redsky49
Well-known member
For all those intent on raising the discharge temperature of your water heater, be advised of the risks:
From: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5098.htm
Consumers can obtain this publication and additional publication information from the Publications section of CPSC's web site or by sending your publication request to [email protected].
Each year, approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home due to scalding from excessively hot tap water. The majority of these accidents involve the elderly and children under the age of five. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to preventing accidents, this decrease in temperature will conserve energy and save money.
Most adults will suffer third-degree burns if exposed to 150 degree water for two seconds. Burns will also occur with a six-second exposure to 140 degree water or with a thirty second exposure to 130 degree water. Even if the temperature is 120 degrees, a five minute exposure could result in third-degree burns.
At 145 degrees, a first degree burn will result from a 2.5 second exposure to this temperature in adults! In infants the time is less.
I would strongly recommend that water temperatures be limited to 110 degrees, or at the most 115. If you are experiencing poor performance at these setpoints you likely have another issue such as inadequate pipe insulation, excessive pipe runs, defective water heater, etc.
Please be safe, especially for children and the elderly. Posted as a result of discussions on another thread.
As always, offered only as opinion
From: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5098.htm
Consumers can obtain this publication and additional publication information from the Publications section of CPSC's web site or by sending your publication request to [email protected].
Each year, approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home due to scalding from excessively hot tap water. The majority of these accidents involve the elderly and children under the age of five. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to preventing accidents, this decrease in temperature will conserve energy and save money.
Most adults will suffer third-degree burns if exposed to 150 degree water for two seconds. Burns will also occur with a six-second exposure to 140 degree water or with a thirty second exposure to 130 degree water. Even if the temperature is 120 degrees, a five minute exposure could result in third-degree burns.
At 145 degrees, a first degree burn will result from a 2.5 second exposure to this temperature in adults! In infants the time is less.
I would strongly recommend that water temperatures be limited to 110 degrees, or at the most 115. If you are experiencing poor performance at these setpoints you likely have another issue such as inadequate pipe insulation, excessive pipe runs, defective water heater, etc.
Please be safe, especially for children and the elderly. Posted as a result of discussions on another thread.
As always, offered only as opinion
