Shower Tripping Fuse

JOHNPT

What would be the cause of a shower tripping its fuse after 3 to 5 mins running if the correct cable and fuse is used what would be the cause? Would it be a fault with shower? Whats best course of action? It appears its an overload but why would this occur?

Thanks in advance for replies

Mr Magnolia

Doubt it's an overload. It's most likely condensation building up and then getting in at the element that's causing the trip, it's fairly common.

You could maybe have the cracked element replaced if at all possible. If it's a new shower it may be covered under a warranty, if it's an old one you may be better off replacing it altogether.

davelerave

shouldn't be an overload. whats the tripswitch?.might be damp or a fault.any feedback on your previous problem?

JOHNPT

Thinks its a 40 amp RCBO.

Everything sorted in previous problem thanks for all the advice

northdublin

could it be the 45amp switch, in had an intermittant problem with tripping untill the trip wouldnt even stay up and it turned out to be a dodgy pullcord. the cables had been arcing and wrecked the pullcord.

davelerave

prob an earth fault.you can take a look at the shower for damp .easy enough to test elements and mains wiring for faults .is it a new install?

RoundyMooney

It is worth pulling the cover and checking the pullcord too. In all likelihood its a problem with the shower unit though, be it element, pump or whatever.

davelerave

it should be checked by a sparkie with the right know-how and test meters anyway from a customer safety point of view

fishdog

What would be the cause of a shower tripping its fuse after 3 to 5 mins running if the correct cable and fuse is used what would be the cause? Would it be a fault with shower? Whats best course of action? It appears its an overload but why would this occur?

Thanks in advance for replies

If your RCBO is not faulty it could be operating for 3 reasons:

1) Short circuit - Carry out insulation resistance test (meggar test)

2) Over load - You have a 40A RCBO on it so if the shower unit is not faulty it should not be an overload. I have fitted 32A B type RCBOs to 9.5kW showers with no issues.

3) Earth fault - Use an RCD tester. If the RCBO is not faulty, the insulation test is OK the the chances are you have a fault within the shower unit. Often this is due to the ingress of moisture. Replace or repair the unit. They can also be serviced.

As RoundyMooney says:

In all likelihood its a problem with the shower unit though, be it element, pump or whatever.

The chances are it is a fault within the shower unit.

Always ensure all connections are tight, with no strands sticking out. This is a big load so poor connections can lead to heating, melting etc.

it should be checked by a sparkie with the right know-how and test meters anyway from a customer safety point of view

+ 1

JOHNPT

Thanks for detailed reply

fishdog

Your welcome