Shower Switch Smell Fishy? Burning Electric Cables

1) What is that smell from my Shower Switch?

The strange fishy smell that comes from your shower switch is likely a burning smell caused by electrical problems like a loose connection, high resistance or worn out shower switch. The smell is overheating plastic, PVC and wiring burning.

2) How to fix a burning smell from shower switch

Prevention is better than cure, obviously but we will get to that in a moment. If you have a burning smell from your shower switch, then it’s best to have a local electrician out to look at it. In the first instance:

• Locate the Shower Circuit Breaker on your Fusebox or Consumer Unit
• Turn the Switch Off at the Fusebox or Consumer Unit
• Call an electrician out as soon as possible to check things out

Do not attempt to fix or replace a shower pull cord switch yourself as this is likely to require specialist tools and equipment that you may not possess. When electricians replace items of equipment like this, they have all sorts of specialist test equipment to ensure that the circuit is dead, the newly installed components measure a nice low resistance and check torque on connections to ensure the correct tightness.

3) How to prevent the problem from occurring

In order to prevent this issue from occurring in the first place, have your electrical system checked. A full check of your electrical system by a qualified electrician will examine each electrical circuit including the electric shower circuit and alert you to any issues that may be on the horizon before they become dangerous and expensive.

4) How much does it cost to replace a shower isolator switch?

You should expect to pay between £90 and £120 for an electrician to come and replace a shower isolator switch during normal hours. 

If the electric shower cable is also damaged and requires repair or extending this could cost an additional £60-80

If your electric shower cable is faulty and requires total replacement from the Fusebox to the shower this could cost from £350 - £480

5) Why do shower circuits go bad?

Electrical shower circuits are high powered circuits that are placed under great demand regularly. As a result, cables can wear prematurely along with electrical accessories like the shower isolator switch. The electrical supply to a shower is typically around 32 to 50 amps depending upon the power of the shower and with this much electrical current flowing, signs of damage can appear quickly if things are not quite right.

6) How much electrical current do showers need?

• a 10 kw shower requires around 44 amps
• a 9 kw shower requires around 39 amps
• a 8.5 kw shower requires around 37 amps
• a 7.5 kw shower needs around 32 amps

The higher the power rating, in Kw of the shower, the more electrical current they will require. More powerful showers require a bigger electrical cable and a larger switch at the fuse box or consumer unit. An electrician can safely design the electrical circuit to ensure that the cable is adequate for the rating of the shower. 

7) Which electric shower isolation switch do I need?

Each electric shower circuit will be designed and installed correctly by the right electrician. There are a variety of different isolation switches available and choosing the right electrical equipment for an electric shower switch is best left to a professional. Electric shower switches come in a variety of sizes and amperages.

• 45 amp single gang switch
• 50 amp single gang switch
• 45 amp double gang switch
• 50 amp double gang switch
• 45 amp pull cord switch
• 50 amp pull cord switch

It’s important to select the right amp switch for the application. An underrated switch will not be able to handle the requirements of the electrical circuit, and this increases the risk of fire.

8) Why do shower switches fail?

Any break in a circuit is a weak point in the circuit. The purpose of a shower switch is to break the circuit and as a result, this is a weak point. Worn shower switches can lead to electrical fire so it’s important to note the following:

• Do not use your shower switch to turn the shower on and off when it is running.
• Do not turn the shower switch off unless planning maintenance off the shower.
• Have your shower switch replaced every 5 years or so to prevent unexpected failure.

When internal metal parts begin to wear out, cables become loose over time, dirt, debris or arcing cause a high resistance on contact points the shower switch can fail. These kinds of electrical faults can occur in sockets, switches and other electrical equipment so it’s important to have electrical accessories replaced every 20-25 years.

9) What size cable do I need for an electric shower?

Most electric showers are installed with a 6mm or 10mm electrical cable. It is possible to use a cable as small as 4mm under the right conditions. Cable selections depend upon a variety of factors such as:

• Length of circuit
• Volt Drop
• Maximum Power requirements
• Cable installation method
• Shower Size

It is important to choose the right mm cable for the application, and this is why it’s best left to a professional electrician to supply and install the shower cable. There are a variety of wiring regulations that need to be followed in order to minimise the risk of electric shock and to reach minimum safety standards. Your electrician will be able to discuss the right shower circuit for your requirements with you, and this will allow you to make an informed decision. 

10) Do I need an RCD for an electric shower circuit?

All new electric shower circuits will require an RCD under wiring regulations and manufacturers instructions. An RCD is a device that helps to prevent electrical shocks by detecting stray earth currents and shutting off the power supply to the affected circuit(s).

(Picture: An RCD in a consumer unit. Large Dangerous Hole in front of consumer unit)

11) Do you have a shower switch problem in Liverpool?

If you have a shower switch problem, right now in Liverpool or surrounding areas then get in touch and we will attend. A stuck shower switch, foul smell from the shower switch or overheating are all a potential electrical emergency. As your local Emergency Electrician in Liverpool, we can attend quickly to small electrical jobs, electrical fault finding and shower switch issues.

Contact us today