Help with wiring a shower switch

[Paul197883]

Hello there,

I need to sense check a shower switch wiring diagram. I've removed the old shower switch (broken cord) and have a new one ready to go. I'm sure it's a generic stamp on the switch but the old one says 'MAINS' inbetween the L and the N. The new one says 'AC only' between two neutrals.

I'm pretty sure these are not specific to the wiring and just stamps on the switch but can someone check my attached photos and confirm everything is okay?

Also, does it matter which earth wire goes in which earth socket as the bracket holding them in the new switch is at right angles ?

 

[Taylortwocities]

That’ll be ok. Earth can go in any of the earth terminals.
One thing, is it the photo, or are the black/red conductors smaller than the brown/blue ones?

 

[Pete999]

Hello there,

I need to sense check a shower switch wiring diagram. I've removed the old shower switch (broken cord) and have a new one ready to go. I'm sure it's a generic stamp on the switch but the old one says 'MAINS' inbetween the L and the N. The new one says 'AC only' between two neutrals.

I'm pretty sure these are not specific to the wiring and just stamps on the switch but can someone check my attached photos and confirm everything is okay?

Also, does it matter which earth wire goes in which earth socket as the bracket holding them in the new switch is at right angles ?
View attachment 40224 View attachment 40225

If it was just the cord broken, why bother to change the complete switch, there doesn't appear to be a neon indicator on the replacement.
The Bathroom or shower room constitute a "special location" the Shower is a high current user and thus will require an experienced person to change the switch to ensure good tight connections, lost count of the number of burnt out switches due to poor installation, I would say an MNW certificate will be required, some may dispute that statement, if it is installed by yourself as a lay person, and it causes a fire your insurance may be compromised, get an Electrician in to replace the switch for you, peace of mind is a wonderful thing. Sorry for the ramble, but would hate to see you struggle.

 

[Paul197883]

Yes, the brown and blue wires are thicker than the black/red.
The latter look like standard wiring to me and the brown/blue are quite chunky wires. I was surprised how thick these were.

 

[Paul197883]

If it was just the cord broken, why bother to change the complete switch, there doesn't appear to be a neon indicator on the replacement.
The Bathroom or shower room constitute a "special location" the Shower is a high current user and thus will require an experienced person to change the switch to ensure good tight connections, lost count of the number of burnt out switches due to poor installation, I would say an MNW certificate will be required, some may dispute that statement, if it is installed by yourself as a lay person, and it causes a fire your insurance may be compromised, get an Electrician in to replace the switch for you, peace of mind is a wonderful thing. Sorry for the ramble, but would hate to see you struggle.

 

[Paul197883]

Fair comment. I've been quote £80+vat. There is a neon switch on the replacement.

 

[telectrix]

looks to me likeit's a 6.0mm circuit and someone has replaced the cable to the shower with 10.0mm( possibly on a shower upgrade). what's the rating of the MCB supplying the shower circuit.

also, i's be inclined to swap that new switch for a crabtree one. much easier to get 10mm in.

 

[DC-backfrom the past]

looks to me likeit's a 6.0mm circuit and someone has replaced the cable to the shower with 10.0mm( possibly on a shower upgrade). what's the rating of the MCB supplying the shower circuit.

also, i's be inclined to swap that new switch for a crabtree one. much easier to get 10mm in.

looks like earth is single strand on red and black cable so probably at most 6mm the other earth is multi strand so possibly 10mm as you said .
some plier marks on the insulation of cables as well ..night be worth an electrician checking the job to check the route is ok for 6mm then 10mm cable..against the shower rating voltage drop etc
and testing the cable prior to switch on in case of insulation damage

 

[SparkyChick]

Fair comment. I've been quote £80+vat. There is a neon switch on the replacement.

How much??? I hope he's going to do more than just change the switch for that!

 

[telectrix]

i'd charge £80 but that would include a crabby 50A switch/isolator. fed up of pi$$ing about with other types.only ever once had a crabby fail and that had been in 25 years. i know as i installed it in 1985

 

[DC-backfrom the past]

How much??? I hope he's going to do more than just change the switch for that!

I would hope that would include testing the circuit etc .

 

[telectrix]

I would hope that would include testing the circuit etc .

it would if i did it. and i'd check tightness of connections in CU. no wonder i'm skint. too soft 4 my own good.

 

[DC-backfrom the past]

it would if i did it. and i'd check tightness of connections in CU. no wonder i'm skint. too soft 4 my own good.

hahaha I'm the same. I think, I'm too cheap as well and that's why I'm skint also...
just been on a job and plumber was charging nearly double what I was and he was there half the time ...

 

[Octopus]

How much??? I hope he's going to do more than just change the switch for that!

So its Derby we are taking about and as the OP has been quoted plus VAT , it could well be a "business" rather than a sole trader who has quoted.

Maybe the OP could get a 2nd quote from a sole trader ....... not many are VAT registered.

 

[Madocks]

..... not many are VAT registered.

Thats because we are all savy with tax returns discount for cash