Triton Martinique 8.5kw shower - low temperature issue

[shempz]

Hi all,

A few months ago we had a Triton Martinique 8.5kw shower installed. We've noticed that the temperature seemed quite low. Its what I'd consider lukewarm even when using the higher heat button and turning the heat dial up to a max of 10. The max temperature we get is 36 degrees celsius.

Does anyone know roughly what the max temperature you could expect the water to be from one of these? I couldn't find any guidance - so just want to know before I get in touch with Triton.

Also, what might cause low temps - could it possibly be a faulty TCO or something else?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Chivers]

Has it been like this from installation? Ambient outside water temperatures effect it to a small degree but I'd get back whoever fitted it to take a look or call Triton up as they have service engineers.

 

[shempz]

Has it been like this from installation? Ambient outside water temperatures effect it to a small degree but I'd get back whoever fitted it to take a look or call Triton up as they have service engineers.

Yes - its pretty much been like this since we got it. It was installed in the summer, so even though it was not hot, we put up with it. I did call Triton, and they suggested it might be something call a "Valve spindle" which is not aligned (so basically the fitter's fault if that the case)

 

[Mikegh]

Your supply voltage and the VD on the shower circuit might have some effect too on temperature

 

[Avo Mk8]

Does anyone know roughly what the max temperature you could expect the water to be from one of these? I couldn't find any guidance - so just want to know before I get in touch with Triton.

If you measure the flow rate of water from the shower head, then you can see the answer to your question on the graph below. You also will need to know the temperature of your incoming cold water, which you could measure with a thermometer at the kitchen tap.
To measure the flow rate you could, for example, collect the water from the shower head in a bucket or similar, for say 30 seconds, see how many litres you have (measuring jug, or weigh the water in the bucket!), double the number if you ran it for only half a minute, and now you have the litres/minute figure.
You can see if it more or less tallies with below. You might have more flow than you should, thus reducing the temperature (the Triton suggestion?), or there may be a problem with the heating element, or the supply cable may be long or inadequate and causing a voltage drop as suggested previously.
PS I trust you haven't changed the hose or shower nozzle from those originally provided by Triton?

 

[shempz]

If you measure the flow rate of water from the shower head, then you can see the answer to your question on the graph below. You also will need to know the temperature of your incoming cold water, which you could measure with a thermometer at the kitchen tap.
To measure the flow rate you could, for example, collect the water from the shower head in a bucket or similar, for say 30 seconds, see how many litres you have (measuring jug, or weigh the water in the bucket!), double the number if you ran it for only half a minute, and now you have the litres/minute figure.
You can see if it more or less tallies with below. You might have more flow than you should, thus reducing the temperature (the Triton suggestion?), or there may be a problem with the heating element, or the supply cable may be long or inadequate and causing a voltage drop as suggested previously.
PS I trust you haven't changed the hose or shower nozzle from those originally provided by Triton?

Thanks.
As it stands, the shower will only heat to 36 degrees - so about 24 degrees increase over the ambient temp of the water. The flow when turned up to the max was 3 litres per minute, and this is a 8.5kw shower. Based on the chart you provided, I'm assuming the flow rate should have been closer to 5 litres per minute?

As an FYI, we have not changed anything on the shower.

 

[Avo Mk8]

Thanks.
As it stands, the shower will only heat to 36 degrees - so about 24 degrees increase over the ambient temp of the water. The flow when turned up to the max was 3 litres per minute, and this is a 8.5kw shower. Based on the chart you provided, I'm assuming the flow rate should have been closer to 5 litres per minute?

As an FYI, we have not changed anything on the shower.

Thanks for the info.
From the graph, given the max 3L/min flow you have, the temperature is definitely much lower than it should be.
(Well, you already knew that, sorry!).
It sounds as if there might be something up with the heating element, like part of it not working? If you could get hold of a clamp ammeter, or the installing electrician has one, just checking the current the shower is taking would confirm if the element is OK. It should be drawing about 35A.

 

[Mikegh]

It's cold at the moment which probably isn't helping.
Also 240V 8.5 KW if that's what it is ? wouldn't be at the top end afaik
Then you might be below 240v at heater tank.Just a possiblity

There's no possibility it's simply running on half-heat for some reason ? That would be noticeably cool

 

[loz2754]

There's no possibility it's simply running on half-heat for some reason ?

That would be my guess.

 

[shempz]

It's cold at the moment which probably isn't helping.
Also 240V 8.5 KW if that's what it is ? wouldn't be at the top end afaik
Then you might be below 240v at heater tank.Just a possiblity

There's no possibility it's simply running on half-heat for some reason ? That would be noticeably cool

The temps have been low since we got it installed this summer - but even though it was obviously not as hot as the previous shower, during the summer months it was bearable. We previously had a 8.5kw Triton and replaced with another 8.5kw Triton (but a different model). Pretty certain we tested on half heat - and its very cold (but I'll test again).

We'll get the electrician to check everything once he has confirmed a date.

By the way - as a rule of thumb, should the electrician have checked the water temperature after he installed the shower, or is this something that is not generally tested?

 

[Mikegh]

That would be my guess.

If he can count the revs on his meter or similar he might get a fair idea

Switch on 4kw load and compare to his shower usage on full

 

[OnlQQker]

The shower is plumbed into the cold mains I take it?
And not gravity fed? Installing The Shower; Siting Of The Shower - Triton 8.5kW Installation And Operating Instructions Manual [Page 10] - https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2423667/Triton-8-5kw.html?page=10#manual

Fault Finding/Troubleshooting - Triton 8.5kW Installation And Operating Instructions Manual [Page 21]

Triton 8.5kW Manual Online: Fault Finding/Troubleshooting. FAULT FINDING Cause Cause 1.1 Interrupted power supply. 1.2 Unit malfunction. 1.3 Thermal cut-out operated. 2.1 Not enough water flowing through the shower. 2.2 Blockage in supply. 2.3 Increase in ambient water temperature. 3.1...

www.manualslib.com

 

[shempz]

The shower is plumbed into the cold mains I take it?
And not gravity fed? Installing The Shower; Siting Of The Shower - Triton 8.5kW Installation And Operating Instructions Manual [Page 10] - https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2423667/Triton-8-5kw.html?page=10#manual

Correct - plumbed into the mains.

 

[OnlQQker]

Correct - plumbed into the mains.

If it is intended to operate the shower at
pressures above the maximum or below the
minimum stated, contact Customer Experience
for advice.
If the stated flow rates are not available,
it may NOT be possible to achieve optimum
performance from the unit throughout the year

Source: Installing The Shower; Siting Of The Shower - Triton 8.5kW Installation And Operating Instructions Manual [Page 10] - https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2423667/Triton-8-5kw.html?page=10#manual