Electric shower
Hot water on demand.
An electric shower heats cold mains water as it flows, so it works whatever your boiler is doing. It's a good backup and a common choice for en-suites.
- Water
- Cold mains
- Heats
- Itself
- Needs
- Its own circuit
- Flow
- Depends on power rating
What it is
A unit on the wall with a heating element inside, fed by the cold mains. The higher its power rating in kilowatts, the better the flow on a cold day.
Good for
Independence
Hot water even when the boiler is off or the tank is empty.
Simple supply
Only a cold water feed is needed.
What to weigh up
Flow
Usually gentler than a mixer on a good system, especially in winter.
Electrics
It needs its own circuit from the consumer unit; see electric shower circuits.
Looks
The unit is on show.
The isolator
An electric shower has an isolating switch, usually a ceiling pull-cord, outside the wet zones.
Upgrading
A more powerful shower may need a thicker cable back to the consumer unit.
Is an electric shower right for you?
Tell us about your room and what matters most, and we'll help you make the most of it.
Start your project briefIllustrations are concepts, not measured plans. Click any picture to enlarge it.