Are you overwhelmed by the multitude of options available when it comes to choosing a new electric shower? Look no further! Our comprehensive electric shower guide is here to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Whether you’re a homeowner with a small hot water tank or someone in need of instant hot showers, an electric shower can be the perfect solution.
In this article, we’ll explore how electric showers work, their benefits, and the key differences between electric showers and power showers.
Get ready to make an informed decision and enjoy a satisfying shower experience every time.
Key takeaways
- Electric showers are flexible and simple to set up, making them perfect for new bathroom installations.
- They only need a cold water supply and can be connected to the main water supply, removing the necessity for a hot water supply.
- Electric showers rapidly heat water using an electrically-charged heating element, giving you instant hot showers without having to wait for hot water.
- The strength of an electric shower is determined by its kW rating, with higher kW ratings providing more pressure and temperature for a superior shower experience.
Electric showers explained
An electric shower is a versatile and easy-to-install option for heating water quickly over an electrically-charged heating element. It’s a great choice for those looking to buy a shower that provides instant hot water without the need for a hot water supply.
When installing an electric shower, it’s important to consider the water pressure in your home. Electric showers rely on the mains water pressure to function properly, so it’s crucial to ensure that the pressure is adequate.
Additionally, electric showers come with different temperature settings that control the flow of cold water over the heating element, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking.
How do electric showers work?
To understand how electric showers work, you need to know that they heat water quickly over an electrically-charged heating element. Unlike other types of showers, electric showers only require a cold water supply (and an electrical supply), making them versatile and easy to install.
The water flow speed and temperature are controlled by different settings on the shower unit. When you turn on the shower, cold water flows through the heating element, which quickly heats the water to your desired temperature.
The heated water then flows out of the showerhead, providing you with an instant and refreshing shower experience. This efficient heating process eliminates the need for a hot water supply, making electric showers ideal for those with small hot water tanks or new bathroom installations.
Is an electric shower suitable for you?
Electric showers are versatile and easy to install, making them ideal for new shower installations. They only require a cold water feed and are connected to the mains water supply.
If you have a small hot water tank or limited hot water supply (or can’t easily get a hot water supply to the location of the shower), an electric shower is a great option. They’re suitable for homes with all types of boilers but they might not be the best option for you if you are looking for a truly powerful shower. Check out our article on the different types of showers to understand your options.
Is a power shower the same as an electric shower?
No, whilst they both provide an invigorating shower experience, there are some key differences between the two.
Electric showers, as we discussed earlier in this guide, work by heating water quickly over an electrically-charged heating element. They only require a cold water feed and can be connected to the mains water supply.
On the other hand, power showers use both cold and hot water from a hot water cylinder. They rely on an electric pump to increase water pressure but this needs to be plumbed in to a gravity fed system.
They are very different types of shower so try no to get them mixed up!
Benefits of an electric shower:
- Instant hot water: Electric showers heat the water as it flows through the unit, providing you with immediate hot water whenever you need it.
- Energy efficiency: Electric showers only heat the water that is being used, which helps to reduce energy wastage and lowers your energy bills.
- Independence: Unlike traditional showers that rely on a hot water tank, electric showers are self-contained units, allowing you to have a hot shower even if your central heating system is not working.
- Easy installation: Electric showers are relatively easy to install, as they do not require a separate hot water supply or any complex plumbing.
- Temperature control: Electric showers typically come with temperature control settings, allowing you to adjust the temperature of your shower to meet your needs.
Energy efficient and economical
Save money and reduce energy consumption with an electric shower. Electric showers aren’t only convenient but also energy efficient, making them a smart choice for your bathroom. If you are looking for the most energy efficient electric showers click here.
Quick and easy to install
When installing an electric shower, you’ll find that it’s quick and easy to set up due to its versatile installation options. Electric showers are designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to easily connect them to a cold water feed. This eliminates the need for a hot water supply and simplifies the installation process.
Whether you’re replacing an existing shower or installing a new one, electric showers offer a convenient solution. Many shower brands provide detailed instructions and installation guides as well as multiple installation options for retrofits, making it even easier for you to set up your electric shower.
With their straightforward installation process, electric showers are a popular choice for those looking for a hassle-free solution that provides instant hot showers. So, if you’re in the market for an electric shower, be sure to check out our comprehensive electric shower buying guide for more tips and recommendations.
Hot water on demand
With an electric shower, you can enjoy the convenience of instant hot water without the need for a traditional hot water supply. Here are three benefits of having an electric shower:
- Quick and efficient: Electric showers heat water instantly, so you don’t have to wait for the water to heat up like you would with a traditional boiler system. This means you can step into a hot shower right away, saving you time and energy.
- Adjustable temperature: Electric showers come with temperature control settings, allowing you to adjust the water temperature to your desired level. This ensures a comfortable showering experience every time.
- Consistent water pressure: Electric showers rely on the mains water pressure, ensuring a steady flow of water. This is especially beneficial in homes with low water pressure, as electric showers can provide a consistent and powerful flow of water through the shower head.
Can you get a powerful electric shower?
You can achieve a powerful shower experience with an electric shower by considering the kW rating. The power of an electric shower is determined by its kW rating, which influences both the pressure and temperature of the water. A higher kW rating means more pressure and or a higher temperature, resulting in a more powerful shower, the most powerful electric showers you can buy today are either 10.5 or 10.8kW.
However, it’s important to note that higher-powered electric showers usually cost more. When choosing the right kW rating for your electric shower, you should consider your personal preference and budget, as well as the electricity supply.
A higher kW rating allows for a better shower experience, as it provides increased water pressure and hotter water. To adjust the temperature of your powerful electric shower, simply use the temperature control dial. We have written an article about the best powerful electric showers you can buy check it out!
Electric shower kW power ratings explained
Electric shower power ratings are typically measured in kilowatts (kW) and indicate the amount of power the shower unit consumes. The higher the kW rating, the more powerful the shower will be.
Here is a breakdown of common kW power ratings and their implications:
- 7.5 kW: This is the lowest power rating available for electric showers. Showers with this rating are suitable for households with limited electrical supply. They provide a gentle flow of water and may take longer to heat up.
- 8.5 kW: This is the popular choice for most households. Showers with this rating offer a good balance between water flow and energy efficiency.
- 9.5 kW: Showers with a 9.5 kW power rating are known for providing a strong and invigorating water flow. They are ideal for households with a good electrical supply and those who enjoy a powerful shower experience.
- 10.5kW or 10.8kW: These showers are the most powerful electric showers on the market although they do cost more to buy and to run.
To understand the power ratings of electric showers, it’s important to consider the kilowatt (kW) rating. The kW rating determines the pressure and temperature of the water delivered by the electric shower. Here are some key points to understand about electric shower kW power ratings:
- The higher the kW rating, the more pressure and hotter the water will be.
- Higher-powered electric showers usually come with a higher price tag.
- When choosing the kW rating for your electric shower, consider your personal preference for water pressure and temperature, as well as your budget.
What size cable and pipe are required for an electric shower?
To ensure the correct installation of your electric shower, it is important to take into account the size requirements for both the water pipe and the cable.
The water pipe should have a minimum diameter of 15mm to ensure adequate water flow and pressure and be directly connected to the mains supply. Similarly, the cable should be sized appropriately to handle the electrical load of the shower.
We recommend consulting a qualified electrician or plumber to determine the precise size requirements for your electric shower installation.
Electric shower water pipe size requirements
For electric shower water pipe requirements, make sure you have the correct size pipe. Getting the sizing right is essential to ensure your electric shower operates efficiently and safely.
Here are two important factors to consider for electric shower water pipe requirements:
- Pipe Size: The water supply pipe for your electric shower should have a minimum diameter of 15mm (1/2 inch). A larger pipe diameter guarantees adequate water flow and pressure, ensuring your shower functions optimally.
- Water Pressure: Ensure that your mains water pressure is sufficient to meet the requirements of your electric shower. A minimum pressure of 1 bar is usually recommended, but refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific shower model you choose.
Electric shower cable requirements
When installing an electric shower, it’s important to consider the size of the cable required for safety.
As a rule of thumb the table below tells you what size cable is require for each size of shower (use this as a guide only as the distance the cable is run is factor in the sizing as well):
| kW | Cable size | Fuse Size (mcb) |
| 7.5 | 6mm | 32 |
| 8.5 | 6mm | 40 |
| 9.5 | 10mm | 45 |
| 10.5 (or 10.8) | 10mm | 50 |
Do I need a plumber or an electrician to install an electric shower? Is it safe to do it myself?
You will need the expertise of both a plumber and an electrician to properly fit an electric shower due to the complex nature of its installation. Here are three reasons why it’s important to involve professionals:
- Safety: Fitting an electric shower involves working with both water and electricity, which can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Plumbers and electricians have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure that the installation is done safely.
- Compliance: Installing an electric shower requires adherence to specific building codes and regulations. Plumbers and electricians are familiar with these requirements and will ensure that the installation meets all necessary standards.
- Expertise: Electric showers involve both plumbing and electrical components. Plumbers are skilled in connecting the shower to the water supply and ensuring proper drainage, while electricians are trained to handle the electrical wiring and ensure that the shower functions correctly.
While it may be tempting to attempt the installation yourself, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals to ensure a safe and properly functioning electric shower.
What are the best electric showers?
We have written an article that answers what the best electric showers are here!
Frequently asked questions
Are electric showers energy efficient?
Electric showers are known for their energy efficiency. Here are three reasons why they are considered energy efficient:
- Efficient water heating: Electric showers work by quickly heating water using an electrically-charged heating element. This means that the water is heated only when you need it, reducing energy waste compared to traditional water heaters that continuously heat and store hot water.
- No need for a hot water supply: Electric showers only require a cold water feed, eliminating the need for a separate hot water supply. This saves energy by avoiding the energy losses associated with heating and maintaining a large amount of hot water.
- Instant hot showers: With electric showers, you can enjoy instant hot showers without having to wait for the water to heat up. This not only saves time but also reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need to keep a storage tank of hot water constantly heated.
What is the most powerful electric shower?
10.5 or 10.8kW is the answer, you can find our pick of the best powerful electric showers here.
How long should you operate an electric shower?
It’s generally recommended to limit your shower time to around 10-15 minutes. This helps conserve water and energy, ensuring that your electric shower operates efficiently. However we haven’t found a manufacturer that lists a maximum operating time.
How much electricity does a 10 minute shower use?
To understand the electricity consumption of a 10-minute shower, it’s important to consider that the showers input will vary this use the table below shows the amount of energy that will be used for each size of shower:
| Size (kW) | Amount of energy consumed in 10 minutes in (kWh) |
| 7.5 | 1250 |
| 8.5 | 1417 |
| 9.5 | 1583 |
| 10.5/10.8 | 1800 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, this comprehensive buying guide has provided you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision when purchasing an electric shower.
From understanding how electric showers work to determining if it’s the right choice for your household, we’ve covered it all.
Additionally, we’ve discussed the benefits of electric showers and provided guidance on installation requirements.
With this knowledge, you’re now ready to choose the best electric shower for your needs and enjoy a satisfying shower experience every time.
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