Shower on Ceiling Light Flickers - advice needed please

[guest1010]

Hello, I am not an electrician. I don't normally post on forums but I'm at breaking point with this situation and require some advice please.

Our new shower was installed earlier this year. Since it was installed when you press the new shower on the ceiling light in the bathroom flickers (strobe like) as does the ceiling lights on the landing and small bedroom (all on the right side of the house.)

No other lights flicker when the shower is on anywhere in the house and the bathroom light doesn't flicker at any other time when it is on (only when the shower is on.) We have changed the light bulb in bathroom and it's still flickering only when the shower is on.

When the shower is turned off the flickering stops immediately, however, the shower is on one consumer board and all ceiling lights are on a separate consumer board. We have been told the cable is correct for the connection of the shower.

With the old shower there was only a small dip in the ceiling light when it was turned on similar to when we put on our hoover and our downstairs table lamp dips in light once. We have been told this dip (or blink) of light is normal due to the load it uses.

We use a 25watt incandescent bulb in the bathroom. We use these bulbs as a family member has seizures to LED and fluorescent lights and can't use any other bulbs. We are aware they are no longer available to buy.

I've had 3 electricians out and also the local electric board to test equipment and they are sending us round in circles (electrician says everything is working normal and it's a supply issue and supply says it's a electricians issue as there are no supply faults.) Our meter doesn't reflect any issues so the electric supplier won't send any one out to look at their equipment other than the replace the existing meter.

We need to have a new hob and oven installed and the electrician has said we can't do that until we find what is causing the flickering issue, however, the electrician has said he cannot find the issue even though the flickering is visible and he has seen it. He has told us to keep a diary of when the flickering occurs (but it is only when the shower is turned on that it happens.)

The shower company cannot help us with this as they are only for installing and repairs even though we have told them it started when the new shower was installed.

Can anyone advise what I need to be either doing or asking because I'm at a loss on what to do and just want to get the house back to our normality again. I am not going to do any work on this as I am not an electrician.

Many thanks for your time with my query.

 

[Toneyz]

I have read the post with interest now we have a 9.5 kW electric shower and a batton holder with a standard 60-watt lamp. When I turn it on the lamp dips slightly when firstly switched on if there is something wrong with the shower (could be a water pressure issue) and a microswitch is turning the shower element on and off as replicating first being turned on it could be that. Other than that a volt drop issue or loose connection problem which shows up more with higher loads.

 

[Octopus]

Hi Wilko,

I've contacted NICEIC and ELECSA (who I was told are the same company from the man I spoke to at their technical dept.) and also ECA. They have all said contact the electric board as it sounds like a supply issue. Hopefully now they have agreed to send someone out again they can let us know. If all is fine (and I hope so) then I don't know what our next step is.

That's complete BS ..................impossible to make such a diagnosis over the phone

 

[Toneyz]

That's complete BS ..................impossible to make such a diagnosis over the phone

To be fair that's what we are all doing from afar.

 

[Octopus]

To be fair that's what we are all doing from afar.

True ................ but very slopely shouldered of them to not suggest more internal testing

 

[Pete999]

That's complete BS ..................impossible to make such a diagnosis over the phone

Right Murdoch, the shower company are buck passing cuz they don't have a clue, fit the shower it gets hot, submit invoice, anything wrong someone else's problem.

 

[telectrix]

and i get a dislike from OP for suggesting ghostbusters, so i'm out.

 

[Andy-1960]

Where in the country are you OP, as maybe there is a member close by who could have a look?

I would be interested to see pictures of the fuse boards

 

[Pete999]

and i get a dislike from OP for suggesting ghostbusters, so i'm out.

Don't worry Tel, no big deal.

 

[alasdairp]

I suggest you get a #full# periodic inspection and #test# Report by a good electrician or electrical contractor (explain your problems to them). If that doesn't find it (I suspect it will as the fault does not affect the whole house - so it sounds internal to the house wiring to me). It could be serious and be a fire hazard if the shower current is being diverted on an incorrect path.

As an aside, you can still get 40 W, 60W, 100W and even 150W incandescent bulbs from lots of various specialist internet suppliers. Search for "Rough Service" bulbs. When you find them, stock up on the ones you want. You can't purchase them from major and/or high street retailers any more. They also last longer than the old normal ones as the are 2000 hours rated (old normal ones were 1000 hours rated).

 

[Richard Burns]

As an aside, you can still get 40 W, 60W, 100W and even 150W incandescent bulbs from lots of various specialist internet suppliers. Search for "Rough Service" bulbs. When you find them, stock up on the ones you want. You can't purchase them from major and/or high street retailers any more. They also last longer than the old normal ones as the are 2000 hours rated (old normal ones were 1000 hours rated).

Should you wish to do this, please be aware that a change in the requirements means that the bulbs are not intended for domestic use as stated on the packaging.

 

[bailes1992]

This to me seems an obvious fault with the new shower. There was a 9.5KW shower fitted previously and everything was absolutely fine.

 

[Midwest]

This to me seems an obvious fault with the new shower. There was a 9.5KW shower fitted previously and everything was absolutely fine.

You might want to read the opening post again.

 

[Pete999]

A s

Hello, I am not an electrician. I don't normally post on forums but I'm at breaking point with this situation and require some advice please.

Our new shower was installed earlier this year. Since it was installed when you press the new shower on the ceiling light in the bathroom flickers (strobe like) as does the ceiling lights on the landing and small bedroom (all on the right side of the house.)

No other lights flicker when the shower is on anywhere in the house and the bathroom light doesn't flicker at any other time when it is on (only when the shower is on.) We have changed the light bulb in bathroom and it's still flickering only when the shower is on.

When the shower is turned off the flickering stops immediately, however, the shower is on one consumer board and all ceiling lights are on a separate consumer board. We have been told the cable is correct for the connection of the shower.

With the old shower there was only a small dip in the ceiling light when it was turned on similar to when we put on our hoover and our downstairs table lamp dips in light once. We have been told this dip (or blink) of light is normal due to the load it uses.

We use a 25watt incandescent bulb in the bathroom. We use these bulbs as a family member has seizures to LED and fluorescent lights and can't use any other bulbs. We are aware they are no longer available to buy.

I've had 3 electricians out and also the local electric board to test equipment and they are sending us round in circles (electrician says everything is working normal and it's a supply issue and supply says it's a electricians issue as there are no supply faults.) Our meter doesn't reflect any issues so the electric supplier won't send any one out to look at their equipment other than the replace the existing meter.

We need to have a new hob and oven installed and the electrician has said we can't do that until we find what is causing the flickering issue, however, the electrician has said he cannot find the issue even though the flickering is visible and he has seen it. He has told us to keep a diary of when the flickering occurs (but it is only when the shower is turned on that it happens.)

The shower company cannot help us with this as they are only for installing and repairs even though we have told them it started when the new shower was installed.

Can anyone advise what I need to be either doing or asking because I'm at a loss on what to do and just want to get the house back to our normality again. I am not going to do any work on this as I am not an electrician.

Many thanks for your time with my query.

stab again in the dark, did any of Electricians you have had to look at your problem, give you any indication as the the size of the cable feeding your Shower?
Do you have an Isolation Switch either wall or ceiling mounted?
Did they check any of the connections at either the Shower, Isolation Switch or Consumers unit (fuse board) ?
Or did they just visit, um and ah and charge for the call out?
Checking the connections for tightness would be my first thing to check. Don't know if anyone has asked the question, but where in the UK are you?

 

[alasdairp]

Should you wish to do this, please be aware that a change in the requirements means that the bulbs are not intended for domestic use as stated on the packaging.

Retailers are not knowingly allowed to sell them for domestic use - but it is completely legal to use them for domestic use. The legal changes were regarding import, manufacture and sale of incadescent bulbs. There is no law forbidding individuals from using them in their homes.

 

[Pete999]

A s

stab again in the dark, did any of Electricians you have had to look at your problem, give you any indication as the the size of the cable feeding your Shower?
Do you have an Isolation Switch either wall or ceiling mounted?
Did they check any of the connections at either the Shower, Isolation Switch or Consumers unit (fuse board) ?
Or did they just visit, um and ah and charge for the call out?
Checking the connections for tightness would be my first thing to check. Don't know if anyone has asked the question, but where in the UK are you?

A s

stab again in the dark, did any of Electricians you have had to look at your problem, give you any indication as the the size of the cable feeding your Shower?
Do you have an Isolation Switch either wall or ceiling mounted?
Did they check any of the connections at either the Shower, Isolation Switch or Consumers unit (fuse board) ?
Or did they just visit, um and ah and charge for the call out?
Checking the connections for tightness would be my first thing to check. Don't know if anyone has asked the question, but where in the UK are you?

OP not trying to arrange a date or anything, just to say if you are not that far from me I would be willing to take a look at the issues with your Shower, for the price of the fuel used.
You can PM me if you wish to remain anonymous, I won't tell.

 

[Pete999]

Right Murdoch, the shower company are buck passing cuz they don't have a clue, fit the shower it gets hot, submit invoice, anything wrong someone else's problem.

Fillet Steak, chips, Mushrooms and Onions for Tea so I could be away for a while.

 

[guest1010]

To Moderators or Admin: Please could this thread be deleted or if not please could you delete all my posts as I no longer want to post here. Please respect my wishes at this difficult time with my electrics and please delete my posts from this forum and delete any stored details. Thank you. (I am deleting my account too.)

 

[Pete999]

To Moderators or Admin: Please could this thread be deleted or if not please could you delete all my posts as I no longer want to post here. Please respect my wishes at this difficult time with my electrics and please delete my posts from this forum and delete any stored details. Thank you. (I am deleting my account too.)

Why? people have been very helpful, I even offered to visit if it wasn't to far.

 

[Midwest]

Who knows Pete? Suppose you can only respect OP's wishes.

 

[Pete999]

Who knows Pete? Suppose you can only respect OP's wishes.

Seems strage to opt out when some are trying to help, but hey ho

 

[Midwest]

Things change; bearing in mind posting stuff on the tin'ternet can last forever, some people get a bit unnerved sometimes.

 

[Pete999]

Things change; bearing in mind posting stuff on the tin'ternet can last forever, some people get a bit unnerved sometimes.

But why? the OP has obviously bee sh-t on but if you have no electrical experience then that's no your fault, cant recall anyone disrespecting his questioning, far from it everyone has tried to help. Human Nature I guess.

 

[camerabloke]

Strange

 

[Pete999]

Strange

What Steve?

 

[camerabloke]

WAnting to delete when all comments were relevant and helpful