Every bathroom needs a shower. And as something you’ll use every day, your shower choice can’t be made in haste. So how do you know where to even begin searching for the right option for your home?
Different showers work in different ways. This blog post discusses Electric and Power Showers.
Electric Showers
Electric showers are an extremely efficient option, and thus very popular with homeowners. An electric shower will only heat your water when in operation, so excess hot water is never wasted. Requiring only a cold water supply to function correctly, electric showers are suitable for use with all water pressure systems. When the shower is switched on, cold water will pass over the heating element within it, and instantly heat up.
By choosing an electric shower, you won’t need to wait long for your hot water. High powered versions are especially economical, alternating temperatures and flow rates effectively and efficiently. Considering they don’t need stored hot water to work properly, electric showers are perfect for properties with a limited hot water supply.
Heat the water instantly. Use only a cold water feed either from the cold storage tank (tank-fed) or off the water mains (mains-fed). Electrical connection is required with heavy cable.
Positive: Instant hot water.
Negative: Two electric showers can not be used at the same time. Expensive shower to run.
Tank-Fed:
Cold water is drawn from the attic storage tank into the unit by a pump.
This pump does not increase the water flow out from the shower head.
Showers: Mira Elite / Triton T90
Mains-Fed:
Cold water is fed directly into the unit off the mains.
Mains pressure must be 1 BAR. City pressure is 1 Bar. Group Scheme / Townlands pressure is not reliable for mains-fed showers
Showers: Mira Vie / Triton T80
‘Power’ Showers
Power showers will greatly enhance the flow rate of low pressure systems, making them an ideal option for use with a gravity fed system. An electric pump is utilized by these showers to deliver the power-packed performance that their moniker suggests you should expect. Unlike an electric shower, a power shower cannot heat cold water itself – it requires heated water from stored hot water systems.
Hot and cold water is combined by power showers to provide a temperature perfect for your specific preferences and needs. They therefore offer a greater level of control over water temperature and flow. The downside to this, however, is that they can require higher electricity outputs to work to full capacity. A power shower is certainly an appealing prospect if your budget allows for it though. There is no doubting they provide a luxurious overall showering experience.
Shower needs to be selected BEFORE 1st fix plumbing to allow for pipe work.
Pre-Heated hot water is drawn from the copper cylinder and cold water from the attic storage tank. Larger size cylinder recommended e.g. 48 x 18
Integral:
With integral unit, a built-in pump creates a more powerful water flow.
Hot + cold supply is required along with a 240 volt cable to run the pump
Showers: Aquasensation / Aquastream / Mira Vigour
Mixer Valve + Separate Pump:
With this option, a separate pump (usually installed next to cylinder) creates a powerful flow.
Showers: All other models.
Thermostatic:
Keeps the water temperature within one degree of the set temperature regardless of other hot and cold water draw-offs in the house.
Manual:
Water temperature is mixed manually. May go hot or cold if there are other water draw-offs in the house.
