Why has my electric shower stopped working?

The most common causes are a tripped MCB, a switched-off isolator, or a failed heating element inside the shower. Check the simple things first before calling an electrician.

Is it the shower or the electrics?

If the MCB has tripped and will not stay on, there is likely a fault in the shower or its wiring. If the MCB is on and the isolator is on but the shower still does not work, the shower unit itself has probably failed.

Can I use a plug-in shower as a temporary replacement?

Plug-in electric showers exist but are very low power (typically 3kW) compared to a hardwired shower (8.5–10.8kW). They produce a much weaker flow of warm water. They are a stopgap at best.

What affects an electric shower replacement?

The shower power rating, existing cable and protective device, water connection, and test results determine whether a like-for-like replacement is possible or circuit work is needed.

Caution

Updated 30 August 2026

Electric Shower Not Working

Your electric shower has stopped working entirely — no lights, no heat, no water heating.

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What's happening?

When an electric shower stops working completely, it has lost power. This could be because the shower circuit MCB has tripped, the shower isolator switch has been turned off, or there is a fault in the wiring or the shower unit itself. Electric showers run on a dedicated circuit, so a shower failure does not usually affect other appliances.

What usually causes it?

Shower circuit MCB has tripped in the consumer unit
Shower isolator switch (pull-cord or wall switch) is turned off
Heating element has failed (common after 5+ years of use)
Loose or burnt connection at the isolator or shower terminal
Thermal cut-out (TCO) inside the shower has activated due to overheating

Is it dangerous?

A shower that has simply lost power is not immediately dangerous. However, do not attempt to open the shower unit to investigate — it operates at mains voltage on a high-current circuit. If the MCB has tripped, there may be an underlying fault. If you notice a burning smell or discolouration on the isolator switch, do not use the shower until an electrician has inspected it.

Can I fix it myself?

Check the shower isolator switch is in the on position (the neon indicator light should be on). Check the consumer unit for a tripped MCB on the shower circuit. If neither of these resolves the issue, the fault is in the shower unit or wiring and you need an electrician. Do not open the shower unit.

When should you call an electrician?

Call an electrician if resetting the MCB does not restore the shower, if the MCB trips again immediately, if the isolator switch is hot or discoloured, or if you suspect a wiring fault. The electrician can diagnose whether the shower unit needs replacing or if there is a connection issue.

What will the electrician actually do?

Check the shower circuit from consumer unit through to the shower unit
Test the isolator switch and connections for continuity and signs of overheating
Inspect the shower unit internally for failed components (heating element, TCO, flow switch)
Replace the shower unit if it has failed beyond economic repair
Test and certify the circuit after any work