Article Written By: Kathryn Dawson
Electric showers have become a necessary luxury in modern living, so much so that home owners are happy to invest handsomely to be in a position to enjoy what the latest models can provide, thanks to latest technology. The shower is just one of many items in the modern home that is dependent on mains electricity supply. Some may focus on entertainment, such as home cinema units, and others on security, such as mains smoke alarms. However, the importance that most of us place on luxurious pampering has lead to a steady rise in luxury bathroom items, such as baths that double as Jacuzzis and showers with temperature control capabilities. Power showers are called so because an integral pump ensures that the water flow through the shower head is kept strong. Of course, there are conditions that must be met in order to make it work. For example, a power shower is only compatible with a low pressure system. Depending on the specific layout of household water system, water pressure can be quite weak as it reaches the unit. However, the pump effectively provides a pressure boost and, in doing so, enhances the experience. A thermostatic control ensures that the temperature of the water remains constant, even if water is being used elsewhere. How this is achieved is not particularly complex. Power showers draw from both the hot and cold water systems already established in the home, but the flow of hot and cold water into the shower unit is regulated by a value designed for the purpose. The most sophisticated models contain valves that will adjust the percentage hot and cold water being used in order to maintain a set temperature. Usually, the problem with drawing from the household water system is that once someone uses the cold tap elsewhere, for example, the flow of cold water into the shower unit is reduced. This is because the water pressure is affected by the shared use of the same water supply. For the individual taking the shower, the consequences can be quite painful, with scalding commonly occurring. However, with thermostatic control, the valve detects the change in cold water flow and immediately lessens the flow of hot water to compensate, thereby maintaining the same temperature. It is still something of a luxury feature with more modestly prices shower units available without the option. This is fine for individuals who live alone, or in a small apartment, but for typical family homes that can see the kitchen tap, downstairs bathroom tap and the shower used at the same time, the advantage is clear. Triton is one of the leading manufacturers of domestic shower systems in the world. However, their as2000xt model is cutting edge in that it manages to keep the flow of water and the thermostatic device separate, and has also included a separate setting control system. This means that a set temperature need never be changed. The use of electricity in bathing was seen as a wonderment of modern living decades ago, just as the concept of a mains smoke alarm was. As the pressures of career forced home life to become faster and less relaxed, the time available to indulge in a hot bath fell dramatically. The solution to this problem, of course, was a shower to step into and out of before dashing to work or hitting the town. Just as it is has been modern technological breakthroughs that have taken fire safety devices to another level, electric showers have benefited to become items that provide a far greater showering experience.
This Article Has Been Published on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 and Read 217 Times