Is a Shower control switch fused?

paulksnn

Hi All,
I've got a power shower with a "cooker switch" instead of a pull switch. It doesn't appear to be working (fuseboard is fine).
Turning the switch, means no red light, and no power light in the shower.
I don't have a meter(or know how to use one), but you can bet I'll be getting asap.
I was wondering if there's a fuse (prob. not I know) in those switches that I could think of replacing.
The other option to try and find the problem (that I know of and I'm not a qualified electrician) is to buy a new switch and try to replace it(after killing power at the fuse board).

Am I wasting my time? Should I just get an electrician in tomorrow?
I know all "official responses" will say that I need a RECI qualified electrician. Just looking for a quicker solution though.

dingding

Those switches have a tendancy to burn out after a period of time, particularly if the cables were not connected tightly when installed.

Changing the switch could solve the problem.

Avns1s

There's no fuse in the switch.

As the last poster said they do burn out because of the heavy current running through them.

Replacing the switch is generally very simple unless the ends of the cables are burnt. Hopefully, there is a bit of slack to cut off any burnt bits.

It's a relatively simple job. Just make sure the power is off and replicate the connections as they are in the existing switch. Ensure the connections are well made and tight.

paulksnn

Thanks guys - House is only a year old, so I'm a bit concerned that it could have burned out that fast. Then again, manufacturers have bad days as well. I'll give it a go this evening.

dingding

Not all showers are the same, some have a higher KW setting hence draw a higher current.

Check for burning on the cable. Also make sure that you get a 32A switch at least.

watty

It should be on its own fuse at the main box. If in doubt turn EVERYTHING off. The Main trip that kills power to all the plug socket MCBs in the fuse boxs usually ONLY does sockets, not lights, shower, immersion, cooker etc.

Some Cooker switches have a 13A socket off Cooker supply. I think that is UK practice and those should not be used here.

If they used an immersion pull cord switch, it will not do the current of an instant Shower. Much higher current than an Immersion.


If in doubt turn everything off. Keep one hand in pocket and have rubber/plastic soles and ANY doubt get a qualified electrician.

If you do it wrong there are no second chances.

paulksnn

Thanks for the concern watty.
I'm not a professional, but I've added a couple of plugs in the past and wired the shed.
And trust me, any doubts, the wife loses all power in the house.

thanks

Mr Magnolia

First off, even if you have everything knocked off you should still check all the cables at the switch with a meter. You may not have killed the power even though you may think you have. Personally, I would never go at a conductor without double checking that it's dead with a meter where the termination is happening.

Secondly, I wouldn't advise you take on with this unless you're competant, water and electricity don't mix well at all.

Third thing, if you do take on with it make sure your connections are correct and tight. I'd say loose connections are the cause of most electrical fires.

At the risk of giving you the 'official responce' - if you don't feel you're competant then get an electrician in. If you have to go and buy a meter for this then the electrician may be the cheaper option.

watty

Mr Magnolia wrote: »

If you have to go and buy a meter for this

Then you are probably not safe trying to do it... Unless you are used to having a meter and the dog just ate it.