Why do some showers in Ireland/UK have a box?

Question

I've only seen this once, but when I was one one of my trips to Ireland, I stayed at some accomodation above a pub in a small town. I noticed the shower had some sort of electric box in it, with some k***s, which I easily found out control the shower stream and temperature. This was in leiu of what we're used to in the states, which would be a typical shower k**b(s). I only saw this device once on my trip, and was curious as to what it's purpose was. I'm assuming it's a power device to provide water pressure, but why don't all old buildings have them? I stayed in several places that were rather old, and none of them other than this one had one. I'm curious about it, because I've since learned that these are more commonplace in that part of the world than I thought.

Answer 1

Sounds like you were using an electric shower. This heats the water as you use it, and they are very economical, and yes, they tend to be built into newer houses because they require special wiring and earthing.

Answer 2

As with what the other people said... you can buy these devices in the States. Many plumbing supply or electrical supply places sell them. They supposedly save money on your utilities.

Answer 3

Cold water passes through and as it does its heated and the k***s are to adust the temputure and pressure.

Answer 4

its the pressure u want the shower and what heat u want the water at. electric shower basically so u dont have to wait for water to heat up.

Answer 5

Its a device that heats the water as it passes through it so you dont need a water heater immersion device constantly heating water throughout the day....economically running the shower