Connecting shower to existing cu

helidan · Mar 2, 2011

Hello. New here and after a little advise.

I've bought an 8.5kw electric shower and would like to know if I can wire it direct to the existing cu. I have the old cu type with slot in fuses and wire. It has a spare slot where I have removed the old emersion heater system.

Can I use this slot to connect a new shower too? Can I use a slot in trip fuse with it for protection?

Any help or advise would be appreciated?

telectrix · Mar 2, 2011

yes and no. you will need to fit RCD protection. you can come off a rewireable fuse but then into a stand alone RCD. then to your showqere switch and shower.

malcolmsanford · Mar 2, 2011

The chances are if it's an old immersion circuit then sorry the cable will be far to small. That means new cable, fitting an RCD, bonding most likely needing upgrading, will you old board accept such a large load, will it take an RCD/RCBO, what size cable will you need for the load and will there be any derating factors, can you test the new circuit and then complete the certification and finally you will have to register it with building control before you start the work.

Really I'm afraid this is one of the times you will really need to contact a local Electrician . prefably a scheme registered electrcian who will do all the above for you.

helidan · Mar 2, 2011

No, I wasnt planning on using the old cable. That's no good. I have to get new cable to suit the shower. I just wondered if I could hook up to the cu

telectrix · Mar 2, 2011

but, as malcolm has so fairly stated, are you competent to do the job and do you have the necesary equipment to test your install? and , of course, you will have to notify LABC under part poo.

malcolmsanford · Mar 2, 2011

helidan said:
No, I wasnt planning on using the old cable. That's no good. I have to get new cable to suit the shower. I just wondered if I could hook up to the cu

Then really everything else as above bar the original cable being to small as you say