FITTING NEW SHOWER....IS IT EASY?

[Annetteowen]

Hello knowledgeable ones! Is it possible to remove my old unattractive electric shower, and easily replace it with a new one?
Any answers/advice appreciated

 

[1john]

If the cabling is correct, and the suppy, and the opd, and you have RCD protection, and the wiring lines up, and the pipework lines up then yes, it is simples!

 

[ericmark]

Although Part P allows for like for like replacement there has been a tendency to move to using bigger and bigger units and it is very easy to replace a shower with one too big for the existing wiring.

In theory the MCB or fuse supplying the shower should be selected to match the cable size and if a larger shower is fitted it should just trip out. However in practice people have fitted MCB/Fuse that was handy and have paid little or no attention of the correct selection.

Because of the high currents electric showers use there is a real fire danger if the shower is too big for the cable.

There is also the electric shock consideration and now everything in a bathroom should be on RCD protection.

If an electrician fits a shower he should test the RCD not only pressing built in test button but with a special meter which measures the time to ensure it will trip in 40ms. He will also measure earth loop impedance, and insulation resistance and check the cable is the right size for the shower.

One would hope everything would pass and it would be an easy job but although all houses should be tested every 10 years or change of occupant which every shorter this is often missed. So DIY work can go unchecked for many years and often RCD protection is non existent.

So if you know the shower was fitted by a good professionally electrician then swapping for another shower of same size should not be too hard. If however you don't know who fitted the shower in first place and have not had the system checked in last few years then likely you would be a lot safer not DIY'ing this job.

 

[morg]

And theres me getting anilated for advice on fitting an outdoor socket



For me personally I can see a diy'ed shower alot more dangerous than an outdoor socket. But maybe I'm just an idiot.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You weren't "annihilated".

You were fitting a new external socket, with new cabling and an external junction box. You were unsure of what cable type to use, you were unsure of the rules on spurs, you were unsure about the installation techniques required and you didn't see the need to test your new additions and outlet.

Annette has been advised that as long as everything is OK with the existing circuit she can swap one appliance for another of the same rating.

Not the same thing at all.

 

[morg]

Fair enough.

So does Part P say you can replace an existing shower (of the same rating) without the need to notify LABC?

 

[MalcofArabia]

Fair enough.

So does Part P say you can replace an existing shower (of the same rating) without the need to notify LABC?

The only time Part P mentions a shower is in the context of the room which contains one.

What Part does say that if your replacing an accessory like for like, i.e a shower, and that there is no need to alter the existing circuit, then you do not need to notify LABC.

Now there as always been arguments that because the changing of the shower is in a special location, and if that circuit in the location is not RCD protected then you should change the Protection device. Then in that case you have to notify the LABC

To me it is a mute point, I for one would fit an RCD and so inform the LABC or get an electrician to do it for you that is part of a competent scheme.

I may be wrong here as I don't have a copy of the Part P with me, and I hope one of the other guys can put me right if i'm wrong, changing a like for like accessory, even in a shower room, does not require either fitting a RCD to replace the existing protection device and therefore is not notifiable. I think you only have to change the protection device if you alter the fixed installation.

Personally as I said if the shower wasn't RCD protected then i'd make sure it was.

 

[skenk]

Usually when replacing an old shower the client wants a more powerful model so RCD'ing and re-cabling is often required, it's no bad thing because you end up with a safer, up-to-date installation (as well as a more powerful shower).

 

[SUNRAY]

Fair enough.

So does Part P say you can replace an existing shower (of the same rating) without the need to notify LABC?

The only time Part P mentions a shower is in the context of the room which contains one.

What Part does say that if your replacing an accessory like for like, i.e a shower, and that there is no need to alter the existing circuit, then you do not need to notify LABC.

Now there as always been arguments that because the changing of the shower is in a special location, and if that circuit in the location is not RCD protected then you should change the Protection device. Then in that case you have to notify the LABC

To me it is a mute point, I for one would fit an RCD and so inform the LABC or get an electrician to do it for you that is part of a competent scheme.

I may be wrong here as I don't have a copy of the Part P with me, and I hope one of the other guys can put me right if i'm wrong, changing a like for like accessory, even in a shower room, does not require either fitting a RCD to replace the existing protection device and therefore is not notifiable. I think you only have to change the protection device if you alter the fixed installation.

Personally as I said if the shower wasn't RCD protected then i'd make sure it was.

And surely changing the shower unit is altering the fixed circuit. I believe that doing any work on any circuit means that it must be brought up to latest regs, in this example checking and updating the protection if required.

 

[dingbat]

I believe that doing any work on any circuit means that it must be brought up to latest regs...

You may believe what you wish.

Whilst your belief may be admirable, it may not always be practicable and is not always required by the regulations.

Have a read of the introduction on page 4.

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

Hi Annette,

It could be a very easy job, so easy, even a plumber could do it

However, as others have illustrated, it really does depend on what is currently installed and what you intend to replace it with (thinking power ratings).
Also, some showers allow cables and pipes to enter the shower box in different ways. Some replacements will drop straight on, some may need the services moving a bit.
A bit more detail would probably get you a clearer answer...

Whether it is a necessity to add RCD protection is an almost guaranteed to get an arguement on this forum, but if you ask me, regs or not, i would always advise a customer to have a shower covered by an RCD. Safety first, safety second an all that good stuff...

BTW, as you were happy to post a pic of you using the lamp we spoke about last time, any chance of one of you using....

( oh, im feeling a bit giddy and light-headed )

 

[Taylortwocities]

Ahh its Annette of the Ceiling Rose hello!

OK, we need a photo of you using the old shower so we can identify one or two essentials.......

 

[MalcofArabia]

Ahh its Annette of the Ceiling Rose hello!

OK, we need a photo of you using the old shower so we can identify one or two essentials.......

Steady as she goes lads