I need to replace my MCB to my Shower to a larger type. I have no RCD units. If i replace the MCB, do i have to also install and RCD (Have to get Electrician to do this). How does Part P relate to this as it's already installed some time ago, although i have no certs. I would use a PART P electrician to do the work, i just want an idea in advance of what my choices are. Thanks.
Electric Shower trips the MCB do i need an RCD unit also?
- Thread starter wilburwilbur
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Need more info.
The MCB protects the cable. So before you up the MCB we need to know the size of the cable. Also tell us the rating of the shower (in KW) and the rating of the current MCB.
Ideally showers should be RCD protected, but I dont think its nessecary to retrofit them when simply changing an MCB. If thats all thats required. Which it probably isnt. Unfortunately. Sorry.
Has the shower always tripped this MCB?
Ideally showers should be RCD protected, but I dont think its nessecary to retrofit them when simply changing an MCB. If thats all thats required. Which it probably isnt. Unfortunately. Sorry.
Has the shower always tripped this MCB?
The cable size is 10mm, the power of the shower is 10.5Kw distance is about 10-15M from MCB to the Shower. I'm just asking that when the Electrician comes to do the job, do i have to have an RCD fitted?
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It's difficult to answer without seeing your installation to comment on whether your existing set-up is to standard or not.
What size MCB is it?
There are other issues, such as whether the board can take the current (old Wylex boards cannot), are the tails and main fuse big enough, have you had PEB's (and SEB's if necessary) fitted. The list goes on.
It is notifiable work.
Manufacturer's instructions say use RCD.
Regs say follow Mfr's instructions.
Also, you say the cable size is 10mm, but it needs to be at least 10mm².
What size MCB is it?
There are other issues, such as whether the board can take the current (old Wylex boards cannot), are the tails and main fuse big enough, have you had PEB's (and SEB's if necessary) fitted. The list goes on.
It is notifiable work.
Manufacturer's instructions say use RCD.
Regs say follow Mfr's instructions.
Also, you say the cable size is 10mm, but it needs to be at least 10mm².
When i stated 10 mm of course i meant 10mm2. Look, i do not need an overview of the install. I have no Manufacturers instructions. I'm getting a qualified PART P spark to do the work, ALL i wanted to know is - if all else is OK & it's the MCB (32A) needs to be increased - do i also need to get him to put an RCD in the shower circuit also? I do not want to spend extra money at this time, if i have'nt got to & if it's not required, i'm OK with that.
Hmmm water + electricity & no RCD protection = I’ll use the bath thanks!
If you’re happy to use use an electric shower without RCD protection then quite frankly you’re mental!
If your shower has no RCD protection then your installation is likely to be of an age where further remedial work may be necessary. So to answer your question it’s highly unlikely that an electrician will be happy to just "swap" the MCB for a higher rating as any new work needs to be carried out to the new standards. The only way you'll know for sure is to call someone out to have a look and give you a quotation for the works.
If you’re happy to use use an electric shower without RCD protection then quite frankly you’re mental!
If your shower has no RCD protection then your installation is likely to be of an age where further remedial work may be necessary. So to answer your question it’s highly unlikely that an electrician will be happy to just "swap" the MCB for a higher rating as any new work needs to be carried out to the new standards. The only way you'll know for sure is to call someone out to have a look and give you a quotation for the works.
If an electrician changes the mcb then he/she will have to bring that circuit upto 17th edition regs by installing an rcd or rcbo
Ps there's no such thing as a part p spark, part p is part of building regs and anyone can read them and take an exam, ensure your spark is qualified and a member of niceic/napit etc as this work is notifiable
Ps there's no such thing as a part p spark, part p is part of building regs and anyone can read them and take an exam, ensure your spark is qualified and a member of niceic/napit etc as this work is notifiable
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Of course.
A quick look through the threads about shower cable size here and you will see lots where the OP has written 10mm in response to being asked the cable size, having measured its width.
I appreciate you're short of money but either do the job properly or not at all.
I didn't say you had any mfrs instructions. I said if the mfrs instructions say fit an RCD, that is what you must do.
You are also very vague about what work you will get your electrician to do.
I thought you wanted an idea of what your choices were?
I thought I'd help by letting you know that the job may be more involved (and therefore more costly) than you initially thought.
Obviously I was wrong. Or maybe you're just ungrateful and bad tempered to people who try to help you when you've asked for help....
I'm very thankful for everyone that has taken the time to read and answer my question. I think i will ask the electrician to do what is best. By Part P spark i meant a domestic spark qualified to do part P work & self certify. Thanks.
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