Shower switch question..

[SSE]

Put in a new 10mm cable for a shower as it is a 10.5kw and last shower was a lot smaller kw wise.. Went to get a wylex 45amp mcb to find out they don't do them so have to use a 50amp mcb. Do i need to change the shower switch as well (it is a 45amp) or is it ok to leave it as my current is only 43amps. Thanks in advance and take it easy on me as it's my first post!

 

[pushrod]

Put in a new 10mm cable for my shower as it is a 10.5kw. Went to get a wylex 45amp mcb to find out they don't do them so have to use a 50amp mcb. Do i need to change my shower switch as well (it is a 45amp) or is it ok to leave it as my current is only 43amps. Thanks in advance and take it easy on me as it's my first post!

your design current is actually just over 45amps. However, most people just use the cord pull as an isolator rather than an on-load switch, so not ideal but unlikely to be a problem. Be aware (apologies if you are an electrician) that the circuit must be rcd protected and that this is notifiable work.

 

[Hawk81]

If it was me i'd upgrade the isolator to a 50amp isolator.

 

[acat]

Likewise I would upgrade if that was a job used for assessment I think your assessor would be one very unhappy teddy.


Chris

 

[pushrod]

Likewise I would upgrade if that was a job used for assessment I think your assessor would be one very unhappy teddy.


Chris

I agree, but just got the feeling, rightly or wrongly, that this was a bit of DIY as the OP appears to have used 240V to work out the current.

 

[SSE]

Hi. Thanks for all your replys. I'm actually an early stage apprentice. Asked two tradesmen same question and got two different answers so thought i'd get another opinion from you guys. As the switch is on the wall and not a pull cord this seems to be a problem as i can't find any 50a switches that ain't pull cord?

 

[pushrod]

So are you upgrading an existing shower and increasing the cable size? I don't mind admitting i am not too familiar with wall mounted isolators for showers - is it outside the bathroom?. Someone more experienced than me will tell you, but it could be an opportunity to fit a cord pull one which is a bit more common. Earlier comments about rcd protection and notification to a LABC still apply.

 

[SSE]

Yeah the last shower was a lot smaller kw and only required 6mm. Can't seem to find 50amp switch anywhere apart from pull cord and cable ain't long enough to go to ceiling as it was wired from below. .

 

[SSE]

Managed to find one. Thanks for all your help.