Fitting an RCD/RCBO for a shower?

ExecutorKevin · 22 Sep 2011 at 17:40

I have a 8.5kw Triton cara in my shower but recently I've noticed that its connected to its own 30A fuse box? Could this be unsafe? I have researched into the subject and I think I need a RCD/RCBO fitted, but not sure if I could do it myself, which one do I need, I am good at electrics and building machines but does this need an electrician or can I do it myself? Or do I leave it there?

Thank you, K

Abraxaz1 · 22 Sep 2011 at 17:43

ExecutorKevin said:
I have a 8.5kw Triton cara in my shower but recently I've noticed that its connected to its own 30A fuse box? Could this be unsafe? I have researched into the subject and I think I need a RCD/RCBO fitted, but not sure if I could do it myself, which one do I need, I am good at electrics and building machines but does this need an electrician or can I do it myself? Or do I leave it there?

Thank you, K

Yes you need a rcd for any shower installation, if independant it should sit straight after the fuse/mcb.
The RCD is your main form of protection against electric shock so get a 30ma one in place.

ExecutorKevin · 22 Sep 2011 at 17:50

could I fit one myself?

The_blue · 22 Sep 2011 at 18:22

Can you swap the switch in the fuse box for an RCD one?

shoes · 22 Sep 2011 at 18:24

In theory, yes, it's very simple. Just be ultra sure you have isolated the circuit completely before you begin. I'd go as far as getting a head torch if necessary and just killing the whole house personally.

Edit: What the blue said

TaKeN · 22 Sep 2011 at 18:30

Apt Name OP :cool:

Maybe the shower used to be the 'Final one' your victims took!

ExecutorKevin · 22 Sep 2011 at 18:59

image host
This image is a bit old and the fusebox has been fixed, Its the white box, where do I get these fuses from?

joemo13 · 22 Sep 2011 at 18:59

If you have to ask, I suggest you don't do it yourself. I believe the regs in your own home are that as long as you are 'competant' you can do it yourself, but I am unsure here.

*After seeing that pic, I believe you might want it properly re-wiring. I guess it will cost a fair bit as once an electrician touches your distribution board it becomes their responsibility and has to be upgraded to the newest standards. I am only an apprentice commercial electrician though.

ExecutorKevin · 22 Sep 2011 at 19:25

yes I know but I'm skint. Would I be able to get a fuse rcd enough for my shower?

joemo13 · 22 Sep 2011 at 19:34

Yes you should be able to, most newer consumer units combine the master circuit breaker with an RCD so that everything is protected and I believe most are 50-100A. I don't know where you would fit one though.

ExecutorKevin · 22 Sep 2011 at 19:37

oh I thought you could get an old style fuse with and rcd built in and just plug it in?

Sinny · 22 Sep 2011 at 19:39

That fusebox for the Shower circuit looks nackered, what size MCB/Fuse was used for the shower?

Also RCD's will pick up on faults you didn't know existed so if your circuitry isn't wired well then it'll cost you more money to find and remedy the fault.

Likelyhood of a fault occuring on the shower circuit is pretty low though, they're usually on socket/lighting circuits.

joemo13 · 22 Sep 2011 at 19:42

Sinny said:
Likelyhood of a fault occuring on the shower circuit is pretty low though, they're usually on socket/lighting circuits.

I would have thought it would be high, an electical shower is in a very wet environment and should therefore be fully protected.
My advice still remains the same, a full re-wire. I don't believe you can get a fuse with RCD.

Sinny · 22 Sep 2011 at 19:50

joemo13 said:
I would have thought it would be high, an electical shower is in a very wet environment and should therefore be fully protected.
My advice still remains the same, a full re-wire. I don't believe you can get a fuse with RCD.

I've never encountered an RCD tripping on a shower circuit, it's almost 90% of the time been sockets, that's my experience though (little of it).

joemo13 · 22 Sep 2011 at 19:53

Sinny said:
I've never encountered an RCD tripping on a shower circuit, it's almost 90% of the time been sockets, that's my experience though (little of it).

Whilst it may be unlikely there is still a possibility you can get a fault; and if there was I would rather be using a shower with an RCD than without one.

oneale90 · 22 Sep 2011 at 20:00

Your best bet would be to replace the Knackered old Double pole isolator switch there, for a small 2 way RCD protected consumer unit, Something like a Proteus KBX-2, and then fit a B40 MCB. However, that installation is Old, very old and I would want to fit a new consumer unit before commencing any works on that!

ExecutorKevin · 22 Sep 2011 at 20:02

how much would this all cost (OH NO)
But everything else works fine so replacing the shower box how much would this cost>?

oneale90 · 22 Sep 2011 at 20:06

Totally depends on what the electrician you call finds when he takes an in-depth look at your installation. We normally fit upto 9Kw showers for around £150-£200 depending on what shower the customer specifies.

Take a trip down to your local City electrical Factors and see what their prices are on the KBX2, Its a great little board that's pre-wired for you

.

joemo13 · 22 Sep 2011 at 20:13

oneale90 said:
Totally depends on what the electrician you call finds when he takes an in-depth look at your installation.

As I said earlier, if an electrician touches your supply they have to ensure it is safe which can make the cost quickly rise if they do it properly and it looks like your supply definatly needs some work.

ExecutorKevin · 22 Sep 2011 at 20:16

can I not just replace the shower box as I dare not touch anything else as it works fine and may be very expensive.

The upstairs lighting doesn't work and hasn't been working for a year and I don't know why, But still I'm scared to do anything about it.