We had a Mira Essentials thermostatic power shower which after 8 years service had a pump failure and gave small electric shocks from the shower head and hose.We have had the shower replaced with an almost identical Mira Go thermo power shower.It was installed 3 weeks ago and up till today in daily use with no probs when we suddenly got small shocks again.It only happens in the shower.If you stand outside the shower and turn on there is no problem.Our installer is baffled as he cannot find any electrical fault and the RCD doesn't trip.The earth connection is also fine.Help!!

Jan, February 2009

I have worked for years in electrical/electronic design including safety-critical systems for aircraft/military etc. I can not understand how electric showers ever got approval from the powers-that-be. In my opinion they are intrinsically dangerous, if not lethal - especially considering that they consume over 8 kilo-watts.

Jim, March 2012

Hi Jan,

I fully agree with Peccavi, don't use the shower until the problem is resolved.

If you have changed the shower and still get the same problem then investigate the things that haven't been changed. Things to check are:
- Has the electrical wiring to the shower overheated such that the wire insulation has melted and the cable is touching something metal.
- Is the shower-base or bath metal? If you were only getting shocks in the shower then maybe the shock is coming from the shower-tray/bath and leaving your body when you touch the showerhead. I don't know about the Mira showers but most electric shower outlets are earthed which would provide the path for the electricity to flow.
- Have an electrician check the earthing circuit in your house in case it is faulty

If in doubt feed this fault information back to Mira. They are a reputable company and will take this type of problem seriously, especially if this is a new shower under warranty.

My Guess is that the fault lies elsewhere in your house wiring, possibly on a circuit not protected by the RCD, and you are feeling the shocks because the showerhead and hose are providing an electrical path to earth through the flowing water.

I hope this helps,

Paul M, February 2009

You risk death if you carry on using the shower.

Engage the services of a qualified electrician and until the problem is diagnosed and resolved do not use the shower - better to be dirty and alive rather then clean and dead.

The shocks you have been getting will be derived form mains electricity and they are not "small" - they just haven't killed you yet. Take care...

Peccavi, February 2009