How much does it cost to change an electric shower?

Risoc

It’s a like for like replacement and I have it here waiting to be done.

The (qualified) buddy is doing it but I know he won’t talk about money. What’s the going rate?

Sleeper12

Well the qualified buddy has to be a REC & issue you a cert for the completed work after carrying out tests on the fusebox. I don't see how he can't charge for it once he's issuing a certificate.

It's extremely unusual for the homeowner to supply the materials so it's very difficult to give you "the going rate". Going rate depends on what part of Ireland you are in. Maybe the cable needs upgrading if you are increasing the KW of the shower.

Best bet is to call three local REC in your area and explain what you want & get 3 quotes. This will give you some idea. I would suggest that €300 with the cert might be an average price but this is assuming it's a direct swap without any wiring or fusebox upgrading

Lenar3556

€300 seems alot if it’s a straight swop.

There is no requirement for work at a fusebox, just replace the shower and carry out loop and RCD tests.

Sleeper12

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123657588#Comment_123657588

Loop impedance test can only be done by REC & he must issue cert afterwards.

Full installations are averaging €1500 to €1800 in the Dublin area. Massive shortage of REC so anything with a cert is expensive

meercat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123657588#Comment_123657588

you have to check

if the cable feeding the shower is the correct size. Older installs are usually 6mm and the new showers mostly require 10mm

if the main tails are 16mm.if not it’s not permitted to replace the shower

If earthing arrangements are correct

RPC

Earth loop test

RCD test on shower (if there’s actually one,and it’s not connected to the socket rcd)

correctly rated tripswitch

RCD tests on existing (if working on distribution board)

Tighten connections on existing (if working on distribution board)

Issue certificate and test records

Install surge protection on distribution board if installing new cable for shower

I’ve yet to see a like for like replacement that didn’t require some remediation work and it would be prudent to open the distribution board to tighten connections on the shower circuit and also to inspect the pull cord switch

Lenar3556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123660363#Comment_123660363

There is nothing to prohibit anyone carrying out loop impedance or RCD tests, as long as they are not holding themselves out as a tester or inspector of a domestic installation.

There remains a lot of showers being replaced by plumbing contractors and shower repair firms including some of the shower manufacturers, who are not registered electrical contractors. This is in breech of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006

Notwithstanding the above, It would be desirable, in my view, that these parties would carry out the above tests as a matter of course when engaged with a shower, be it repairing or otherwise. Both tests go a long way to confirming that the shower doesn’t present an immediate electric shock hazard.

The cert is about €5.50, I think €300 is a little steep.

Sleeper12

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123660876#Comment_123660876

Loop impedance test can only be done by REC. It's illegal for anyone but a REC to even remove the fusebox cover.

I'd suggest getting advice from the Electrical forum where these regulations have been discussed at great lengths since they were introduced in 2013 (I think)

Lenar3556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123660562#Comment_123660562

Sure, if you come out and the cable to the thing is too small or there is some other obvious defect, that’s a different scenario - but the question was a like for like replacement. It’s open to a contractor to sell additional services such checking the fuse board, inspecting a shower pull cord, perhaps checking the cooker switch, maybe even advising on removing the shower pull cord altogether and switching the shower via a contactor as recommended by SafeElectric.

These are no doubt all worthwhile considerations, but I was commenting on the basic requirements.

Lenar3556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123660901#Comment_123660901

A loop impedance test is carried out at the shower, not the fuse board.

I stand by my comments that together with RCD testing I believe it would be a worthwhile confirmation when carrying out any work on a shower.