About this service
An electric shower heats cold mains water inside the unit and therefore places a high continuous load on its electrical circuit. The shower rating, cable size, route, protective device, RCD protection, isolation and water supply all need to be compatible.
Replacing a shower with a higher-kilowatt model is not always a like-for-like change. The existing cable may be too small for the new load or installation conditions, and the manufacturer may require protective measures not present on an older circuit.
Common problems we help with
Shower trips during use
A faulty unit, loose connection, protective-device issue or cable problem may cause operation under load.
Isolation switch is hot or damaged
High current and poor connections can overheat pull-cord or wall-mounted isolators.
New shower has a higher rating
The existing circuit may not support the increased load safely.
No RCD protection
Older shower circuits may lack the additional protection required for new installation work.
How we carry out the work
Check shower specification and circuit
We verify rated power, supply, cable, route, protective device, isolation and RCD arrangement.
Install or upgrade the supply
Where needed, the cable, isolator or consumer-unit equipment is altered to suit the design.
Connect, test and commission
Electrical tests are completed and the shower is checked with water flow according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What is normally included?
- Initial discussion about the property, symptoms, priorities and timescale
- Assessment of the relevant circuit, equipment, access and existing protection
- A written scope for the proposed electric shower installation work
- The agreed installation or repair work, with disruption kept to a reasonable minimum
- Inspection, electrical testing and appropriate handover documentation
Before the work starts
- Equipment rating and the manufacturer’s electrical requirements
- Existing circuit capacity, isolation and protective measures
- Bathroom zones, moisture, heat and ventilation where applicable
- Control position, timers, thermostats and how the equipment will be used
What affects the price?
The price depends on the existing installation and the amount of work required. For electric shower installation, the main factors normally include:
- Need for a new dedicated circuit
- Cable route and distance from the distribution board
- Equipment controls and local isolation
- Access, outdoor work and upgrades revealed by testing
Testing, certificates and handover
Once the installation work is complete, we inspect and test it and provide the records that apply to the job.
- Safe-isolation and control demonstration
- Circuit test results and applicable certificate
- Manufacturer information retained for the customer
- Settings and routine-care guidance
Electric Shower Installation questions
Can a 10.5 kW shower replace an 8.5 kW model?
Only if the circuit design, cable and protective device support the higher load. This must be checked, not assumed.
Why is the pull switch warm?
High current makes sound connections important. Noticeable heat, smell or discolouration needs investigation.
Who connects the water?
We agree whether plumbing work is already complete or needs coordination with a plumber.
Booking the work
What happens after you contact us
1. Discuss the job
Tell us about the property, the symptoms or the result you want. Photographs and model numbers are often helpful.
2. Inspect and quote
We check the relevant installation and give you a written quotation showing what is included.
3. Complete and test
We carry out the agreed work, verify it electrically and explain any controls, labels or certificates at handover.