Electric Showers

Gracust

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a good deal on a 7.5kw electric shower?

Thanks ...Gracust

rizla01

Just bought an 8.5Kw from Homebase. The cheapest I found (About £70.00) for a leading brand.

If you get there quick (By Tomorrow) they have an extra 20% off their half price showers including the 7.5 Kw.

Why have a 7.5 when the 8.5 is a only few bob more.

They both run off 6MM 30 Circuit provided the cable run is not too long.

Ted_Hutchinson

There were some in Aldi's a while ago 8.5 kw for £49. They were very good, much better quality than the cheapest BQ Gainsbrough shower at £75? but locally there were none left when I went back but you may be lucky.

Gracust

rizla01 wrote:

Why have a 7.5 when the 8.5 is a only few bob more.

They both run off 6MM 30 Circuit provided the cable run is not too long.

I was under the impression that 7.5kW ran off 6mm cable and a 30A breaker
8.5kW ran off 10mm cable and a 40A breaker

Well that was what was on the side of the Triton boxes in Homebase.

Anyone know what one is correct...I don't want to overload the circuit!

Thanks

Malestrom

7.5Kw = 7500w / 240v = 31.25A
8.5Kw = 8500w / 240v = 35.42A
9.5Kw = 9500w / 240v = 39.58A
10.5Kw= 10500w / 240v = 43.75A

Cable is rated depending on how its been installed and its length. You lose a considerable amount of current carrying capacity if the cable is buried in a wall or under insulation, as opposed to being clipped direct to the wall or joists. 6mm T&E will be sufficient for all the above showers EXCEPT 10.5Kw if the cable is NOT buried in plaster or insulation. If the cable is buried in plaster or insulation, then 6mm T&E will only just be sufficient for a 7.5Kw shower. 10mm T&E is rated 43A buried, 63A clipped according to my guide.

Unless you are certain that your cable is capable of supplying an 8.5Kw shower, stick with the 7.5Kw model. A 30A breaker is right on the edge for a 7.5Kw, it should really be 40A.

Gracust

Malestrom,

Many thanks for that excellent reply, that really helps.

Regards...Gracust