Electric Showers: Complete Buying & Installation Guide 2026

Modern electric shower units offer instant hot water on demand

Electric showers are the UK's most popular shower choice, and for good reason. They provide instant hot water without relying on your boiler or hot water cylinder, making them ideal for busy families, small homes, and properties with limited hot water capacity.

Whether you're replacing an old unit or installing your first electric shower, this guide covers everything you need to know about choosing the right model and getting it installed properly.

How Electric Showers Work

Electric showers heat cold water instantly as it flows through the unit. Inside the shower is a heating element that warms the water to your desired temperature. This means:

• No waiting for hot water to arrive
• Unlimited shower time (no running out of hot water)
• Independence from your boiler system
• Lower installation costs than mixer showers

Electric Shower Power Ratings Explained

Electric showers are available in different power ratings, which directly affects water flow and temperature performance:

7.5kW - 8.5kW Showers

Best for: Single-person households or guest bathrooms
Flow rate: 3-4 litres per minute
Cable required: 6mm² T&E cable
MCB rating: 32A or 40A

9.5kW - 10.5kW Showers

Best for: Family bathrooms, most popular choice
Flow rate: 4-5 litres per minute
Cable required: 10mm² T&E cable
MCB rating: 45A or 50A

10.8kW+ High Power Showers

Best for: Luxury installations, multiple users
Flow rate: 5+ litres per minute
Cable required: 10mm² or 16mm² T&E cable
MCB rating: 50A or higher

Installation Requirements

Electrical Requirements

Electric showers must be installed by a qualified electrician and notified to Building Control. The installation requires:

• Dedicated circuit: Direct from consumer unit to shower
• RCD protection: 30mA RCD or RCBO
• Isolation switch: 45A ceiling pull-cord switch
• Proper earthing: All metalwork bonded to earth
• IP rating: Shower unit must be IPX4 rated minimum

Water Supply Requirements

• Minimum pressure: 1.0 bar (most areas of UK)
• Maximum pressure: 10 bar (pressure reducing valve if higher)
• Cold water supply: 15mm minimum, 22mm recommended
• Flow rate: Minimum 8 litres per minute at tap

Choosing the Right Electric Shower

1. Consider Your Water Pressure

Check your mains water pressure first:

• High pressure (3+ bar): Any power rating works well
• Medium pressure (1-3 bar): Choose 9.5kW+ for better flow
• Low pressure (under 1 bar): May need a pump or consider alternatives

2. Think About Usage Patterns

• Heavy use: Choose 10.5kW+ for consistent performance
• Multiple bathrooms: Higher power in main bathroom
• Quick showers: 8.5kW may be sufficient
• Long showers: Higher power prevents temperature drops

3. Budget Considerations

Purchase cost: £150-£400 for the unit
Installation cost: £300-£600 for electrical work
Running costs: Higher kW = higher electricity consumption

Popular Electric Shower Brands

APM stocks leading shower brands for every budget and requirement

Triton

Market leader with reliable, well-built units. The Triton T80Z is the UK's best-selling electric shower.

Mira

Premium brand known for excellent build quality and innovative features. Great for high-end installations.

Bristan

Good mid-range option with solid performance and competitive pricing.

Redring

Budget-friendly choice that still offers decent reliability and performance.

Installation Process Overview

Note: This must be done by a qualified electrician registered with a competent persons scheme.

1. Turn off electricity at consumer unit
2. Install new circuit from consumer unit to shower location
3. Fit isolation switch in bathroom (ceiling-mounted pull-cord)
4. Mount shower unit on wall with appropriate fixings
5. Connect cold water supply with isolation valve
6. Make electrical connections and test all circuits
7. Commission and test shower operation
8. Issue electrical certificate and notify Building Control

Safety Requirements

• Shower must be in correct bathroom zones for electrical safety
• Minimum 600mm from bath edge or shower tray
• No electrical switches within arm's reach of shower
• Proper ventilation to prevent condensation damage
• Annual electrical testing recommended

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong cable size: Undersized cable causes voltage drop and poor performance
• Inadequate earthing: All pipework must be properly bonded
• Poor water pressure: Check pressure before choosing power rating
• Incorrect MCB rating: Must match cable size and shower power
• DIY installation: Always use qualified electrician

Maintenance Tips

• Descale shower head regularly with limescale remover
• Check water pressure if performance drops
• Replace shower head every 2-3 years
• Have electrical connections checked annually
• Clean shower unit exterior with damp cloth only

Electric vs Mixer Showers: When to Choose Electric

Choose an electric shower when:

• Limited hot water from boiler/cylinder
• Boiler is unreliable or old
• Installing in loft conversion or extension
• Want instant hot water without waiting
• Budget-conscious installation
• Backup shower for when boiler fails

Get Professional Installation at APM

At APM Plumbing & Electrical, we supply and install electric showers across London. Our qualified electricians handle everything from circuit installation to commissioning and certification.

Visit our trade counter at 24 Western Avenue, Acton, London W3 7TZ to see our range of electric showers, or call us on 020 8702 8080 for expert advice on the right shower for your home.