Burnt out wire in electric shower/ replacing the shower. Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[Mithridates]

Hi, I know very little about showers/electrics so forgive the lack of correct terminology.

Electric shower started smoking while in use. On taking the front off I can see a wire contacting the black section (valve?) on the bit the water exits, has burnt out.

I want to replace the shower anyway (it’s really old and 6.5-7kW) with a Mira Jump 8.5kW (as I imagine we only have 6mm2 wiring).

I can’t see that the bit that burnt out wouldn’t need to be used in the new shower. However? Unsure if I need to get a sparky in first to check the wiring situation as we want to go up wattage.

Thank you kindly

[Mr White]

If your current shower is 7kw that means it will draw around 30 Amps. 6mm cable can carry 30 Amps.

An 8.5Kw shower will draw around 36 Amps. For that you would be best to change the cable to10mm, which would need an electrician.