Electricians

[mollymoo]

We are having a shower fitted. Do I need a switch for this and if so what sort?

 

[VaderDSL]

Not an electrician, but I'm pretty sure an on/off switch would be best.

But on a serious note, you may need to provide a little more information before you get a sensible answer.

 

[mollymoo]

Ahh I see. I mean there are switches like a light switch with an LED jobby on them, and there are pull switches. I just sort of wondered what people had, and why they are needed whilst I think about it.

 

[Tom_ed1987]

Not an electrician, but I think those switches are to isolate the shower from the fusebox, as it is connected directly on a high amp circuit (like an oven). Pull cord or switch style, whatever's convenient.

 

[MeEsH BaKkA]

Yes you need some form of local double pole isolation, i.e the pull cord with neon. It must be double pole though, which means it switches both the live and neutral.

 

[mollymoo]

Thanks I will have a look where it's best to put one, I'm going to be knocking a few walls down next year ish so I suppose I can move it again after that. Thanks.

 

[Abraxaz1]

the real question is it a replacement unit or new installation?

 

[bobbyspangles]

This sounds like a question for your Part P registered electrician

 

[Sinny]

Yes you need some form of local double pole isolation, i.e the pull cord with neon. It must be double pole though, which means it switches both the live and neutral.

Reiterated, make sure you get a backbox for it as well.

 

[mollymoo]

I've decided to get the electrician chappy to have a look tomorrow and give me a quote, at least it will be right then

 

[HardwareGeek]

Something like one of these...

http://www.screwfix.com/p/crabtree-50a-pullcord-sw-neon/90597?_requestid=722947

http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-50a-pull-cord-switch-with-neon/12094

and a deep 40mm+ patress like

http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-1-gang-surface-pattress-box-white-40mm/12360

crabtree round switch doesnt need a patress its all built in

or you can use a wall mounted 50a switch most people have the pullcords though

 

[Nightglow]

I've decided to get the electrician chappy to have a look tomorrow and give me a quote, at least it will be right then

Very sensible.

 

[Traffic_Warden]

I've decided to get the electrician chappy to have a look tomorrow and give me a quote, at least it will be right then

Don't get a pull-cord, they look horrendous.

 

[Samueltastic]

Don't get a pull-cord, they look horrendous.

That would depend. A pull cord would be required if it was within the zone 2 of a bathroom or something similar with adequate IP protection.

 

[MeEsH BaKkA]

Don't get a pull-cord, they look horrendous.

Common practice to put the local isolation inside the shower room for obvious safety reasons, however it is not required as you mentioned but does mean 99% of the time a switch will have to be located outside the bathroom and out of sight as i'm yet to find a DP 40A+ isolator that looks nice or is subtle.

 

[Traffic_Warden]

That would depend. A pull cord would be required if it was within the zone 2 of a bathroom or something similar with adequate IP protection.

Put it outside the bathroom door next to your light switch, done. No need for a pull-cord, it's not like people turn it on and off every time they have a shower. (Unless you like saving energy because of the LED)

 

[Samueltastic]

Put it outside the bathroom door next to your light switch, done. No need for a pull-cord, it's not like people turn it on and off every time they have a shower. (Unless you like saving energy because of the LED)

I get in trouble for leaving the shower "on"

 

[HardwareGeek]

Tbh you shouldn't really need to keep switching the pullcord/switch on and off, all it does it wear the switch out, will start to become unreliable and not switch correctly or get stuck either on or off and need replacing.

 

[cammy5477]

Make sure an rcd or rcbo is fitted.
An rcbo is better because it gives you earth leakage and overload protection but an rcd is fine aswell

 

[Philtor]

No need for a switch! Bare wires connected together will work just fine but make sure you have rubber shoes on. Just sayin.