Electrical Forum > replacement shower
Hi Dean,
I'm not a spark but I'am often faced with similar questions ... as a rule always get a qualified spark in to test the circuit and upgrade if necessary unless its a like for like shower swapout.
scotty
if your not planing on changing the 6.0mm cable then a 9.8kw is to high kw needs a 10mm cable.
hi-spec plumbing & heating
Hi Dean, as Hi-spec posted 9.8 KW is too big to be supplied by a 6mm cable, although without any derating factors applied it would be ok, but as soon as you apply, for example, a factor for high ambient temperature, if the cable runs through the loft space or if it passes through insulation then 6mm is not big enough. Take any of theses factors into account and size the shower accordingly. Also don't forget that this circuit should be protected by an rcd, either one built into the CU that covers several circuits or better one dedicated to that circuit such as an rcbo in place of the existing circuit breaker. Also I think that the work you are planning to do is now notifiable under part P.
Kind regards
David
David Long
Hi guys many thanks for your replies. I am a sparks myself, perhaps I should have mentioned that. I know the cable is borderline hence why I asked for opinions, personally I fit 10.0mm on anything above 8.5KW. What about the main switch being rated at 60A. Here is another grey area that I was hoping on some feedback. What would you have suggested to the client? By the way this client asked me for advice so I am not actually doing the job.
Cheers
Dean
Dean
Customer wants to upgrade his electric shower to a 9.8KW
Cable run 10m using a 6.0mm T&E
Main Wylex board with all other circuits rated at 60A
40A plug in MCB at the moment but easy enough to change to 45A cartridge
I would appreciate your thoughts on whether the 9.8 KW shower is ok or would you recommend a lower KW.
Cheers
Dean