The Salamander CT55 Xtra is a 1.5 bar single impeller regenerative pump that boosts either the hot or the cold water pressure to an individual outlet, such as a hot pillar tap, in a gravity-fed positive head system. It is compact enough for tight spaces and runs at just 44.5 dBA.
A continuously rated A.C. induction motor with resetting thermal protection runs the pump automatically whenever water flows, and it is WRAS approved and awarded Quiet Mark. Supplied with 15 mm push-fit anti-vibration hoses (¾ inch BSP pump connections) and backed by a 3-year UK warranty when registered and installed to the instructions.
1.5 bar
Max pressure (closed head)
1.35 bar
Pressure at 4 L/min
60°C
Max water temperature
Installation and regulatory requirements
These pumps are for gravity-fed (tank-fed) systems only and must never be connected directly to the mains water supply. Installation must comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, current wiring regulations (BS 7671) and Building Regulations. The pump cannot be installed in bathroom Zones 0, 1 or 2 but can be sited 0.6 m away from the bath or shower. Never install it outdoors, and keep it frost-free. Incorrect installation invalidates the warranty.
Positive head systems only
The CT55 Xtra only works where gravity delivers a natural flow of at least 2 litres per minute from the pumped outlet. If you cannot measure the flow, there should be more than 600 mm between the base of the cold water storage tank and the highest point in the system after the pump. If the outlet cannot reach 1 litre in 30 seconds, you need a negative head (universal) pump. Positive head pumps are not for combi boilers, unvented cylinders, electric showers, dishwashers or washing machines.
Single impeller: hot OR cold, not both
This pump boosts either the hot or the cold supply to an individual outlet and is not for whole-house boosting. Salamander does not recommend using a positive head pump to boost hot water against a cold mains supply.
Check the isolating valve in the pack
Salamander's current product page lists an inlet isolating valve on this model, while its installation guide lists isolators only on the + versions. Check the pack contents on delivery, and make sure the installation includes a suitable means of isolation for maintenance.
Installation essentials
Locate the pump next to the hot water cylinder or within 5 m of measured pipework and leave 100 mm clearance around it. Allow at least 136 litres of usable cold water storage for a shower-only supply (227 litres per bathroom). Fit the anti-vibration couplers straight, tightened finger-tight plus a quarter turn with no tools, and never use jointing compound, hemp or flux on the pump. Keep stored hot water at 60°C maximum and run the pump for at least 5 minutes every 4 weeks to stop the seal sticking.
Key Features
Single Impeller Regenerative Pump
Boosts hot or cold water to an individual outlet up to 1.5 bar at closed head, with 1.35 bar at 4 L/min and 1.1 bar at 8 L/min.
Very Quiet Running
Operates at just 44.5 dBA and has been awarded Quiet Mark. Straight anti-vibration couplers and the supplied rubber feet keep noise and vibration down.
Compact for Tight Spaces
Measures 186.7 × 120 × 160 mm and weighs 3.8 kg (excluding hoses), so it fits airing cupboards and other restricted spaces.
Automatic and Continuously Rated
A fully automatic, flow-operated pump with a continuously rated motor that runs for as long as water is drawn, with resetting thermal protection.
Easy Connections
¾ inch BSP pump connections and 15 mm push-fit anti-vibration hoses: 200 mm inlet and 180 mm outlet (straight), with anti-vibration feet fitted.
WRAS Approved, 3-Year Warranty
Fully WRAS approved for water fittings compliance, with a 3-year UK warranty when registered within 15 days of purchase.
Technical Specifications
Performance
Pump type
Regenerative, single impeller, positive head
Pressure at closed head
1.5 bar
Pressure at 4 L/min
1.35 bar
Pressure at 8 L/min
1.1 bar
Maximum static head
10 m (1.0 bar)
Maximum water temperature
60°C
Minimum natural flow to start
2 L/min (positive head)
Electrical
Motor
A.C. induction motor, continuously rated, resetting thermal protection
Fuse rating
3 A (do not use a higher rating)
Power cable
1.5 m, pre-wired
Enclosure protection
IPX3
Connections and Dimensions
Pump connections
¾ inch BSP
Hoses
2 × anti-vibration hoses, ¾ inch female × 15 mm push-fit
Hose lengths
Inlet 200 mm (isolating valve per manufacturer page); outlet 180 mm (non-isolating)
Length × width × height
186.7 × 120 × 160 mm (excluding hoses)
Weight
3.8 kg (excluding hoses)
Approvals, Warranty and Identification
Approvals
WRAS approved; Quiet Mark; UKCA and CE compliant
Warranty
3 years (UK), registration within 15 days of purchase and correct installation required
Manufacturer
Salamander Pumps
Range
CT Xtra (GravityBooster)
Product code (UK)
CT55XTRA
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my system is positive head?
A positive head pump needs a natural flow of at least 2 litres per minute from the pumped outlet without the pump running. If you cannot measure it, check there is more than 600 mm between the bottom of the cold water storage tank and the highest point after the pump. If you cannot get 1 litre in 30 seconds, choose a negative head (universal) pump.
What does a single impeller pump boost?
A single impeller pump boosts either hot or cold water to one individual outlet, such as a hot pillar tap. It does not boost both supplies, so use a twin pump for a mixer shower fed by hot and cold.
Can I connect it to the mains or a combi boiler?
No. The CT55 Xtra is for gravity-fed systems only and must not be connected directly to the mains water supply. It is not suitable for combi boilers or unvented cylinders.
Where can I install it?
Site it outside bathroom Zones 0, 1 and 2 (at least 0.6 m from the bath or shower), in a frost-free indoor space, within 5 m of measured pipework from the hot water cylinder, with 100 mm clearance around it. It must never be installed outdoors.
How much cold water storage and what hot water temperature are needed?
Allow at least 136 litres of usable cold water storage for a shower-only supply, and keep stored hot water at 60°C maximum. Use a cylinder thermostat or an approved thermostatic blending valve if the temperature is not well controlled.
What does the warranty cover and how do I claim it?
UK purchases carry a 3-year warranty when the warranty is registered within 15 days of purchase and the pump is installed to Salamander's instructions. Keep your invoice. Salamander's PumpWise technical helpline is 0191 516 2002.