Shower wiring query

[skcheche1]

Hi guys
So my parents have been having an issue with their triton electric going hot and cold and as it was installed many years ago I suggested getting a new one. When looking at what amp breaker it was linked to ( 50amp ) I suggested a 9.5kw. When I went to install it which I have done a number of times in my own property I realised that all three wires had a solid core. Which worried me that the wire would only be able to take a 8.5kw. My dad said that this wire was originally used to power the electric oven. Any ideas?

 

[SUNRAY]

Are you in a position to measure the diameter of the copper wire, that's the actual piece of copper and excluding any plastic insulation etc.

As standard the largest twin and earth cable containing solid line and neutral conductors is 2.5mm² - which equates to 1.78mm diameter.
Do you have anything to measure it with? such as a digital caliper. If not compare it with 1.5 and 2mm drills, being between them in size will indicate it being 2.5mm².
I have extremely rarely come across solid aluminium 4mm² (2.26mm diameter) twin and earth but it is as rare as leftover wine after a hen party... I have encountered it twice and both times had been affected by overheating on showers.

But even that is undersized for 9.5KW.

 

[skcheche1]

I have a digital vernier so could measure the solid core. What diameter would let me run a 8.5kw shower off?

 

[mikehammer69]

Ya but take a picture

 

[SUNRAY]

I have a digital vernier so could measure the solid core. What diameter would let me run a 8.5kw shower off?

I assume you will find the copper is 1.78mm diameter so at the very best it can correctly handle well under 6KW

 

[mikehammer69]

Hmm dunno

A triton shower unless it's incorrectly wired maybe it's a 3*6 nym-j

 

[mikehammer69]

Or similar cable but could be wrong too