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How to buy an electric shower Installing your shower

Practicalities

Since the introduction of revised Building Regulations in 2005, and in particular 'Part P' which covers electrical installation, electric showers are best installed by a qualified electrician.

The installation costs of an electric shower can make up a significant part of the total cost. Even a simple installation, where the cold water supply is easily accessible, and the route from the shower to the consumer unit (main electrical supply) is simple, can cost more than the shower itself.

If the model you choose has top, bottom, side and rear cable and pipe entries, this will make it easier to install, as it gives more flexibility when routing the cables and pipes. As the cables are often large and inflexible, showers with more space inside the casing, and well-designed connection blocks will make life easier for your installer. Likewise, look for swiveling water connections with plenty of room for a spanner.

Make sure when fitting the riser rail that the shower handset will be high enough for the tallest person likely to use it, and also low enough for children.

Plumbing and electricity

Safety switch

A separate switch will be required for safety

An electric shower requires plumbing only to a mains cold water supply with 15mm diameter pipe.

The electrical supply is more complicated, however. The high power (between about 8.5kW and 10.8kW) electrical element is similar to a large kettle and heats the water as it passes through.

It will require connection to a separate fused electrical supply circuit. The size of the cable and fuse will depend on the electrical power (in kW) of the shower, but 10mm2 cable is recommended, as this would mean you can replace the shower in the future, without having to install a larger cable.

For safety, you'll need a ceiling-mounted double pole switch (with neon and mechanical indicators) to turn the electricity to the shower on and off.

Finding an installer

The easiest option is to choose an installer who is a member of self-certification schemes such as those listed below. You can get more details of these competent persons schemes from your local council’s Building Control.

Before they begin work you should agree with them that they will take responsibility for ensuring the installation complies with the building regulations and will provide the BS7671 certificate. You will need to produce this if you want to sell your home to prove that electrical work has been carried out safely.