A latching switch is the part that's responsible for turning your shower unit on and off.
If your shower suddenly won't come on, it's possible that the latching switch on your unit has failed and you'll need to replace it with a new one.
This guide explains how to replace a 416.53 or a 416.48 latching switch to a Mira shower. It is accompanied by a video guide, which you can watch here.
You will need:
- A new Mira latching switch. You can buy the 416.53 switch here and the 416.48 switch here
- Two small screwdrivers
- A pair of long-nosed pliers
Preparation
Before you start to tackle this job you should, as always when carrying out maintenance work on your shower, make sure it is isolated from the electrical mains.
Do this by turning off the unit using the pull cord and then shutting it off at the fuse board.
You'll then need to remove the shower's cover so you can get at the components inside. Small screws hold it in place, so you'll need to remove these carefully with a screwdriver.
It's a good idea to place a towel over your plug hole, or pop the plug into your bath, to avoid losing any screws.
Removing the old switch
Fitting a new latching switch is a very easy job. The tricky bit is removing the old one, which will be held into place in the shower unit by two springy plastic shoulders on either side.
You'll need to try and compress the shoulders so that the switch can be levered out, and the best way to do this is to use two small screwdrivers.
Don't worry if you break the plastic on the old switch, as you'll no longer need it. Just make sure to remove all traces of broken plastic if this happens.
Once you've pulled out the old switch, it's a good idea to take a photograph of the wiring so you know which way the cables should go when you fit the new switch.
There are only two cables, so it is not particularly complicated, but if you have a photo you'll be able to see exactly what goes where and there will be no mistakes.
Now all you need to do is pull the cables off the old switch and take it away. Next you're ready to fit the new latching switch and get your shower back up and running.
Fitting the new switch
To fit out new switch, you'll need to push the two cables back onto the correct pins, using the photo you took earlier as your guide.
This can be a fiddly job, particularly attaching the second cable once you've got the first in place, so you may find it easier to use a pair of long-nosed pliers for this bit.
Once the cables are attached you simply need to push your new switch back into place inside the unit. You'll hear it click as the plastic shoulders slip into place.
Replace the cover on your shower unit, turn your electricity back on, and you should have a fully functioning shower once again!