PLEASE HELP, need professional advice

[shower25]

I am installing an 8.5kw shower. the electric is already in place to the pull cord. It just needs connecting from the pull cord to the shower itself. I know it's only a case of connecting 3 wires this end, and 3 wires the other end. In the consumer unit, it has got a B32 fuse(?). The wire, I have been told, is 10mm. Does the B32 have to be changed to a higher one, for example a B38, for the 8.5kw shower? I have been told it does by a sparky, but not sure if it is true, as there was previously a shower installed by the last tenants. I can put a plug on, I can wire a cooker up, so I'm sure I could do this shower myself as it's only Earth Neutral and Live. Is this sparky telling me the truth- do I really need a different fuse? Or is he just trying to get £50 out of me? I have no idea of the going rate, & this is cash in hand.

Thanks in advance
N

 

[Dave 85]

??? Chances are it will work fine on a 32A MCB. ???

Cone on an 8.5 KW shower will draw 37A. Not very good advice.
Back to basics I think.

Maybe you should take a look at the trip current carachteristics of a 32amp MCB....If you think it will trip the second it passes 32amps you are very much mistaken.
Back to basics I think.

 

[telectrix]

agree. it will not trip for quite a while, if at all. however leaving a 32A on a circuit that draws > 32A contravenes 433.1.1

 

[steveberry11]

Maybe you should take a look at the trip current carachteristics of a 32amp MCB....If you think it will trip the second it passes 32amps you are very much mistaken.
Back to basics I think.

When carrying out design calculations the MCB should be selected based upon the full load of the equipment it is supplying.
i am fully aware of the tripping characteristics of MCB devices and the reasons for them. I guess if you follow your reasoning a 32A type D MCB should be ok to carry 640A

 

[Spazz]

If you think you are safe and competent doing it then carry on.
Just to let you know this is notifiable! therefore you have to pay the LABC to inspect it - this will cost over £100.
If you got a sparky who will charge £50 then get them to do it - but make sure they are registered!

As said it needs to be upgraded to a 40A - dont know where the electrician came up with 38A as these I have never come across before and Im sure that not many others on here have!

Electric and Water do not mix so dont risk it - also save yourself some money and get a sparky in - happy all around

 

[Edd]

wonders if the equal potential bonding is up to scratch? and im asuming theres a light in this special location, what zone is that in? And im sure your capable of testing the Zs of the circuit afterwards..
If your willing to spend £120 on a shower why not spend half that amount again and get it installed safely?

 

[Guitarist]

agree. it will not trip for quite a while, if at all. however leaving a 32A on a circuit that draws > 32A contravenes 433.1.1

Indeed. Cables can carry more current than they are rated at, but we don't design a circuit based on "it should be alright".

 

[septimiu_rzv]

hello,
I'm new here and I have to make a project for college, if you know, please help with various data about installation, the requires for a KNX installation for one suite with 2rooms.
PS. Sorry for english

 

[kingeri]

What a surprise, another one-post OP, asks the question, when he doesn't get the answer he wants to hear we never hear from him again. Why do we bother?

 

[cbw]

Like for like change is not notifiable.

I also dont believe like for like requires RCD protection (I would not install without)

As a house holder he can do like for like himself (I wouldnt get in it afterwards though)

 

[maffa ent]

sparkies, sparkies, sparkies, we're an unforgiving bunch aren't we!

i read every post on this, and agree with the general consensus of 'get a spark in and pay him good money'!

it ain't getting any easier out there with customers like this eh!

 

[steveberry11]

Indeed. Cables can carry more current than they are rated at, but we don't design a circuit based on "it should be alright".

Thank you my point exactly. I am a little concerned to the number of posts and replays that seem to not have a clue to the basics of design. I do understand that some calculation can become a little complex but the basics should always be used.
I also find it strange the number of replies to questions from people who clearly have no understanding of the trade.
The ideal that we all need a little help at times is a good one. But why help people to take the food off our table when work is becoming harder to find.

 

[Paul.M]

This thread has to be a wind up from the plumbers forum.

 

[sedgy34]

the op does his own diy electrics!
we know the shower is notifiable but do you guys think he gives a ---- he said the £50 the sparky quoted he thought he was being ripped off.
so he came on here for info to do the works himself as hes unsure about this shower he will gather the info and do it anyway. IMO

 

[steveberry11]

Why not have a no reply policy to posts that are obviously DIYers or chancres.

 

[sedgy34]

Why not have a no reply policy to posts that are obviously DIYers or chancres.

if they did that it wouldnt be the best forum on the tinternet