Electric showers are required to provide a regular water temperature from a cold water supply. Unlike the water heaters which consequently lead to a high electricity bill, the electric shower is energy efficient.
Power consumption by the electric shower is rated in kilowatts: the higher the wattage the better the performance of the shower and the higher the price, as well as the operation cost. Typically, energy-efficient electric showers have a power rating of 8.5, 9.5, or 10.5kW.
To an individual who wants to install an electric shower, he/she should always possess plumbing and wiring as the basic skills. Always turn your electricity off the moment you start installing the electric showerhead for safety from a short circuit.
Factors You Need to Consider When Preparing to Install an Electric Shower
Installing an electric shower is a relatively easy task to do, but before installing any other shower there are important things that you ought to consider. Below are factors to consider before installing your shower.
• Check the water pressure.
It is important to check the water pressure so that electric showers will work effectively. Although showers require a minimum water pressure and flow, you should be keen to know if you need a pump or not. On the electric shower of your choice, check the required water pressure on the manufacturer’s guide.
• Size.
By using a measuring tape, you can measure the size of your shower, or just check on the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. This helps you to plan on your installation space.
• Accessible use of shower handsets.
Determine if all people can be able to use the shower handset comfortably before installing. If the shower will be used by people with different heights, will they be comfortable while taking shower? Check the measurement so that children will use it as well as tall people.
• Observe cleanliness.
Do a thorough cleaning around the area you want to install the shower and clear all clutters. Doing this will leave you with a comfortable and clean area to conduct the installation.
Materials Required While Installing an Electric Shower
• Masonry bit.
• Double pole pull switch.
• A copper branch pipe.
• Pipe cutter.
• Wire sleeving: green and yellow.
• Power drill.
• Stopcock.
Steps to Follow on Electric Shower Head Installation
Plumbing.
1. Find a safe and an easy to access location to install your electric shower near a water source. The pipe must have a diameter of 15 millimeters.
2. Using the correct size of masonry bit, mark the holes where the shower will be mounted and drill holes in the walls to fix the wall plugs used in mounting the screws.
3. Cut the copper branch pipe into half an inch with a pipe cutter and file the end to remove the burrs. Then use the cut pipe and connect it to the hole. The pipe is used to link between the main water valve and water inlet in the showerhead.
4. Take the newly installed branch pipe to the rising main, but do not connect, and point directly to it. Then fit the stopcock at the end of the branch pipe, however, don’t let the flow arrow connect to the rising main. On the other hand, take a miniature isolating valve and fit it to the branch pipe. Make sure to close the shower unit to enable you to turn off the water for servicing.
5. Turn off the stopcock to prevent water from flowing on it. Then open the tap to let all water left in the branch pipe to drain away.
6. Attach the T-joints to the rising main and tighten the cap-nuts as required to provide support and maintain water pressure passing through it. Measure and cut an extra piece of the copper branch pipe. Connect the T-joints to the main stopcock fitted at the end of the branch pipe.
7. Finally, fix the showerhead on the end of the branch pipe. Back to the location you created pilot holes, fix the shower unit box, and connect the spray hose to the shower unit and showerhead.
Wiring the electric shower head.
Step 1:
Make holes in the ceiling for fitting the double-pole switch which isolates the circuit. Then attach the mounting board to the ceiling after placing the backplate of the switch and screw to put it in place. Run the circuit cable up to the ceiling through the mounting board.
Step 2:
Strip the leftover cable on the switch, to reveals a group of bare wires: earth wires, a black wire, and a red wire. Take all the available wires and intertwine them while performing a similar task to the ground wires. Then cover them individually with a yellow and a green sleeve.
Step 3:
Connect the earth wires covered with yellow and green terminals to the E terminal, the red wire to the L terminal, and later connect the black wire to the N terminal.
Step 4:
Remove the shower cable linked to the shower unit, and reveal a group of bare wires, a black wire, and a red wire. Repeat the process like done earlier, link the black wire to the L terminal, the red wire to the N terminal, and cover the stack of bare wires green and yellow sleeving: the PVC earth sleeving and later connect them to the E terminal.
Step 5:
Finally, run cold water into the shower to ensure that no debris is left in the system. Maintain the full power running of water to allow all air to be released. Then switch off and connect the showerhead to the hose. You need to check that the unit is set to the right temperature before using the shower.
What Types of Electric Shower Heads Are Easy to Install?
Conclusion.
The process of installing an electric shower head is relatively easy and not complicated as many would think. You may have been unhappy with your old shower performance and after acquiring a new one you wonder how you will install it. Simply follow the above steps and the installation will be a piece of cake. Obtaining an electric shower will be a long-lasting product that will save your electricity bill. Get an up to date electric shower head, which is easy to install and make you squeaky clean.
