shower power

Patto · Dec 3, 2012

10.8 Kw shower on a 32A mcb keeps tripping in my girlfriends sisters newly purchased house, 10.8/230= 46.95A hence it tripping I would presume, also it's on a 45A pull cord and 6mm cable. I said it should be changed for a 50A pull cord and 10mm cable but her friend not an electrician said it's fine to just put a 50A mcb on the circuit as 6mm can take 50A no bother, I'm not a qualified spark but I am at college doing the best I can to become qualified, I see in the on site guide that reference method B says 38A for 6mm am I just being to "fussy" am I wrong that it should be 10mm cable also she is the kind of girl that's in the shower for 20-30 mins lol... genuine post this as I want to understand all options..

Thanks for any info given

gnselectricals · Dec 3, 2012

At best 6mm clipped direct can only carry 46 amps. Go with your suggestion 10mm on a 50A, obviously depending how's its run in as well

Patto · Dec 3, 2012

I havnt looked into the cable run to be honest I know they live in a bungalow and the shower is next door to were the cu is located in the cupboard maybe a 5-6M run from board to switch to shower, don't think it would be under insulation.

Deservices · Dec 3, 2012

It should be fed with 10mm and a 50amp breaker, but you could fit a new 8.5 kw shower instead, and fit a 40amp MCB. They sell them in screwfix for £50 would be cheapest option(if you was doing it yourself) not that I'm suggesting you do.

Deservices · Dec 3, 2012

Oh small run simples to fit new cable then. Don't put the 6mm on a 50amp MCB.

Patto · Dec 3, 2012

I'm not doing it I just gave my opinion which was change shower for lower kw or if they wanted to keep the it should have a 50A breaker and 10mm but since this guy has said 6mm will take 50A I think they will just change the mcb now for a 50 I was just checking I was right and not just being college boy lol

dim_bulb · Dec 3, 2012

You sound a lot more competent than the other guy
are you on level 2 or 3?

Patto · Dec 3, 2012

Level 2 second year, I am doing the 2330 on a night course 2 nights a week 1 practical 1 theory, I really enjoy the course and the electrical industry has intertested me for years I'm 32 now so maybe a little old to have started but hey you never know till you try.

dim_bulb · Dec 3, 2012

Good for you, ive been talking to other guys regarding the age, and generally they would prefer to take on older guys as they have less attitude more respect.

Patto · Dec 3, 2012

I know what you mean, I Dont actually work in the industry but I do get to work along side some sparks, I do maintenance for a company owning 5 fuel stations, and it's annoying how many apprentice sparks don't show a great deal of interest they just stand there playing on there phone were I like to get involved they must get sick of me as I ask question after question lol

Octopus · Dec 3, 2012

10mm cable, 50A Crabtree pull switch. Job done.

PEG · Dec 4, 2012

Welcome patto,I have to admit to being distracted from your cable loading question by the fact that at age 32,you know exactly how long your girlfriends sister spends in the shower.MASSIVE respect due...