Electric showers are very different from traditional showers in that they use an electric current instead of a water heater to heat the water. An electric shower is easy to install with the right tools, including a drill and cordless screwdriver. For safety reasons, you must adhere to local government standards and regulations when setting up an electric shower.
Households use different water pressures. For low-pressure, you require two separate water supplies; one for the cold and one for hot. When buying electric showers, make sure it carries the seal of approval from organizations like WaterMark or BQ Aquarius . These allow the electric shower to work with lower water pressure.
Check out our post here on the Best Electric Showers UK to find the perfect one for you.
Requirements: Installing an electric shower
Electrical Requirements
There is something about the requirements that makes them difficult to comprehend. The electrical equipment will need to be connected to two individual fused electric wires.
The sizes of the wires and fuse will vary based on your requirements for your home and bathroom. We propose a 10-metre standard connection since it reduces the chance of having to replace it. You’ll also need a pair of double-pole switches for safety’s sake, since there will be a long cable in the bathroom near the shower that activates and deactivates the water supply to the shower very quickly.
The shower unit cables are adaptable. You must have them installed by a qualified electrician.
Plumbing Requirements
Plumbing, on the other hand, is a straightforward process. You’ll need a major source and pipes that are at least 15 mm in width for the most efficient fit.
It takes little more effort from a plumbing standpoint at least. It is advisable to hire a plumber for installation who can complete the task quickly.
Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Turn off the Electricity Supply
You should turn off the electricity supply before you start doing anything. You’ll need to ensure that there is no power flowing through your lights, cable sockets, and most importantly, shower unit.
Before turning off the power supply, contact an electrician if you are not 100% certain about the whole process.
Step 2: Plan Your Project
Before you start your project, you need to ensure that everything has been laid out on a plan. Ensure that the new shower unit is where you want it and check if there are any cables or pipes coming through the wall it will be installed on before drilling and hammering away at your wall.
Step 3: Planning the Shower Unit Position
Ensure that you have a good and comfortable space for you to stand in while showering. It is important to consider the water’s flow into the drain and also ensure no power cables are running nearby as that can be dangerous. You need to check if there is enough room for it too.
Step 4: Trace the Shower Pipe
The next step after planning where you want the new shower unit to be is to trace its position using a pencil. The pipe should have enough room for the cable wire while ensuring that no wall studs or pipes exist at that spot. Avoid cutting into any major cables such as those used by your central heating system.
Step 5: Drill Holes for Water Supply
Once you have confirmed that the cable can be safely installed, then you can drill holes on the wall where your water supply will come from. Ensure that they are in at least a 15 mm width just to be safe. You’re not required to use any major tools here but if you do not have the right tools, an electrician can do it for you. The drill should be at least a size 10 (the most common).
Step 6: Drill Holes for Cable Wires
You’re almost done! Drill holes where your cable wires are going to go through. They need to be around 15 mm in width as well. If you are unsure about this step, consult an electrician.
Step 7: Fit Electric Cable Wires and Fuse
Fit the cable wires into their respective holes as per your plan, making sure that they reach up to the switches and the electric shower plug just behind it.
The fuse should also be fitted in a similar manner (placing it in the conduit) while ensuring that there is enough room for all cables. You can consult an electrician to do this if necessary.
Step 8: Fit Plugs and Switches
Fit your electric shower plug and switches into the corresponding holes you drilled above. We recommend using winged plugs and check valves as they’re easier to fit. You can also fit a pull switch if you want but ensure it’s safe for your use so that kids are unable to turn it on while playing around.
Step 9: Test the System
Finally, you need to test the system before closing up the wall and ensuring everything is done properly. If there aren’t any issues, connect your cable wires to the corresponding terminals on your plug and then switch it on. If you have a pull switch, make sure that it isn’t accessible by young kids or pets.
Step 10: Finishing Up
You need to clip the power cables and push them into the wall so they don’t get in the way. Your new shower is now ready for use. You just have to attach the hose and electric shower head, plug it in, and turn it on!
You can also customize your electric shower unit and install it based on the design you’re looking for. It is best to use a qualified electrician if there are any components that need to be installed into the wall. You might be able to do this yourself but remember, safety should always come first!
You can also check out our post here on the Best Power Shower UK.
Final thoughts
The steps presented above are the most common way of installing an electric shower in a wall but they all depend on your actual project. You can also consult an electrician if you feel like you need his help to do it safely.
Background information: Since an electric shower unit uses an electric current to heat water, you must observe the shower’s correct installation to prevent injuries. Installing a shower can be done in a few hours. With the right tools, you can easily fit a new electric shower on your bathroom wall.