New Shower 10.5KW from a 9.5KW

by **topcap69t** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 7:19 pm

Hi

After some advice, I am looking to update my shower from a 9.5KW to a 10.5KW in the same location in the bathroom

I know the cable is 10MM so is fine
I know I need a 50A MCB

The bit I am unsure about if I need to replace the PULL SWITCH. I have had 2 electrician come round and I don't know which one to believe

The first one said I don't need to change it as it is dome shaped so is a 50A one. He will also provide a certificate so seems legit

The second one says it needs changing and as a result the cost of it is an extra £50. He will also provide a certificate so agsin seems legit.

Is there anyway I can tell ? I have opened it and had a look inside but nothing helpful in there?

by **stoneyboy** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:27 pm

topcap69t,
If the circuit is not protected by a 30ma RCD you do need to fit one.
When you open the switch the rating is generally printed on the back of the switch in raised figures - you may need to undo some of the wires to see this. Don't forget to turn off the supply before opening the switch.
end

by **ericmark** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 3:29 pm

10.5Kw is just on 45A and many switches are rated at 45A so with a 50A MCB feeding it could be considered as needing a 50A switch on the other hand since it only draws 45A the 45A switch could be considered as good enough.
I would say neither is right or wrong and is a personal judgement no two electricians will agree on every point if they think about what they are doing only morons would always agree which likely means they are both good electricians.
But I note screwfix sell a brass switch http://www.screwfix.com/prods/62858/Ele ... &source=aw at £11.47 including Vat so I can't quite see how the £50 price tag is arrived at?
Eric

by **sparx** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 10:01 pm

Hey ERICMARK, didn't know you did charity work!!!
pull switch at cost + 15% = approx £20, plus 1 hour @ £30/per = £50!!
Seems about right if already doing other work in same house, to make a special journey to do just that is VERY cheap, considering time to order/get switch, waste @ least half day for one hours work, cost of cert. etc.

by **ericmark** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 10:22 pm

Point taken was not thinking about time.