shower problem

[vygec]

Our shower has stopped working.
To put into perspective, a few days ago, it was noticed by the mrs' that when the shower was turned on, there was a leak with the unit. as a very slow amount of water was trickling outside the shower box, but was still functional.
however, from yesterday the shower has stopped working (sort of)
i opened up the shower face plate box and noticed that when i unplugged the little switch on the circuit board, the shower works perfectly, but will not respond to when i turn the shower off from the shower box i..e turning it off has no effect.
It can only be switched off from the fuse unit outside the bathroom, however the shower still works this way.
for now i have unplugged the switch to the internal circuit board, so that the shower can still be used.
i took the following picture, and have highlighted the switch that i unplugged
couple questions:
1) is this a complex job, or do i need a qualified person to fix?
2) is it safe to use the shower, bearing in mind i unplugged the circuit board?
Ta.

 

[bernardgreen]

That looks to be the switch that senses water pressure and shuts of the power when the water pressure drops too low.

I would suggest NOT using the shower until it has be PROFESSIONALLY repair.

If that switch is the one that detects low pressure and you operate the shower without it then if the water pressure drops for any reason then maybe the heater will remain switched on when the water flow is too low. That could result in very hot, possibly scalding water or even a melted shower.

There is another over heat cut out that should if working prevent both the above but it may not work fast enough.

 

[vygec]

done a bit of research, and have identified the 'circuit board' as being the 'Phased shutdown PCB'
this is what i have unplugged for now, in order that the shower can be used
which im hoping is safe to do?

 

[bernardgreen]

from the manufacturers documentation.

5. If the water supply falls below a set limit, the pressure
switch will operate and switch off the power to the
elements. This is indicated by the middle power indication lights flickering and going out (see
“Effect of Other Water Devices on Incoming Water Supply”).
6. As a further safeguard, a thermal cut-out switches the power off if the water temperature
climbs above the set limit and the “Overheat” light will illuminate.
This cut-out, which gives an audible click, may also operate due to residual heat when the shower
is switched off. It will reset itself if water is run through the shower for 10 to 20 seconds, and
the “Overheat” light will go out.

As a further safeguard which suggests the pressure switch you appear to have disabled is most probably the primary safeguard.

Revise your first aid treatment of scalding. It may come in handy.

 

[starspark]

cable size looks undersized to.........

 

[RMS]

cable size looks undersized to.........

What size cable do you see starspark?

 

[starspark]

6mm on 10.3kw shower by sticker!!maybe im wrong!im ready to be shot down!!!

 

[wundaboy]

Stranded cpc, which suggests 10mm.

 

[starspark]

ah yes indeed my bad!!!does look small though must be pic or my eyes!!!

 

[RMS]

ah yes indeed my bad!!!does look small though must be pic or my eyes!!!

Always an excuse.

You should try working with this guy! Only joking (no i'm not!)

 

[starspark]

nice rms thanks!!even the most perfect people can be wrong!!!

 

[RMS]

we are all learning starspark

 

[starspark]

what???

 

[RMS]

what???

we are all learning starspark???

 

[starspark]

learning what?
very clever rms