Power showers

[jackofalltrades]

Hi,

I've not been on here for a long, long time, but i need some clarification.

I'm a sparky by trade. I recently done an electrical inspection on a flat, where the bathroom had a power shower fitted. There was a lighting pullcord to give power to the pump. However, the pump would not stay on unless the water was turned on first (sensible). But this would have been a bit awkward if actually having a shower, due to location of the pullcord.
I thought this was a bit unusual at the time, but as i was only testing the electrical safety, this was not my concern.

That is until the client queried it. (Its a rental property - change of occupancy). I've been asked to have a look at it again.

How would these pumps normally work? I would expect some sort of pressure switch sensing the water flow, would automatically turn the pump on.

I just need to understand the basics before i go there on Thursday evening. If there is a pressure switch, can they be tested? if there isn't a switch can they be fitted? is this a job for a plumber?

I'm only getting involved with this as i get a lot of work from this client and i don't want to dissapoint her.

Thanks

 

[flameport]

If this is a separate pump, there are 2 options:
a. when the water is turned on (using the shower valve/mixer control), the pump detects the flow and starts automatically.
b. If the pump is installed in such a way that opening the valve does not create enough or any flow, then a pull cord is fitted which is used to start the pump.

In both instances, the pump switches off when there is no flow (i.e. when the shower valve is closed).

Sounds as if you have option b.
The pull cord switch should be a retractive type, so it is only 'on' when the cord is being pulled.