Are electric showers really safe?
After all, water and electricity aren’t the best of friends. You don’t even need to be a scientist to know what happens when those two mixes. Yet, electric showers combine both those elements at once. So, today, let’s address the big question on your mind. Can an electric shower electrocute you?
Surprisingly, this topic lacks any real discussion. So let’s fix that along with some tips to keep your shower safe.
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So, Are Electric Shower Electrocutions Common?
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. At worst, a few owners will rarely feel a minor shock in an electric shower. And even that usually ensues from a few obvious issues. Namely, your outlet isn’t perfectly grounded.
Now, let’s talk about the worst case scenario here.
Fatal injuries from electrocution in the shower are extremely rare. In fact, try searching for legit empirical studies on the topic. You’ll find the research is almost non-existent.
Nonetheless, the keyword here is almost. So, let’s take a closer look at a Chinese study by Chen et al. In short, this case study found an instance of a fatality from shower electrocution. Yet, look closer at the facts, and you’ll find countless issues that would never pass a safety inspection today. Specifically, this incident included improper placement of a water heater, metal plumbing, and unearthed electrical wiring. And that’s only the start of the issues here.
So, here’s the takeaway. A lot needs to go wrong before dangerous electrocution occurs in a shower. And to give you a better idea of how rare this situation is—note that the above study was an oddball case in the world’s most populated country. Again, this shouldn’t be something that scares you away from electric showers.
And most importantly, contact an electrician ASAP if anything seems faulty with the setup of your electric shower.
How to Avoid Electric Shower Electrocutions
This step is surprisingly simple. After all, basic safety and common sense go a long way. So, be sure to follow these steps when you install your electric shower.
Check Your Electrical Setup
This is especially true if you live in an older home. But the big thing to check here is that your sockets are at least 3 metres away from your water. Also, if your wiring looks funky, don’t hesitate to contact an electrician.
Keep Electric Heaters Away From Your Water
These pieces are essential in some homes to keep the water warm. But that doesn’t mean they should ever stand next to your shower stream. To prevent electrical shocks, keep them as far away from your shower as possible.
Fix a Leaking Shower ASAP
And do it safely too. That means shutting off your fuses first and proceeding to any maintenance thereafter.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask the Professionals for Help
Note that this is a common theme here. But if anything ever seems strange or unclear about your electric shower, call an electrician. They’re the professionals who actually know how your shower’s electrical work should look to keep you safe. Trust them over know-it-all forum-professors.
Keeping Your Shower Protected with an RCD Device
What’s an RCD?
This is a residual current device. And in simple terms, it prevents you from making contact with anything that could cause an electric shock. Think an ungrounded wire near your shower. Basically, it’s a boost to the protection your circuit breaker and fuses create.
How Does an RCD Work?
Again, its job is quite simple. The RCD will automatically power off your electricity any time it senses an issue. For example, if this device senses electricity travelling in an unintended manner, the device shuts off the circuit immediately. In other words, it reduces your chances of getting electrocuted from touching a live wire after a shower.
Why Do You Need an RCD?
It can literally save your life. After all, it senses the faults in your electrical equipment that are easy to overlook with the naked eye. For that matter, even the top electricians sometimes overlook these issues. Thus, an RCD is an added layer of protection for your electric shower.
Consider Installing an Automatic Circuit Breaker
What Is an Automatic Circuit Breaker?
It’s a piece of an electrical distribution box that will stop an electrical current in the events of an overloaded circuit. So again, it’s another piece of equipment that boosts your home’s (and your shower’s) electrical safety.
How Do Automatic Circuit Breakers Work?
With automatic circuit breakers, two separate pieces go to work: You have a magnetic circuit breaker that prevents short circuits from occurring by preemptively shutting off your power.The thermal circuit breaker is what kicks in and cuts your power automatically prior to a circuit overload.
Once the power is cut, you can reset your circuit breaker. Thus, your power safely comes back on with no hassle at all. The only real work here involves monthly tests. This is only to ensure that your automatic circuit breaker is working properly and can keep you safe upon detecting electrical issues.
Why Do You Need an Automatic Circuit Breaker?
Again, these switches will prevent electric shocks that ensue from circuit overloads and short circuits. And when using an electric shower, it further reduces your chances of electrocution.
Final Thoughts: Electrocutions from Electric Showers Are Easy to Prevent
At the end of the day, electric showers are just as safe as any other shower. But, just like anything else, you’ll need to exhibit some safety practices to prevent any injuries from shock or electrocution.
But thankfully, this isn’t particularly hard. Simply give your home’s electrical specs a closer look and double-check everything else with our tips above. Then, you can start enjoying warm and comfortable showers to kickstart your morning routine worry-free.
