Triton Shower Wattage?

[Justin Bodley]

Hi,
I'm looking at having this ancient unit replaced. I want to replace it with a model of the same wattage. The sticker on the bottom has worn away. I took the cover off and found a sticker saying it's 7.8-8.5KW. Does this mean it's 8.5KW? I have tried google searches but it's so old I can find much apart from they made this model with different power options. Any help would be great!

 

[jurassic sparkk]

The maximum wattage it will use is 8.5KW. Depending on the setting you use, it can go from 7.8 to 8.5.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

It's probably reflecting the fact that mains voltage is 230-240V.

It takes a fixed current, the wattage depends on the actual voltage.

Whatever though, the starting point should be to measure (or read) the cable diameter. Don't assume that it was installed with the correct cable, many aren't. Check the breaker rating at the fusebox and the overall load of the house. You may find out it needs replacing or, alternatively, you may find it's capable of having a higher rated shower installed for a less trickly experience.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Whatever though, the starting point should be to measure (or read) the cable diameter. Don't assume that it was installed with the correct cable, many aren't. Check the breaker rating at the fusebox and the overall load of the house. You may find out it needs replacing or, alternatively, you may find it's capable of having a higher rated shower installed for a less trickly experience.

Or check it on the IHD of your smart meter, if you have such.

 

[stem]

It's probably reflecting the fact that mains voltage is 230-240V.

@Ivor Windybottom is correct. Here's the spec from the Aquatronic 2 installation manual showing its power rating at 240V and 230V which are 7.8kW and 8.5kW

If you wanted to see the document in total, you can by clicking here.

 

[EFLImpudence]

It's probably reflecting the fact that mains voltage is 230-240V.

It takes a fixed current, the wattage depends on the actual voltage.

Just to say -

It has a fixed resistance. The current and Wattage depend on the voltage.

 

[bernardgreen]

It has a fixed resistance. The current and Wattage depend on the voltage

The resistance will vary with the temperature of the wire. Resistance increases as the temperature rises, whether this change of resistance is large enough to be significant will depend on several things,

 

[EFLImpudence]

The resistance will vary with the temperature of the wire. Resistance increases as the temperature rises, whether this change of resistance is large enough to be significant will depend on several things,

Oh dear.

Which wire temperature do you think the manufacturer uses for the quoted Wattage (and current if stated)?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

It takes a fixed current, the wattage depends on the actual voltage.

Not quite - current and wattage are dependent on the voltage applied, and resistance of the element. Assuming the resistance stays the same, increasing the applied voltage, will increase both watts and current.

All bets are off, if it uses a fancy control system, to regulate the temperature.