Electric Hot Water Systems

An electrically heated storage tank system is usually relatively cheap to buy and install, but is usually the most expensive to run, especially if it’s on the continuous (full day) tariff. Systems that run on off-peak electricity are much cheaper to run, but need a larger tank as the water heated overnight has to last you all day, and off-peak electricity isn’t available to all homes. These systems can be installed indoors or outdoors.

Storage Tank

A storage tank should hold a one day’s supply of hot water, the electric storage tanks come in 25, 50, 80, 125, 160, 250, 315 and 400 litres. For help with selection please contact our free call number 1800 689 919 or you can simple fill in the quick quote form and we will be in touch within 1-2 hours (within business trading hours).

Tempering Valves

A tempering valve mixes your hot and cold water to deliver hot tap water at a constant temperature. Tempering valves have a temperature sensitive element which adjusts the mix depending on the temperature of the incoming water flowing through the valve. The valve is designed to maintain a constant outlet temperature, reducing the risk of accidental scalding. The regu-lation in NSW is 50ºC for all bathrooms and 45ºC for childcare and elderly care facilities. Your tank temperature setting at the thermostat must be a minimum of 60c. This prevents bacteria and diseases growing. The average temperature of domestic hot water is 70 ºC. A much safer temperature for domestic hot water is 50 ºC. This is because water at a lower temperature takes longer to cause injury. For example:

• At 60 ºC, it takes one second for hot water to cause third-degree burns
• At 55 ºC, it takes 10 seconds for hot water to cause third-degree burns
• At 50 ºC, it takes five minutes for hot water to cause third-degree burns

For more information on the Tempering valve requirements please click here to see Fair Trading NSW fact sheet