Hi all
I would describe myself as relatively competent, and I am looking to replace my electric shower. I do not know what wattage my existing shower is, but I have bought a 10.5Kw shower to replace it with.
As I understand it, in order to run a 10.5kw shower, I will need a suitable MCB on the circuit and 10mm wire to feed it.
I have a few questions:
1) If the existing shower is only 8.5kw, but the wiring is 10mm, does this count as direct replacement for Part P purposes?
2) The current draw on a 10.5kw shower should be 45.6A. Do I need a 45A or a 50A MCB? Can I fit this under Part P, or would that require electrician/inspection?
3) If the wiring is 6mm, what is the largest shower I can run off this?
4) Would it be cheaper to get someone in to do the work or get the inspection if Part P covers the work? I am in Alton, Hampshire.
5) I presume I can get a reasonable idea of the circuitry by looking at the existing MCB, but I guess I shouldn't rely on this as conclusive - there are enough cowboys out there to make this a bad idea, yes? Even where a new consumer unit was installed professionally post 2005?
I would describe myself as relatively competent, and I am looking to replace my electric shower. I do not know what wattage my existing shower is, but I have bought a 10.5Kw shower to replace it with.
As I understand it, in order to run a 10.5kw shower, I will need a suitable MCB on the circuit and 10mm wire to feed it.
I have a few questions:
1) If the existing shower is only 8.5kw, but the wiring is 10mm, does this count as direct replacement for Part P purposes?
2) The current draw on a 10.5kw shower should be 45.6A. Do I need a 45A or a 50A MCB? Can I fit this under Part P, or would that require electrician/inspection?
3) If the wiring is 6mm, what is the largest shower I can run off this?
4) Would it be cheaper to get someone in to do the work or get the inspection if Part P covers the work? I am in Alton, Hampshire.
5) I presume I can get a reasonable idea of the circuitry by looking at the existing MCB, but I guess I shouldn't rely on this as conclusive - there are enough cowboys out there to make this a bad idea, yes? Even where a new consumer unit was installed professionally post 2005?