for a proper electrician or risk my life and do some diy? Get a proper sparky to have a look at it and ask him to quote you for installing an rcbo in stead of an mcd while he is at it. I would be confident offering double or nothing on the basis or your bonding not being quite up to spec either.