Old electric shower power unit? Needs replacing...

Drake5 · 14 Jan 2022 at 11:55

To turn our electric shower on, we have to go into a storage cupboard by the side of the shower and flick a switch on and this provides power to the electric shower. We've never had any issues with it before, we've had the shower replaced a few times with newer models etc and we've never had to touch this switch

Now we've started to have some problems with the switch (we've been in this house for close to 17 years now and this switch was here before we moved in) the shower kept going on and off when ever it was in use and the problem seems to be the switch on the power unit or whatever it's called. The button won't press back at all now, it's solid and won't move, so I'm assuming something behind the switch could be broken and the unit may need replacing ? This is what it looks like -

Would it be possible to just replace the front plate if I could find one, or would it be best to have a professional come out and replace this ?

Thanks

NoobCannon · 14 Jan 2022 at 12:36

Yes you can just replace it with a high amperage switch, something like a cooker switch usually 45a and suitable back box obv. Cant tell the size of that one from pic.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-45a-...Vjt_tCh12xw9JEAQYASABEgLUbfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Drake5 · 14 Jan 2022 at 12:39

NoobCannon said:
Yes you can just replace it with a high amperage switch, something like a cooker switch usually 45a and suitable back box obv. Cant tell the size of that one from pic.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-45a-...Vjt_tCh12xw9JEAQYASABEgLUbfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thanks, if I need to replace it though it would also require wiring wouldn't it ?

NoobCannon · 14 Jan 2022 at 12:43

Drake5 said:
Thanks, if I need to replace it though it would also require wiring wouldn't it ?

yes the back of the switch will need rewiring, make sure you turn the power off.

Its self explanatory when you look at it, if you need help post a pic here and we can help you.

SkodaMart · 14 Jan 2022 at 13:02

There’s a fair chance it’s jammed due to arching (loose connection)
You may be in for a nasty surprise.

Drake5 · 14 Jan 2022 at 13:02

NoobCannon said:
yes the back of the switch will need rewiring, make sure you turn the power off.

Its self explanatory when you look at it, if you need help post a pic here and we can help you.

Thanks mate, I'm just trying to figure out what size I'd need

It's about 145mm long, 85mm wide and about 40 mm deep. Would this one do it ? https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-900-series-45a-2-gang-dp-cooker-switch-white/91193

Drake5 · 14 Jan 2022 at 13:03

SkodaMart said:
There’s a fair chance it’s jammed due to arching (loose connection)
You may be in for a nasty surprise.

What do you mean by that ?

danoliver1 · 14 Jan 2022 at 13:11

Our switch went a while ago, got a big smell of fish which was the switch melting.

NoobCannon · 14 Jan 2022 at 13:13

Drake5 said:
Thanks mate, I'm just trying to figure out what size I'd need

It's about 145mm long, 85mm wide and about 40 mm deep. Would this one do it ? https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-900-series-45a-2-gang-dp-cooker-switch-white/91193

Unless im blind i cant see the measurements on there!, your original one looks like the same 2 gang switch tho

in your position i would either order a switch + matching back box and change the whole thing

https://www.screwfix.com/p/2-gang-surface-pattress-back-box-47mm/4493d

Or order the switch you linked and worst case pick up a back box after

Drake5 · 14 Jan 2022 at 13:20

danoliver1 said:
Our switch went a while ago, got a big smell of fish which was the switch melting.

Their was definitely a funny smell that I couldn't indentify so that sounds familiar ! Did a simple switch change fix it or did you have to do anything else ?

peige · 14 Jan 2022 at 13:28

You could take a look, turn off the power to it and then undo the front two screws and have a look what's going on. It could be that the switch is old and just needs replacing or you could have melted stuff in there, I'd take a look before you order anything and photograph what you see.

Likely you will end up replacing the whole unit including the box but if things are a bit brown and melted then wires might need cutting back or even replacing in which case an electrician would be a good call.

Drake5 · 14 Jan 2022 at 15:31

Thanks for the help guys, I was able to get an electrician out and got it replaced for £45. The old one had burned out and he had to strip a bit of the wire back