help replacing 9.5kw electric shower with 10.5kw shower

[terrynw3]

My old shower needs replacing . I want to replace it like for like , however now i have discovered there is two versions (9.5kw and 10.5kw) and i am having trouble finding out what the kw is on the existing shower?.

I have looked at the fuse board which has a B40a fuse swithch and the RCD has 40a with 230v marked on it . The cable coming into the RCD is 16mm.

I am wondering is this set up ok to purchase the 10.5kw shower or am i best sticking to the 9.5kw?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

The cable size sounds ample for either 9.5 or 10.5k but the 10.5k will need a higher fuse rating to operate to optimum.

 

[aptsys]

The cable coming into the RCD is 16mm.

What about the cable coming out?

 

[terrynw3]

The cable coming into the RCD is 16mm.

What about the cable coming out?

The cable coming out of the RCD is 16mm to however it is split (ie the red , black and green/ yellow are going of to different areas of the fuse box. It was working fine with old shower never any probs just curious as to if the 10.5kw is an option?

 

[aptsys]

What is the cross sectional area of the shower cable though?

 

[terrynw3]

The cable size sounds ample for either 9.5 or 10.5k but the 10.5k will need a higher fuse rating to operate to optimum.

Thanks for reply , listen i am wondering (without sounding stupid) when ya say the fuse ya mean the switch? . Also if the is upgraded will the RCD need changing to?

 

[terrynw3]

What is the cross sectional area of the shower cable though?

sorry m8 , i am not sure what ya mean?

 

[Spark123]

The cable to the RCD might be 16mm but the cable from the RCD to the shower may be smaller.
At present with a 40A MCB the most you can have is a 9.5kw shower.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What is the cross sectional area of the shower cable though?

sorry m8 , i am not sure what ya mean?

That's a bit worrying - you seem certain that it's a 16mm cable, but don't know what that size refers to.

What do you mean by "16mm"?


//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:flatpvccables

 

[terrynw3]

What is the cross sectional area of the shower cable though?

sorry m8 , i am not sure what ya mean?

That's a bit worrying - you seem certain that it's a 16mm cable, but don't know what that size refers to.

What do you mean by "16mm"?

I had measured the cable from sided to side and it is 16mm . I am not looking to do the job myself i dont have the know how. I am just trying to decide on the shower and then get someone in to do it .
//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:flatpvccables

 

[nozspark]

Ooops that'll be 6mm then!!!

Definately not 10.5kW
9.5kW is close to it's limits
8.5kW would be better