If there is 7 showers in a student property are each of the showers required to have there own RCD? Looking at the fuse board, it is an old property with an old board and existing showers. Will I require 7 RCD's or is there an alternative when refurbishing all the showers?
RCD for Showers in Student house
- Thread starter TheWife
- Start date
Arrrr, they are not power showers. Just normal elctric ones which will be slightly upgraded to a better performer (9.5kw?).
So inorder to deal with this I would require 7 RCD's?
As these showers were not fitted with RCD's originally is it a requirement to have these on now...ie: if I do not change the shower can I leave as is. Or will an inspector insist that they all have RCD's?
So inorder to deal with this I would require 7 RCD's?
As these showers were not fitted with RCD's originally is it a requirement to have these on now...ie: if I do not change the shower can I leave as is. Or will an inspector insist that they all have RCD's?
Thats 290 amps on 230v (Without Diversity)
Each of those showers will need 40 amps (round figure). That 'old board' might only have a 60 amp main fuse on it. Have a look on the fuse holder. If just two students decide to have showers at once you're in trouble.
I've read elsewhere on this forum that if that fuse blows your supplier might come and fit a 100 amp one for free but, while you're waiting for the nice man to turn up, you'll have NO POWER - and Sod's law says it will blow on a Friday night! If you have a 100 amp fuse - or acquire one the hard way - you can have two showers at once but what about three?
The let-out in your case is that these are STUDENT flats. If my memory serves me right, students are very variable in their habits. They wake up at random hours, sometimes in the wong beds, and use showers only when absolutely necessary. (Before anybody asks, I know this because I was a student for six years.) This goes in your favour. You might just get away with it!
I've read elsewhere on this forum that if that fuse blows your supplier might come and fit a 100 amp one for free but, while you're waiting for the nice man to turn up, you'll have NO POWER - and Sod's law says it will blow on a Friday night! If you have a 100 amp fuse - or acquire one the hard way - you can have two showers at once but what about three?
The let-out in your case is that these are STUDENT flats. If my memory serves me right, students are very variable in their habits. They wake up at random hours, sometimes in the wong beds, and use showers only when absolutely necessary. (Before anybody asks, I know this because I was a student for six years.) This goes in your favour. You might just get away with it!
What type of supply do you have?
Can you post a picture of the fuse gear and mains incoming supply?
This will determine the need for RCD'S
RCD'S are not always required to comply with the IEE regs regarding showers , however they are an added safety for protection against electric shock in the event of a fault.
Can you post a picture of the fuse gear and mains incoming supply?
This will determine the need for RCD'S
RCD'S are not always required to comply with the IEE regs regarding showers , however they are an added safety for protection against electric shock in the event of a fault.
This is an HMO, and there are probably all sorts of licensing rules, and insurance criteria which rule out DIY electrics.
So when your electrician comes in, he will sort all of this out. But you will need a stonking great supply.
So when your electrician comes in, he will sort all of this out. But you will need a stonking great supply.
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
