Removal of Electric Shower - Installation of HP/Combi Shower

[00db]

My plumber is redoing my bathroom and has requested that I arrange for a 3amp spur to be available for the installation of a Digital HP/Combi Shower.

I have two options but not sure which is the best one to choose.

1. When the old electric shower is removed, I replace the 40Amp MCB with a 6amp MCB, leave the 6mm T&E and fit a 3amp socket on the end.

or

2. I have an electrical socket in the loft ( right next to where the Digital Shower is being installed). I could wire a 3amp plug on the end of the shower unit and simply plug it in next to the boiler.

Are either/both to code?

 

[Aragorn84]

Use option 1.

You dont need to change the MCB either, you can simply put an FCU on the end of the cable with a 3A fuse.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

replace the 40Amp MCB

Why?

with a 6amp MCB

Why 6A?

leave the 6mm T&E

Yup.

and fit a 3amp socket on the end.

No. An FCU

with a 3A fuse in it.

I could wire a 3amp plug on the end of the shower unit

A plug with a 3A fuse in it.

Are either/both to code?

Yes/yes.

 

[00db]

thanks.

Re: reducing the 40Amp to 6Amp, I just thought perhaps it was best to limit the Ampage on the circuit for safety ( at source). I happened to have a 6Amp MCB I could use.

I was thinking of an FCU, couldn't remember the name!

Thanks for the help.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I just thought perhaps it was best to limit the Ampage on the circuit for safety ( at source).

So is (was) the current shower circuit dangerous?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Is this circuit protected by RCD?
You don't have to replace 40A breaker but it will do no harm.
If you have no RCD protection on this circuyit, it would be required that you did, so either swap MCB for RCBO or install a fused RCD unit, rather than a fused connection unit.

Untitled

• PrenticeBoyofDerry
• 11 Dec 2011
• 5

I hope the plumber is able to test this work off for you and issue you the correct documents.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If you have no RCD protection on this circuyit, it would be required that you did

Why?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

The manufacturer of the product being installed, will state this in the installation instructions.

 

[JohnW2]

If you have no RCD protection on this circuyit, it would be required that you did

Why?

I suppose it's just about debatable, but unless you could successfully argue that the work had not resulted in anything 'new'/'different' (which I imagine would be a difficult argument) current regs require that anything ('new') in a bathroom (anywhere in bathroom, not just in zones) is RCD protected. That is, of course, if it is "in the bathroom".

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

That is, of course, if it is "in the bathroom".

I have an electrical socket in the loft ( right next to where the Digital Shower is being installed).

 

[JohnW2]

That is, of course, if it is "in the bathroom".

I have an electrical socket in the loft ( right next to where the Digital Shower is being installed).

Yes, but that was the OP's 'option 2' and he was advised to go with 'option 1' (use the existing shower circuit & an FCU) - which may, or may not, involve work in the bathroom.

Kind Regards, John

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If I recall correctly BS7176 states in Section 701, that addition protection shall be provided for all low voltage circuits within a bathroom, by use of RCDs.
Surely BS761 defines a circuit that includes an appliance that is hard-wired to the installation.

You will find that MI will say that the installation must comply to the current requirements of BS7671.

And would it not be reasonable under part p, that this provision is applied for safety?

 

[JohnW2]

If I recall correctly BS7176 states in Section 701, that addition protection shall be provided for all low voltage circuits within a bathroom, by use of RCDs. Surely BS761 defines a circuit that includes an appliance that is hard-wired to the installation.

Indeed - that's what I just wrote. However, as BAS implied, if both the power source and the 'digital shower' were in the loft, then that probably would not apply. I'm not sure what this 'digital shower' consists of, or where it would be located.

You will find that MI will say that the installation must comply to the current requirements of BS7671.

Yes, very probably - although you now only have to "take that into account". However, as above, if it wasn't in a bathroom, and didn't involve any new 'buried' wiring, then BS7671 would probably not insist on RCD protection.

And would it not be reasonable under part p, that this provision is applied for safety?

If it were within a bathroom, yes.

Kind Regards, John