Electric showers are a popular alternative to get hot water at home, mainly in Latin America, since you don’t see many in Europe. During the 15 years that I lived in Brazil, I used this type of shower daily, and here I am alive and kicking, so it is not so dangerous.
However, the use of these devices also carries significant risks of electrocution. In this article, we will share some safety tips that can help you avoid these types of accidents.
professional installation
Installation of electric showers should be done by experienced electrical professionals. Many homeowners and renters choose to install them themselves to save time and money. However, this is not recommended due to electrical problems that can arise if electric showers are not installed correctly.
Incorrect installation can not only lead to electrocution, but also affect the quality of the shower and increase energy consumption. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the installer is a certified electrician and that the installation meets electrical safety requirements.
proper wiring
Even if you hired a professional to install your electric shower, make sure that the proper wiring is used. Some electricians use cheaper, lower-quality wire to save money. This can be dangerous as electric showers require high quality 4.5mm diameter wires to prevent them from heating up and burning the insulating coating, exposing the electrical wires which can be deadly.
During the installation, make sure not to mix the ground wires and power wires. If the ground wires and power wires are mixed up, the possibility of electrocution increases.
It is necessary to have a good grounding during the installation, otherwise the electric shower becomes a danger for the user. If there is an electrical fault, it goes through the ground wire, and if there is not one, the body acts as one, and the person is immediately electrocuted.
The switch should always be located outside the bathroom to avoid any possibility of water coming into contact with electrical current. If the switch is to be placed inside the bathroom, it should be placed on the ceiling and accessible via a non-conductive cord.
suitable height
When installing the electric shower, make sure it is not lower than the head of the tallest person in the house. This is very important to eliminate the risk of short circuits.
regular checkups
As with any other appliance, it’s important to have regular checkups to make sure your electric shower is working properly. This can be accomplished by testing the temperature and pressure valve, which is designed to prevent the water heater from exploding if the temperature or pressure exceeds the safe limit. If you open the valve and the water does not flow freely, you should replace it immediately.
Remember that safety is paramount when it comes to using electric showers. From proper installation to choosing the right cables, every step is important to avoid electrocution hazards.
