DIY removal of shower circuit...?

[amfisted]

Evening all

Back in March I posted a question about removing an electric shower circuit during a bathroom refurb. I had the usual helpful replies but although the refurb is done, the shower circuit survives, with the cable currently terminated in a block in the loft.

Today I read a discussion from 2009 where a regular contributor responded to a similar enquiry from someone who asked if it would be OK for a DIYer to disconnect the shower circuit at the CU. The answer came back yes, because legislation covers installation not disconnection.

I'm willing to have a go at doing this myself and indeed the regular contributor mentioned above went through the steps of the process to disconnect the circuit at the CU. I just wanted to check whether the situation with the legislation is the same before I consider tackling the job myself.

Unless anyone here thinks that might be unwise?

 

[pete01]

Would a socket in the loft be of any use?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Legislation does not govern the removal of a circuit. Basic safety does though.

Use safe isolation procedures using a confirmed working volt meter. Turn off the MAIN SWITCH of the consumer unit and confirm that power has been removed from all circuits.
Be aware that, although the main switch is off, there are still live wires connected to parts of the main switch.
Remove the live, neutral and earth conductors of the old circuit, and insulate the ends so that they cannot connect to something live in the future. You don’t need to remove the MCB - better if you don’t or you’ll have to take out the live busbar and get a blank. Mark the breaker as SPARE.

 

[Murdochcat]

I was taught that such cables could and often should remain connected to the earth bar of the CU, with the live and neutral disconnected and made safe within the CU

Or fit a 13A socket as suggested above

 

[EFLImpudence]

I was taught that such cables could and often should remain connected to the earth bar of the CU, with the live and neutral disconnected and made safe within the CU.

If left in situ all conductors should be connected to the earth bar.

 

[accelerator]

Unless anyone here thinks that might be unwise?

My view is that a fully qualified electrician should be doing it.

If you want to do things like this, then get electrical qualifications.

 

[endecotp]

Do you intend to remove the cable from the CU?

Have you looked inside your CU? Is it neat and tidy, or a nightmare rat’s nest of wires? (Post a photo.)

Is the shower MCB near the main switch?

 

[amfisted]

Thanks for the replies.

I fully understand the argument that although there may be no legislative impediment to DIY circuit removal, common sense and considerations of personal safety weigh heavily in favour of calling in a professional. So on further reflection, that’s what I’ll do, though how long it’ll take to get a spark to respond to a request for what is a relatively minor job is another question.

 

[sparkwright]

Just stick a 13amp double socket on the end of it in the loft.

 

[amfisted]

Just stick a 13amp double socket on the end of it in the loft.

Yes, having originally dismissed that solution then literally within the last few minutes having thought about it again, I’m now more rather drawn towards the idea. Is it legal to mount a socket on timber, or would it need to be installed on the brick wall of the gable end?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yes, having originally dismissed that solution then literally within the last few minutes having thought about it again, I’m now more rather drawn towards the idea. Is it legal to mount a socket on timber, or would it need to be installed on the brick wall of the gable end?

Providing it is mounted on a proper back box ( eg patress), you can mount it anywhere.

 

[lostinthelight]

If it's an electric shower supply isn't the cable likely to be too thick for a normal 15A socket.
If it were me I'd terminate in a surface mounted cooker outlet or similar switched device.just in case of second thoughts....in fact I did the same 10 years ago and have recently utilised to supply an outbuilding.

 

[robinbanks]

My view is that a fully qualified electrician should be doing it

It's a simple operation well within the capabilities of a competent DIYer; "if you think you can, you can.."

If you think you can't..

considerations of personal safety

If I said to you "I've stood on the plug on this TV, and broken it; can you change it?" would you say yes? There isn't anything more to this job than that; you're putting somewhere between two and three wires into holes and turning screws so as to trap them

Of the two options offered I would opt for the "disable the circuit by putting the live and neutral cores into the earth bus bar in the CU" route, as the cable will likely be a 6 to 10mm cross sectional area and wiring a socket onto the end of it would be a little tricky

If you wouldn't change a plug on a telly, and you know a competent handyman who would/be willing it's the sort of task they can do if you aren't keen

 

[amfisted]

If it's an electric shower supply isn't the cable likely to be too thick for a normal 15A socket.
If it were me I'd terminate in a surface mounted cooker outlet or similar switched device.just in case of second thoughts....in fact I did the same 10 years ago and have recently utilised to supply an outbuilding.

Must admit, the neutral wire is pretty hefty, though the live and earth less so. But I'll give the double socket plan a shot, if only for reasons of cost.

 

[amfisted]

It's a simple operation well within the capabilities of a competent DIYer; "if you think you can, you can.."

If you think you can't..

I've moved sockets, I've installed spurs and outdoor sockets and I've changed light fittings, I've fitted bathroom fans and done other fairly minor bits and pieces. But putting my hands anywhere near the CU does feel like a step up. I'll stick with the socket idea, but thanks.