Shower 'ON/OFF' Switch Not Flicking To On

[JXCKWIDOW]

Hi,

I have recently noticed that our shower isn't working, and that the socket to power the shower (located just outside of the bathroom) doesn't flick on, it stops halfway - so you can have it 'OFF' or halfway to 'ON'.. it won't fully click and give it power. Pics attached. Anyone have any ideas?

I also noticed that the dials on the shower seem to be sticking out/protruding since I noticed the socket is not functioning properly - coincidence?

 

[Wilko]

Hi - the wall mounted switch should positively click on and click off, with the neon indicating it’s state. So the switch needs to be replaced, but it’s not clear (to me) whether there’s also a fault in the power shower.

 

[telectrix]

looks like switch contacts have welded in the ON position. new switch required. preferably a good quality item, not something cheap. obviously, if you feel competent, isolate at CU and replace switch. after tightening terminals, rag it about, then re-tighten. if not, it's a 30 minute job for a local sparks ( assuming RCD in place and a few other criteria).

 

[Lucien Nunes]

The switch may have been damaged through overheating due to loose connections; this is a common problem with shower switches. If this has happened, there is a chance that the ends of the cables will also be damaged and require remedial work. Spare no effort to ensure this is done properly, because fitting corroded / oxidised cable ends into the new switch will result in high-resistance connections that will damage it in exactly the same way as this one.

If the shower housing or controls are not properly fitted there is a risk of water ingress and further damage or electric shock. This should be checked carefully but is unlikely to be related to the switch problem.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

An electric shower uses lots of power. The switch will have lots of current going through it and sometimes get hot, I often come across burnt out terminals inside.
I would not suggest fixing it yourself as the new switch needs to have the cables screwed into it to the right torque (not too tight, not too loose) otherwise it may get thermal damge.
As Telectrix said this is a simple job and will not take long so it makes sense to get an electrician to do it.