Electric shower advice please.....

[Baddegg]

Fitted 9.5 kw aquas aquamax shower today (customer supplied) and new full rcbo consumer unit, all good except the shower is absolute s£&t! Even on the highest setting the water is only moderately hot, water pressure seems fine and no different to any other showers I’ve fitted, one thing I did notice was when I clamped the meter tails with the shower running on full heat it only ever pulls approximately 15amps,new 10mm cable run in void under the floor for approx 18mtrs to a chase in the wall upto isolation switch with pvc wall panels over that,plenty of free air around the cable,admittedly I’ve never had to clamp a shower before but does that seems low for a 9.5kw shower?
Thanks as always

 

[suffolkspark]

Check continuity of each element in the shower, or say its clearly buggered and get a new one

 

[Baddegg]

Thanks Suffolk,that’s my plan tomorrow ha ha just want to make sure I havnt missed anything, I can see it becoming --- for tat with the manufacturers....

 

[telectrix]

almost deffo a faulty shower. should pull at least 35A on high setting.

 

[Spoon]

Just my opinion mate but you are responsible for the circuit to the shower. Check to see if it is all fine. If it is then it's down to the customer to get a new shower, as you did not supply it.

 

[static zap]

almost deffo a faulty shower. should pull at least 35A on high setting.

..Unless the lights are dimming badly with it .!!

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Some shower have dip switches on the PCB where you can un limit the temp of the shower.

Also just a tip for showers, most of you already know but always purge the shower before using it just to make sure the water pressure is what it should be if the water has been off.

Although as Tel says 35-37 amps on top setting shohld be what your getting.

 

[Baddegg]

Thanks spoon, yes checked the circuit all fine, as I say it’s all new and all readings are good,just like to cover my arse ya know

 

[Baddegg]

Thanks Tel, that’s what I assumed,at 15a I could’ve run it 2.5! Ha ha

 

[Baddegg]

Thanks Chris I’ll check that tomorrow

 

[Andy78]

It doesn't have an economy/summer setting that is enabled does it ?

 

[telectrix]

Thanks Tel, that’s what I assumed,at 15a I could’ve run it 1.5! Ha ha

corrected that for you.

 

[littlespark]

Check water pressure.
I fitted a customer supplied shower that he took water from cold bath tap.... was tank fed, less than a bar pressure. The shower just cut out when trying to run.
He had to get a plumber to tap into the mains pipe feeding the tank.
It’ll tell you in the installation manual if it’s mains only.

 

[Baddegg]

Check water pressure.
I fitted a customer supplied shower that he took water from cold bath tap.... was tank fed, less than a bar pressure. The shower just cut out when trying to run.
He had to get a plumber to tap into the mains pipe feeding the tank.
It’ll tell you in the installation manual if it’s mains only.

Connected to mains Chris..did the jug test and gets about 1.3 bar,manufacturers state between 1 and 1.5 is fine anything above is good

 

[telectrix]

we get 1.5 bar till someone flushes the bog. then the shower goes cold till the bog refills. it's a cracking way to get teenage daughters out the shower.

 

[littlespark]

If it’s not the electric, and it’s not the water pressure, then it must be the shower itself.
As others have said, you didn’t supply it, so it’s not your responsibility... and dismantling it to look for faults will invalidate the warranty.

 

[Wilko]

Hi - reading the instructions it triggers a couple of thoughts, for what it's worth :
Check 240V at unit when under full load, as that's the way they've calculated 9.5kW heating.
Check at least 1 bar pressure is maintained at the unit when it's discharging at 9l per minute. This one may be the killer, in that if the static pressure is only 1.3 bar then when you turn it on the pressure may well drop below 1 bar ( @telectrix reminded me with the loo flushing scenario ) . It's a pricey unit and is called "Smart" which usually means too smart, ha.

What shower did they have in there before?

 

[Wilko]

Seeing double ...

 

[Baddegg]

Hi Wilko,thanks for that, no shower before this,meant to update last night but got a bit involved watching solo with my youngest son.....anyway had time for further tests yesterday it turns out that the eco button micro switch wasn’t working correctly so the shower was stuck in 5.5kw mode, when then button was physically held in the water came through screaming hot and the amp reading jumped straight up to 36-38
Told customer she can either send the unit back or contact manufacturers for the part, thanks to all for replying as always

 

[Gary Gemmell]

Shower has two coils inside - once the second one fails the heat drops - its what the settings on the heat control switch - element 1 or element 1 + 2.

one of the coils is gone thus reducing the power consumption!

 

[Spoon]

Shower has two coils inside - once the second one fails the heat drops - its what the settings on the heat control switch - element 1 or element 1 + 2.

one of the coils is gone thus reducing the power consumption!

Welcome to the forum mate.
@Baddegg has solved the problem in the post above yours. (Post #19)

 

[Baddegg]

Welcome to the forum mate.
@Baddegg has solved the problem in the post above yours. (Post #19)

Thanks spoon,and thanks Gary, yes it was the switching between the coils that was the problem

 

[TRACY HARRISON]

Would be really interested if you got this shower working properly, we bought a AQUAS AquaMax Flex Manual X-Jet 9.5KW White Electric Shower and had all same problems you are describing only forceful water if on cold setting, diverter button doesn't work as spindle not long enough to meet external button.Pressure isn't enough if we want a heated shower. Got in touch with Victorian plumbing but looks like it will be a long process.
You spoke about eco button but can you tell us where it is located,,,, all sounds too similar shower cost £385 expensive ornament at present. thanks for you help in advance

 

[Wilko]

Hi Tracey and Welcome to the Forum.
You could start a new thread if you liked on your issues. A couple of quick thoughts - the divertor control is a standard part and should fit (see page 16) or is broken. Also see page 17 as there is a commissioning instruction and a plastic piece to be removed at step 3. Don't forget power off first .

 

[Baddegg]

Hi Tracey
Yes as wilko says make sure you have removed the small plastic “u” piece, water pressure is not to do with the shower but what pressure is already present, there are 2 different models of the shower and yours may not have the “eco” button (a small button just above the power button) I know this as my customers after many legal threats recieved a replacement from Victorian plumbing without the eco button.
It wouldn’t surprise me if you have a faulty unit, the manufacturers told me to wedge something behind the shower to make things contact properly......I won’t repeat what I told them.
They even sent my customer, a disabled woman in her 60’s a new switch and a video clip telling her to change it herself, she rang me asking where to start! (The clip didn’t even explain how to isolate the power)
Victorian plumbing have been an absolute nightmare to deal with and still have not paid me what was agreed to replace the faulty shower nearly 2 months down the line.
I personally would never buy a thing from them!
I believe my customers have been in contact with watchdog over Victorian plumbing conduct with regards faulty goods.

 

[TRACY HARRISON]

Hi Tracey
Yes as wilko says make sure you have removed the small plastic “u” piece, water pressure is not to do with the shower but what pressure is already present, there are 2 different models of the shower and yours may not have the “eco” button (a small button just above the power button) I know this as my customers after many legal threats recieved a replacement from Victorian plumbing without the eco button.
It wouldn’t surprise me if you have a faulty unit, the manufacturers told me to wedge something behind the shower to make things contact properly......I won’t repeat what I told them.
They even sent my customer, a disabled woman in her 60’s a new switch and a video clip telling her to change it herself, she rang me asking where to start! (The clip didn’t even explain how to isolate the power)
Victorian plumbing have been an absolute nightmare to deal with and still have not paid me what was agreed to replace the faulty shower nearly 2 months down the line.
I personally would never buy a thing from them!
I believe my customers have been in contact with watchdog over Victorian plumbing conduct with regards faulty goods.

 

[TRACY HARRISON]

Thank you for responding to me, no we do not have the eco button on the unit front but our contractor did remove the plastic wedge inside the unit and followed all instruction re installation.
We are definitely thinking we have a faulty unit, Victorian Plumbing did say we can send back shower for refund pending outcome of inspection/investigation. They have asked for photos and information about installation - send awaiting response. We would be happy if the just told us to chose another one as this shower is not fit for purpose, not sure where we stand legally or if credit card company would refund us during our fight thank you again for responding.

 

[TRACY HARRISON]

Hi Tracey and Welcome to the Forum.
You could start a new thread if you liked on your issues. A couple of quick thoughts - the divertor control is a standard part and should fit (see page 16) or is broken. Also see page 17 as there is a commissioning instruction and a plastic piece to be removed at step 3. Don't forget power off first .

 

[TRACY HARRISON]

Hi Wilko, diverter switch def looks broken, im convinced they has sent us a faulty or previously returned unit. Plastic wedge was removed as per instructions. Looks like a really poor design for a lot of money. Currently awaiting a response from Victorian Plumbing, not sure if I can demand a refund but would be happy with a completely different shower to resolve this, lost faith in this item.
now over 30 day of purchase. bought in October fitted in February due to renovations.

 

[telectrix]

Hi Wilko, diverter switch def looks broken, im convinced they has sent us a faulty or previously returned unit. Plastic wedge was removed as per instructions. Looks like a really poor design for a lot of money. Currently awaiting a response from Victorian Plumbing, not sure if I can demand a refund but would be happy with a completely different shower to resolve this, lost faith in this item.
now over 30 day of purchase. bought in October fitted in February due to renovations.

in that case you want it replacing under warranty. if you bought with credit card, then you should be able to get a 100% refund on your card. trading standards is another avenue under "goods not fit for purpose",

 

[TRACY HARRISON]

thank you , they did offer for me to have it disconnected and return for refund pending investigation of complaints. I will contact credit card when I have send back to them as I will no longer have their shower. thank you

 

[Tina Payne]

Hi Wilko,thanks for that, no shower before this,meant to update last night but got a bit involved watching solo with my youngest son.....anyway had time for further tests yesterday it turns out that the eco button micro switch wasn’t working correctly so the shower was stuck in 5.5kw mode, when then button was physically held in the water came through screaming hot and the amp reading jumped straight up to 36-38
Told customer she can either send the unit back or contact manufacturers for the part, thanks to all for replying as always

Hi, We have this exact same problem, just checked out the Echo button by holding it in as suggested and hey presto we have hot water coming through. Can you tell me how your customer resolved this issue in the end or is it still on going do you know? Thanks in advance.

 

[Baddegg]

Hi Tina
They will tell you that you need to fit a piece of rubber between the back of the eco button and the wall to stop the body of the switch from moving backwards and preventing it from engaging....my advice is to demand your money back and don’t deal with Victorian plumbing again, as they will also void any further warranty on the unit.
They will also not pay for someone to “repair” the unit leaving you further out of pocket.
As above I recommend my customers avoid the company like the plague!

 

[Tina Payne]

Thanks for coming back to me on this. What a nightmare!
I wonder did your client go with a completely different make of shower in the end? Sorry to ask but I really am in two minds weather to get a replacement and take a risk that it will be fine or to start over again and change to another manufacturer ! So much hard work has gone into our new bathroom re-fit and this shower, sadly has let it all down.

 

[TRACY HARRISON]

Hi. We now have ours resolved. I gave them a choice replace it with another shower of our choice or I would go through section 75 via credit card for full refund
Now had a quick turn around and have a Mira excel EV which we are accustomed to sadly a hole to plug in our beautiful new shower wall. But we’re problem solvers do lesson learned. Good luck Tina

 

[Baddegg]

Thanks for coming back to me on this. What a nightmare!
I wonder did your client go with a completely different make of shower in the end? Sorry to ask but I really am in two minds weather to get a replacement and take a risk that it will be fine or to start over again and change to another manufacturer ! So much hard work has gone into our new bathroom re-fit and this shower, sadly has let it all down.

They do the same shower without the eco button, tell them you want that as the fixings are exactly the same so no holes left in ya wall, tell them you want some compensation as well as they know these showers are faulty, I contacted the manufacturers directly, LOUED consultants, who rather ironically offered me a contract to repair these showers around the south of England, they told me the part was left out at the factory.......I don’t believe that personally, they are just very poor design and for Victorian plumbing to continue selling them is a disgrace!
I’d contact watchdog.....

 

[Tina Payne]

Hi Tracy, Thank you for the information. We paid through our bank direct so not sure where we stand but that would be another "Forum" I guess. Lesson learned indeed. I've not been in touch with V.
Plumbing yet, I need to calm down and get my head straight, I'm so angry right now as I guess you would have been too. Luck is what we need for sure, thank you.

 

[Tina Payne]

They do the same shower without the eco button, tell them you want that as the fixings are exactly the same so no holes left in ya wall, tell them you want some compensation as well as they know these showers are faulty, I contacted the manufacturers directly, LOUED consultants, who rather ironically offered me a contract to repair these showers around the south of England, they told me the part was left out at the factory.......I don’t believe that personally, they are just very poor design and for Victorian plumbing to continue selling them is a disgrace!
I’d contact watchdog.....

Thank you, this is really helpful. I'll get in touch with them and see what happens.

 

[Baddegg]

Thank you, this is really helpful. I'll get in touch with them and see what happens.

You’re welcome Tina, let us know how you get in and good luck

 

[Tina Payne]

Hi Baddegg, Got an update on this. We have had an e-mail from the manufacturers telling us the following....
The units are factory tested on a steel wall which is 100% flat.
We have found if the wall the shower is fitted to is 1 or 2mm out it slightly twist the back fixing plate causing the eco switch not to hold the microswitch down when pressed. Hence your issue mentioned below about the eco switch.

Firstly isolate power to the unit.

See attached document. The solution is to fit 6 flat washers underneath the three screws (2 PER SCREW) holding the back plate to the wall.

These screws go between the back plate and wall allowing the front cover to fully engage when fitting to the back plate.

The result is the eco button fully holds down the microswitch giving full power and a constant heat.

From anyone's point of view, will this actually resolve it?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Baddegg]

Hi Tina
Thanks for updating us, I’d say no it is not resolve it but it’s entirely your call really, personally I think it’s an extremely poor design and can’t see why a consumer should have to retro fit parts if the manufacturers know they could fail? There’s not a wall in this country that’s 100% flat and they know it, i advised my customer to change the unit for one without the eco switch but as i say it’s your call.

 

[Strima]

So manufacturer has a known issue and wants the customer to fix it with washers. I'd be getting my money back.

 

[DPG]

Agree fully with egg and strima.

 

[Tina Payne]

Update, I'm being told now by VP that if they collect the unit for a refund there's no guarantee that we will get it, because if the manufacturers find nothing wrong with it then they won't refund! I have now had an e-mail from the manufacturers giving me dates of when they can come and fix the problem by sending in one of their men, but I have to sign a T & C which states that if the unit has been installed incorrectly in any way then the cost will be down to us! I am loosing the will to live, because I can see that they will use this 1-2mm flat wall issue that they mentioned before. Anyone got any legal advice, I'd be grateful. Thanks.

 

[Baddegg]

Hi Tina
Have them show you where in the installation instructions it states the wall needs to be perfectly flat.....

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Only just seen the post about the washers, surely if you pack the shower off the wall by 3ish mm then it effects the ip rating as splashes of water will be able to fall down the back and penetrate through the screw holes?

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Only just seen the post about the washers, surely if ypu pack the shower off the wall by 3ish mm then it effects the ip ratibg as splashes of water will be able to fall down the back and penetrate through the screw holes?

 

[Baddegg]

@ChrisElectrical88, the place that supplies the showers and the manufacturers are both a complete joke Chris, I wouldn’t normally get that involved for a customer but the poor woman I installed for was absolutely at her wits end with them........it took them over 2 1/2 months to pay me what they agreed and that was only after i threatened legal action!

 

[Jay Cee]

Wow, Thank you for this, We have been questioning everything last 2 months since the install of this shower, its been a pain to get hot water out and the eco button now confirms the fault as this is exactly what mine does. I have emailed VP the photo & video of the shower (obviously showing the cold water fault?) and also in my email I've included this thread. I want this shower removed and swopped for a different brand. absolutely crazy!

 

[Jay Cee]

Also Noticed VP do not print bad reviews as I left a review on their website 6 weeks ago about how bad the heat is and they never published it, its wasn't a rude review just one stating it isn't a good shower.