Upgrading main fuse / electric showers

[sherlockholmes]

I have one 8.5kW shower in the loft, I was considering getting another one downstairs. The thing is, my single phase supply only has a 60A fuse, which runs into a 100A isolator then on into a recently fitted CU. It's a three bed house with loft extension and a garage/workshop.

My question is
a) Is it doable to have the two showers with a single phase supply? I wouldn't want to have to worry about say boiling a kettle when both happen to be in use, if it's fitted I'd want it usable at any time.
[The CU has 5 x 32A (upstairs ring, downstairs ring, loft extension, kitchen, garage - rarely used), 1x 40A (shower), 4 x 6A lights]

b) Is my supplier (EDF) likely to charge me a silly amount of money to change the supply fuse and/or take a very long time to get around to it? Does it involve changing the supply cable too?

TIA

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You would need to contact EDF/District Network Operator regarding upgrade that would be needed to your supply. If the main fuse is upgraded your phase and neutral tails CSA may also need to be increased.
Have you thought of an alternative to an electric shower?
What type of hot water heating system do you have in place?
Would it be possible to install a thermostatic or pumped shower, which could reduce the output needed or eliminate the need for any additional electrical connection?

 

[ricicle]

You would also need to look at the ability of your water supply to feed two showers satisfactorily at the same time.

 

[riveralt]

I have one 8.5kW shower in the loft, I was considering getting another one downstairs. The thing is, my single phase supply only has a 60A fuse, which runs into a 100A isolator then on into a recently fitted CU. It's a three bed house with loft extension and a garage/workshop.

b) Is my supplier (EDF) likely to charge me a silly amount of money to change the supply fuse and/or take a very long time to get around to it? Does it involve changing the supply cable too?

TIA

I know of some DNO's who make the change without any problems but as I found out it will depend on other factors outside your control.

The quote I received to replace 60Amp fuse with 100Amp was just under £3000. Scottish Power stated that if the rating of the main fuse was increased then the size of the cables it protects (their cables) would also have to be increased - hence digging up my garden and the adjacent road.

 

[sherlockholmes]

You would also need to look at the ability of your water supply to feed two showers satisfactorily at the same time.

No problem there, the incoming pressure is 8 bar.

 

[sherlockholmes]

Thanks for the replies, I'll see what edf have to say.

 

[JohnD]

No problem there, the incoming pressure is 8 bar.

but what is the flow? when you fill a bucket at the kitchen sink, how mant litres per minute do you get?

how is your water heated?

 

[sifly1]

No problem there, the incoming pressure is 8 bar.

but what is the flow? when you fill a bucket at the kitchen sink, how mant litres per minute do you get?

how is your water heated?

Have to agree 8 bar sounds great, but what is the flow rate? You need to know like John said.

Si.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

An 8.5kW shower can't really make use of much more than 3.5l/m.

 

[phatboy]

a 60amp fuse sounds rather low for a house of that size. I would expect 80 or 100amps.

I guess its a fairly old property?

 

[securespark]

If so, the incoming cable CSA could be very thin, hence the 60A fuse.