How to Fit an Electric Shower

Last Updated: July 7, 2022

Electric showers work by independently heating cold water, eliminating the need for a hot water tank or for hot water storage. In older buildings or in locations where gas-heated hot water is not readily accessible, electric showers are a slick, economical option. In this article, we’ll show you how to fit and install your electric shower.

1

Choose a location.

Pick an area near the main cold water supply. You should choose to be close to a spot where you can install an independent circuit.

2

Consult an electrician.

It’s not safe to run your own electrical, so get help for this part. Consult an electrician for advice on the size and type of independent circuit to install for your shower to ensure that you have adequate electricity.^{[1]
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- You will likely have to include a consumer unit with your circuit.

3

Enlist a plumber to check your pipes.

Your pipe system may not be able to manage an electric shower. Consult a plumber to ensure that your building's plumbing system will be able to accommodate an electric shower.

4

Ensure there’s an independent circuit.

You need a circuit for the shower. Install the independent circuit near the location of the electric shower along with any necessary consumer units or earth cables.^{[2]
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5

Add an isolating switch.

Wire the independent circuit to an isolating switch. This should be located above the shower.^{[3]
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- This will allow the shower to turn off when not working.

6

Wire the switch correctly.

Attach the electric cable from the isolating switch to the power unit. Inspect and test the electrical installation, in compliance with local electrical standards, regulations and legislation. This is to ensure that it is safe to use and will not kill persons using it, in the event of a fault.^{[4]
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7

Pipe the shower.

Secure a pipe from the cold water main supply to the shower unit. This is how you’ll get water through the main valve.^{[5]
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8

Install a non-return valve.

Attach a non-return valve or stop tap to the pipe. This will isolate the shower's water supply from the rest of the building.

9

Use compression fittings.

Attach the pipe to the shower unit using a compression fitting. These will prevent leaks.^{[6]
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10

Mount the unit.

Attach the shower unit and the shower head to the wall. Choose a nondescript area where the

11

Turn on the water and electricity.

Test your setup by turning everything on. Locate your water supply and turn the knob counterclockwise to open it up. Then, flip the independent circuit for your electric shower.

12

Confirm the water warms up.

Let the water heat up and make sure everything works. Check to see that the electric shower is heating the water quickly and efficiently.^{[7]
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Community Q&A

Question

What if the isolated light stays on when isolated is turned off?

Community Answer

The switch unit may be wired the wrong way round. If the isolation works (ie there is no power at the shower when the switch is off) then this is likely. The lamp is fitted to the OUT side of the switch. The switch will still work if the power is applied to the OUT and the shower is wired to the IN but the light will stay on. It is not dangerous as it is except that the condition is unhelpful in normal use.
Question

Is it compulsory to use a 15A power supply from the mains?

Community Answer

Electrical codes differ by jurisdiction, so you'll have to look into your local laws.

Warnings

Make sure that all pipes around the electric shower are bonded to the earth and that all electrical wiring is properly grounded. Electric showers are designed to be safe, but the combination of high electricity and running water can lead to accidents if installation is not properly executed.

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Never install an electric shower without consulting both an electrician and a plumber to ensure that your house or building meets the minimum requirements.

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When learning how to fit an electric shower, do not turn on the power from the independent circuit while installing.

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