earth query

[gaz1882]

I have removed an old electric shower and about to fit a new one.

The electrics come directly through the wall, and have an earth wire.

I am slightly concerned that this earth cable is not connected, as when i removed the old bath (situated directly below the old shower unit), an earthing cable was there, but only connecting the bath pipes to the sink pipes, and then to the radiator pipes.
I can find no evidence that the earthing wire round the bathroom is connected to the earth wire in the wall that was connected to the old shower.

any advice?

 

[JohnD]

connect it

the earth wire in the shower cable must be connected to the earth terminal in the shower. Additionally, the various metal pipes must be connected to the earth wire of all the electrical circuits that enter the bathroom. this is called Supplementary Bonding, and it is thoroughly explained in
//www.diynot.com/wiki/electric...l_bonding:supplementary_equipotential_bonding

For neatness, it is often possible to connect your bonding at the ceiling switch, and run the cable in the ceiling, bringing it down in a plumbing duct or through the airing cupboard. Bonding clamps must be accessible for inspection and maintenance. When running supplementary bonding, there is an advantage in running it from point to point in a single length, stripping off the insulation at the clamps. This gives fewer joints and means that if one should come loose or be pulled off, all the others are still connected.

If you have an airing cupboard inside or adjacent to the bathroom, it is permitted to fit the supplementary bonding there, just as the pipes go through the wall. This can be neater than having them on show in the bathroom.

Earthing and bonding are simple DIY jobs and are not notifiable.