The Pros and Cons of Electric Showers

When it comes to bathroom upgrades, one of the most common choices homeowners face is whether to install an electric shower. These units heat water instantly as it flows through the shower, using electricity rather than relying on a boiler or stored hot water.

Like any installation, electric showers come with both benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide if they’re the right option for your home.

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The Pros of Electric Showers

1. Hot Water on Demand

Electric showers heat cold mains water instantly, which means you’ll always have hot water whenever you want it – even if your boiler is off or the hot water tank is empty.

1. Energy Efficiency

Because they only heat the water you use, electric showers can be more energy-efficient than stored hot water systems, where heat is lost over time in storage cylinders.

1. Independence from the Boiler

If your boiler breaks down, an electric shower can still provide hot water. This makes them a reliable backup, especially in the winter.

1. Ideal for Busy Households

With an electric shower, there’s no need to wait for the hot water cylinder to reheat. Multiple people can shower in sequence without running out of hot water.

1. Simple Installation in Most Homes

As long as you have a mains cold water supply and the right electrical connection (often a dedicated high-amp circuit), installation is relatively straightforward for a qualified electrician and plumber working together.

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The Cons of Electric Showers

1. Lower Flow Rate

Electric showers typically don’t provide the same powerful flow as mixer showers connected to a combi boiler or hot water cylinder. The flow depends on the shower’s kilowatt (kW) rating and mains water pressure.

1. Higher Electrical Demand

A powerful electric shower (8.5 kW–10.5 kW) requires a dedicated high-capacity circuit, usually 6 mm² or 10 mm² cable with its own breaker/RCBO. This can mean extra installation work if your consumer unit is already near its limit.

1. Running Costs

Electricity is generally more expensive per unit than gas, so although you only heat the water you need, it may cost more to run per shower compared to a gas-fired system.

1. Aesthetic Limitations

Electric showers are bulkier than many modern concealed mixer showers. The visible control box can look less sleek in minimalist bathroom designs.

1. Limited by Supply Pressure

If your mains water pressure is poor, the performance of an electric shower will be disappointing, as they can’t boost flow like a pumped shower system.

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Should You Choose an Electric Shower?

Electric showers are an excellent choice if: • You want guaranteed hot water at any time, regardless of boiler use. • You need a cost-effective solution for an ensuite or secondary bathroom. • You want a backup hot water source in case of boiler failure.

However, if your priority is high water pressure and a luxury showering experience, a mixer shower supplied from a combi boiler or hot water cylinder may be a better option.

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Conclusion

Electric showers offer convenience, reliability, and independence from your home’s main hot water system, but they do come with limitations in flow rate, aesthetics, and electrical demand.

The right choice depends on your household needs, budget, and existing plumbing and electrical setup. A qualified electrician can advise on whether your consumer unit and wiring are suitable for an electric shower installation, while a plumber can assess your water supply pressure.

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📞 Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd Company No: 0191 9052723 WhatsApp: 07388 439427 Email: switchtoday@mail.com

Helping you make safe, practical choices for your home’s electrical and bathroom upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions (North East UK)

When should I upgrade my consumer unit (fuse box)? If your current fuse board has wooden backing, cast iron switches, or lacks RCD (Residual Current Device) protection, it is severely outdated and non-compliant with modern BS 7671 safety standards. Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services highly recommends upgrading to a modern, metal-clad RCBO consumer unit to dramatically improve the safety of your home in Newcastle.

Do I need a full house rewire? If your home has old rubber-coated wiring, fabric cables, or if you regularly experience blown fuses, flickering lights, and inadequate sockets, it may be time for a rewire. Properties in the North East built before 1990 often require partial or full rewires to safely handle modern electrical loads. Contact us for a full diagnostic inspection.

Are EV chargers legally required to have Open PEN fault protection? Yes. For safety reasons, especially for properties with PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) supplies common in the UK, EV chargers installed outside must have Open PEN fault protection. Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services only installs premium, fully compliant EV charge points for homeowners across the North East.