Shower tripping tripswitch. What could be the fault?

Hi all,

Was just mid-shower when my electric shower (triton) cut off. Checked the isolator cord and the light was off too. I went to the trip switch on the fuse board and it was down so I put it back up and went back up to the shower and as soon as i pulled the isolator cord again the light came on for a second and then the tripswitch went down again.... Put the tripswitch back up again, pulled the isolator cord again and this time the light stayed on...until the minute I turned on the shower it went again...

Any electrically minded people care to shed any ideas?

The expense of calling out an electrician is really not feasable at the minute

Thanks,
Ericsson

The problem could be a water leak within the shower casing or a loose wiring connection. To check for a water leak, make sure you isolate / turn off your electricity supply before removing the shower casing. You may be lucky and find the problem within the casing of either a water leak or a loose electrical connection. Obviously water within the casing is a clear indication of water leakage.

Just a note of caution, a trip switch operates for many reasons. One of them indicating a faulty appliance. This appears to be the case and you shouldn't use the appliance until it has been checked out by a qualified electrician or service engineer. Water and electricity are a very dangerous combination.

Water and electricity are a very dangerous combination.

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on that note can I ask what happens when a house is flooded and water contacts live wires, is there an explosion or does the ecb's just trip out.....often wondered.

notagardener said:

Water and electricity are a very dangerous combination.

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+1

Wouldn't be getting in that shower again if I were you.

pudds said:

on that note can I ask what happens when a house is flooded and water contacts live wires, is there an explosion or does the ecb's just trip out.....often wondered.

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Rcd or Mcb's just trip out, although there maybe a bang.. If the mcb board gets flooded, it could trip out the main esb fuse in the meter box too..
Op, how old is the shower? It sounds like the element is breaking down its resistance inside the unit.. You'll need either a service engineer or an electrician..

@ Notagardener, it doesnt sound like its a loose connection. You're incorrect there with your advice.