mcb keeps cutting off when shower is switched on...

[fatima]

does that mean i need to change the fuse or is there something wrong with my electric shower? there's still flow of cold water when set to cold but as soon as i switch the hot temperature the flow of water stops and the mcb cuts off ...
any advice on what to do next will be much appreciated .
many thanks

 

[JohnD]

what is the rating of the shower and what is the rating of the MCB

A photo would help //www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=129539

do you know the difference between an RCD and an MCB

when was it installed, and when did it last work correctly.

 

[fatima]

not really... i included some pics on my profile as i can't work out how to send it now...not good at computer stuff ... anyways it is a triton ivory and it says 8.7-9.5 kw bla bla bla and the mcb or rcd is a 40a i think... it was installed probrably 3 or 4 years ago...

 

[fatima]

oh, here it is...

 

[Taylortwocities]

Tell us what is weritten on the MCB/RCD. That will help.

If it has worked reliably for 2 years then its more likely to be a fault with the shower....

 

[Taylortwocities]

oh, here it is...

Oh no it isnt!. try and using preview before you post.

 

[fatima]

well it doesn't say much on the rcb/mcb ... only that is a 40 A and there's a push in test that says 30mA ... does that help?
so will this be a electrician job or a plumber's job?
the shower power swicth is working fine... it's only when the hot water is switched on that cuts off... so i guess it will be something to do with the shower,right?

 

[fatima]

Untitled

• fatima
• 19 Sep 2008
• 1

 

[fatima]

Untitled

• fatima
• 19 Sep 2008
• 1

 

[oharaf]

that is an RCD.

The tripping suggests that you have an earth fault some where!

Those supply cables look a little on the dainty side for this shower!!

I would get an Electrician in to have a good look at it for you!!!

The shower may be stuffed but it isn't showing any obvious signs of wearing

 

[JohnD]

the purpose of the RCD is to cut power when there is an electrical fault leading to earth leakage. Earth leakage can cause injury or death, and is particularly dangerous when exposed skin is wet and may be touching other metal objects such as taps.

Electric heating elements (e.g. in cookers, immersion heaters and showers) often break down with age and cause earth leakage. You could pay an electrician to come and test it for you.

Or you could just save the cost of testing and just have the shower replaced. If you can find a good local electrician who is willing to perform the tests and fit a new shower for you in one visit for one charge, that would be ideal. Plumbers also fit showers but will not usually be qualified to carry out the tests. Some electricians may not want to do the plumbing work.