My old shower broke it was a 7.5kw,can I buy a 8.5kw or higher and connect it to the plumbig/electrical supply already in place? Could someone tell me what kw means,is it electric or pressure term. :confused:

[QUOTE=shaza]my old shower broke it was a 7.5kw,can I buy a 8.5kw or higher and connect it to the plumbig/electrical supply already in place? Could someone tell me what kw means,is it electric or pressure term. :confused:if someone could answer my question I would then be able to do the job myself

One KW Kilowatt equals 1000 watts

Assuming USA codes and 240 volts-

7.5KW @ 240 volts= 31.25 amps
8.5KW @ 240 volts= 35.41 amps

The 7.5 KW unit should have at least #8 AWG wire feeding it.
The 8.5KW unit rises the amperage above the limit for #8 wire, and must be wired with #6 AWG wire.

Get back with more details of the existing installation and conditions and we can help further.

Listen toTKRussel, he's the resident electrical expert and he's sharp.
As a plumber I can see no problems with changing over the shower valve supply wise. Good luck, Tom