Shower - Fused Connection (Ireland)

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Micheal_Ireland

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I'm carrying out some DIY in my apartment - during this process i'm replacing light switches, plug sockets, fused connection unit.

The only electrical work that I am comfortable doing is like for like - replacing existing components with the full power turned off.

The fused connection unit for the shower was wired backwards.

Old Wiring (shower was working fine)
FEED
Brown -> Neutral
Blue -> Live
Yellow\Green -> Earth

LOAD
Brown -> Neutral
Blue -> Live
Yellow\Green -> Earth

SHOWER Unit
Blue -> Neutral
Brown -> Live

New Wiring (shower breaks the fuse after a few seconds)
SUPPLY
Blue -> Neutral
Brown -> Live
Yellow\Green -> Earth

LOAD
Blue -> Neutral
Brown -> Live
Yellow\Green -> Earth

Some Questions?
Is there any logical reason for the original fused connection to be intentionally wired wrong?.
Why would this not have been a noticeable problem in the past?
Why would wiring this correctly be causing me issues?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
When you say "shower" do you mean a shower pump or do you mean an electrically heated shower?
 
Fused connection units are rated max 13 amps. Even the smallest shower (6kW) take double this amount. Therefore fused connections units should not be used on a shower.

I believe (correct me if I am wrong) it is illegal for you to do this work in Ireland and that the penalties are somewhat severe.
 
winston1 said:
Fused connection units are rated max 13 amps. Even the smallest shower (6kW) take double this amount. Therefore fused connections units should not be used on a shower.

I believe (correct me if I am wrong) it is illegal for you to do this work in Ireland and that the penalties are somewhat severe.
Click to expand...

You are not wrong rules in ireland are very strict - nullifies your insurance and makes you ultimately responsible should any accident occur.

I've placed back the old switch but wired it correctly - some dodgy work carried out in the late 90s construction boom here.

A mate has a brother is an electrician and i've arranged for him to come and give things a look.
 
All work in a bathroom (including like-for-like replacements of accessories) in the 26-Counties are Restricted Electrical Works and may only be carried out by a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC), i.e. a member of RECI/Safe Electric.
 
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