Do Electric showers have to be RCD protected?

[mdbalson]

It would have to be in mini trunking as the only to run a new cable is surface mounted up by the ceiling.

 

[securespark]

In which case you have to consider the reduced CCC of the cable due to IM.

 

[scousespark]

Why has your neighbour called you in? Is there a problem with the shower? Have you considered fitting a separate shower CCU?
If you fit a new CU, you take responsibility for the existing installation.

What is the shower rating, and what cable is in place that is being used for the shower?

 

[mdbalson]

Why has your neighbour called you in?

To put in some sockets in her Conservatre, replace her two 12v lights in the bathroom as the current ones are not working, put in a socket in the room were the freezer is, put up a PIR Floodlight by the front door, check the current electrical installation to make sure that it is safe, & to set up her wireless access point for her laptop.

Is there a problem with the shower?

Yes no RCD protection

Have you considered fitting a separate shower CCU?

Yes but I was going to replace the CCU, so that there is RCD protection on the sockets, & the shower.

If you fit a new CU, you take responsibility for the existing installation.

I was going to do insulation tests on all the circuits, & Contentate tests on the Up & Downstairs Ring circuits.

What is the shower rating, and what cable is in place that is being used for the shower?

I will check when I am next over there.

How do you know what the size of the cable is

 

[scousespark]

MDB, your posts indicate you are on the 2330 level2 course.
If so, you are nowhere near ready for this job. Determining whether an installation is safe requires in depth knowledge together with experience. I don't think you have either yet.

You've mentioned insulation test, but no others. Whata does Contentate tests on the Up & Downstairs Ring circuits' mean?
Do you know how to carry out the tests and how to interpret the results? I asked this in relation to your shed but you never answered.


The regs don't require an RCD, but the manufacturer will recommend one.

The chances of an old cooker circuit being big enough to handle a modern shower would be slim (unless it's a very small shower). You also have the issue of joining the cable, which introduces a point of weakness into the circuit. Don't forget correction factors when you size tha cable.

oh, and you measure the conductor to see how big it is.

 

[scousespark]

This job is completely different to rewiring your shed MDB.
Your shed was your own property and as such you could do pretty musch as you wanted. This is a larger project in somebody else's house.

Don't just jump in and post questions every few weeks.

 

[scousespark]

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but am interested to know what happened to this job (in light of MDBs current post).

 

[securespark]

Nothing worse in my view than an electric shower on a BS3036 with no RCD protection usually 6mm cable and they have installed a 9.5kw to replace the old one.
Then you get the "its worked fine for years" response when you tell the owner the wiring needs to be upgraded.

Yeah and my instant retort is "It may have worked for 40 years, but it's been unsafe for 40 years!"

 

[scousespark]

I like the way MDB just throws in "I'm going to replace the CCU" in his posts. We all know changing a board is a doddle - you switch off the power, disconnect the cables in the box, take it off the wall and fit the new box, then connect the cables up and switch on. Job done and it only takes a few minutes.

I'm sure his neighbour is aware that he's part qualified and is using these jobs to gain a bit of experience. To quote Dirty Harry 'a man oughtta know his limitations'.