Shower question...

Some friends of mine live in a property with an ancient shower. The power cable runs from the ceiling along the tiled wall to the top of the shower. Presumably this was permitted in previous installations?

The shower is now out of order, and it is likely a new shower will be required. Is it still permitted to leave the cable in this position, or should it be buried in the wall?

Reply to
Jake
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If it's an ancient shower thats being replaced, then the cable will most probably be incorrect for the more modern electric shower, (more powerfull) so that will need replacing to along with isolation switch it it doesn't meet the latest regs. The cable should be ok if it's in proper trunking I think, but if it's rewired can you not put the cable across the roof space and drop down into the top of the shower?

Reply to
polly filler

It's not in trunking, it drops down from the roof space to the top of the shower and is held in place against the tiles with cable clips. Looks like the type of cable I've seen used to connect electric cookers - what's that -

30A rating?
Reply to
Jake

Unprotected surface wiring, not OK - and hasn't been for a long time AFAIK.

Also sounds like it's flexible cable, rather than solid core.

If it's surface, should be in trunking.

Given it's potentially the most hazardous electrical installation in the home, I'd prefer to see a single piece of cable, no joins, running from the CU (with RCD/RCBO), to right inside the shower unit, with no possibility of fingers or moisture getting near the cable or its connections.

Reply to
dom

I think so too. Can a line of tiles be removed?

NT

Reply to
Tabby

  1. I read the OP as saying cooker cable and from the normal expectation this would be 6mm or greater twin and earth with an oversheath of PVC. This may not be as "pretty" exposed to view as a bit of trunking.
  2. Which regulation do you allege prohibits the use of such sheathed cable in the circumstances or did you make that up? Flat thermoplastic insulated and sheathed cable (undamaged) is suitable for use both outdoor and indoors in dry or damp locations.
  3. For an unbroken length of cable from the CU where are you thinking of providing the local double pole isolator?

The like for like swap of an old shower for one of similar rating is a simple minor works job, however it would be eminently sensible to provide an RCD at the consumer unit or next to it if the CU is not suitable for modification. Don't forget also that satisfactory result of an Earth Fault Loop Impedance test is one of the essential checks for even minor works, Note that many shower manufacturers now specify the provision of an RCD in their installation instructions.

Reply to
cynic

It still is.

Doesn't have to be buried in the wall. Actually, it has a higher current rating if it isn't. As others have said, you need to check the circuit and the supply is up to running a new shower, which should also be RCD protected.

Reply to
Andrew Gabriel

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?title=Calculating_A_Cable_Sizeshould help you decide what power the cable can deliver.

The new shower will almost certianly need 30mA RCD protection.

Reply to
ARWadsworth

Part P allows a like for like replacement. If as other posters suggest, adding a RCD may well contravene rules and involve Bulding Control which will put you the wrong side of the law. If you have another £160 for the required paperwork .......... alternatively just change the shower for a similar of the same rating.

Reply to
Fredxx

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