Can I power a Water Pump for my Shower from a Lighting Circuit - UK?

Question

(This is a question regarding IEE Wiring Regulations and Part P of the Building Regulations in the UK.)

I need to add a water pump to raise the water pressure to my shower. I want to install the pump in my loft which is where the water pipes run, but the only power currently up there is for an existing lighting circuit.

Is it ok (i.e. does it satisfy Part P of the building regs, and IEE Wiring Regulations) to wire the Water Pump into this circuit?

Answer 1

simple answer to this is NO lights are 5amp your shower could minum 13 amp to 30 amp

Answer 2

No.You need to run a spur from the upstairs ring main to a switcthed fused connection box in the loft using 2.5 mm TWE.

The fuse should suit the pump flex. Probably 3 amp.

Answer 3

That wiring is against regulations. Which water pressure do you want to raise, the hot or the cold water. If your cold water stop tap is fully open fitting a pump wont improve it. If you want to increase the hot pressure, fitting a pump for that will mean the water will pump straight through the boiler without having a chance to heat up, and you will have warmish water...if your lucky.

Answer 4

All Part Poo says is that work (not repairs/ direct replacement) must be to BS7671, and notified to Building Control if in a kitchen, bathroom or out-of-doors...

It's difficult to say whether it would comply without knowing circuit lengths, number & type of lighting as it all adds into the voltage drop calculations.

But at least in theory, YES you would have sufficient power available to power a pump. Fit (either) a DP Fused connection unit into the lighting circuit with 3A fuse if the pump is on a flex.  Or install a socket &  use a 3a fuse in the plug.

Pump won't be in the bathroom anyways will it?. It'll be in the airing cupboard or under the floor, or in the loftspace...

Answer 5

BARRY B IS RIGHT!

Answer 6

No It is not safe to do so. My husband wired in our shower, and he had to use an unused socket that was for an electric cooker.We have since had our house electrically updated by professionals, and it has to be connected to its own fuse in the fuse box.

If I were you I would get in a professional.

Answer 7

I don't know the regulatory answer but my guess is that the power required for the pump would be too great for the circuit. It would fuse.