09.04.2019

What are electric water heaters? Types of instantaneous water heaters. Flow type electric heater is produced


It is very difficult to do without hot water in a house, apartment or in your own dacha. But hot water sources are not everywhere. Because of this, many people suffer, forced to look for alternative ways. The way out of the situation will be a wall-mounted electric water heater. By installing such an electrical appliance in your home, you will receive a full-fledged source of hot water, which can be used for any needs.

When choosing electric water heaters, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the technical characteristics of the equipment. The performance of the chosen technique directly depends on them. We also pay attention to the type of device - flow or storage, there is a third option - flow-through storage water heater, but about it in another review. Let's look at this water heating technique in more detail.

Types of wall-mounted water heaters

Do you want to install an electric wall-mounted water heater in your home? A decent idea if there is no hot water supply. There are two main types of devices to choose from:

  • flowing - heat water in real time, when the tap is opened;
  • accumulative - they heat water in a special tank with the help of low-power heating elements, giving water as needed.

Instantaneous water heaters

Instantaneous water heaters have one important advantage - small size. The smallest models look like small plastic boxes with two nozzles, to which plumbing and a shower head (or faucet) are connected. The design of the heaters includes step-by-step power regulators and automatic switches. As soon as we open the faucet, the sensor will record the water pressure and turn on the heating element - hot water will flow from the faucet or shower head.

Flowing electric water heaters are distinguished by their efficiency with occasional use - as long as the tap is in the closed position, the electricity consumption is zero. The main disadvantage is the high power consumption for the most productive models, which is an obstacle for their use in some conditions - you have to make do with storage models.

The connection of electrical equipment with a power of more than 3 kW is carried out through a separate electrical line running directly from the switchboard or meter, without twists and branches.

Storage water heaters

A storage electric water heater for the home will delight you with the constant availability of hot water, even if the lights turn off unexpectedly. The thing is that the water here accumulates in the internal tank, the volume of which is from ten to several hundred liters. Heating is carried out using small heating elements, the power of which rarely exceeds 1.5-2 kW. As soon as the consumer opens the tap, hot water begins to flow from the heater, pushed out of the tank under the pressure of the water supply.

Storage water heaters have the following advantages:

  • stable outlet water temperature (the main difference from accumulative models);
  • the possibility of distributing water to several points of water intake at once(in the case of using flow heaters, you would have to choose a very powerful model).

Accumulative electric water heaters operate in automatic mode. As soon as the temperature in the internal tank falls below a certain level, the heating element turns on. It heats the water, and after reaching the set temperature, it automatically turns off. As hot water is consumed, cold water enters the tank, which again leads to the inclusion of the heating element. To compensate for natural cooling, such heaters are equipped with effective thermal insulation.

Which water heater to choose

When choosing an electric water heater for your home, you need to determine:

  • frequency of use of the hot water source;
  • the number of consumers;
  • wiring condition.

If you plan to use hot water a maximum of once or twice a day, for washing your hands or for taking a shower, you can get by with the simplest wall-mounted flow heater. Do not save on power, as in winter the temperature of the warm water at the outlet may not be very comfortable. Such water heaters are good for summer cottages, where people usually appear no more than once a week.

Thanks to this table, you can easily select the volume of water heater you need.

If hot water is needed by a large number of consumers, you should pay attention to storage heaters. The capacity of the tanks is selected depending on the nature of use and the number of those same consumers. For example, for a family of 2-3 people, a tank of 50-80 liters is enough. This is enough for washing hands and dishes, as well as for taking a shower (if you use water as sparingly as possible, you can wash one after another, without interruption for the accumulation of hot water).

With a large number of consumers, you can also use a flowing electric heater for water, but in this case it should be a very powerful model, to which several points of water intake can be connected. It is also desirable to have built-in electronics that ensure the stabilization of the water temperature, depending on its pressure in the water supply.

Please note that the use of such devices in buildings with weak walls is not allowed. If the device itself falls, then this is not so bad. But the destruction of part of the wall threatens with much greater losses, up to the collapse of part of the dwelling (relevant for country houses).

What is the price of electric wall mounted water heater? It all depends on the chosen model and its characteristics. The minimum cost of a flow heater is 1650 rubles, and for the cheapest storage water heater you will have to pay 2500 rubles. The indicated prices are valid for July 2016.

How to install a water heater on a wall

When connecting any water heater to the mains, use a separate machine and RCD.

You can install an electric heater for water on the wall yourself. If you chose a flow model, mark holes for plastic dowels with screws, drill holes in the wall, insert dowels into them, tighten the screws and hang the purchased water heater on them. To mount some models, you will have to unscrew the case to secure it with screws. Finally, connect the hoses to the electric heater. Also make an electrical connection to a socket or to a separate line through RCDs..

With storage heaters, the situation is more complicated - their large weight affects. And when liquid is collected inside, the weight of the device will increase. For example, the weight of a 50 liter boiler is about 65-70 kg when filled. Therefore, instead of plastic dowels, powerful anchor bolts should be used. Next, we fix the boiler with their help and make the necessary connections.

Hot water supply has become commonplace in the homes of urban residents. However, its shutdown - emergency or for the purpose of preventive maintenance - can seriously disrupt the usual life. The question of buying a water heater becomes especially acute in families with small children and elderly family members. For the first, bathing “from the ladle” can threaten with colds, and for the second it is difficult to carry buckets of water from the stove to the bathroom.

Types of water heaters

Those who are not used to dealing with water heaters have concerns:

  • if the heaters are gas, will there be a situation that when the pressure of hot water drops, the burner will go out, and the gas supply will continue? Or another option: when the pressure drops, the intensity of the burner will remain at the same level and the column will “boil”;
  • and electric water heaters scare the final electricity bill? Is there any protection to save the family budget;

All these fears have long since lost their basis. Now electric or gas type water heaters are equipped with automated control systems in case of a sharp drop in water supply pressure, as well as thermostats that, regardless of the supply volume, will maintain the set temperature.

Consider the difference between storage and instantaneous water heaters, and which type should be preferred. Is it better to have a constant flow of hot water in the tap, or a limited one? Someone will say "wrap both" and purchase a combined type of water heater. How will they differ:

  • flow-type or direct-flow units - they heat the moving fluid and are mounted directly into the water supply system;
  • storage water heaters first provide the necessary supply of water, after which heating occurs;
  • flow-accumulative type units are a combined option that allows, if necessary, to use a more convenient method, depending on the need.

A good electric or gas water heater can be based on both storage and flow type water heating. In the first case, the required volume enters the boiler and heats up after a while. If it is a flowing water heater, then the water flow is passed through the heating element. Among the electric ones, the so-called induction water heaters are distinguished, which have an exclusively flow-through mechanism for heating water.

Flowing

The same type of water heater can be called "straight-through". A gas unit is economically more profitable in terms of the cost of using an energy carrier than an electric one. However, it can only be installed in houses with gasification. What if there is no gas or electricity? In this case, the "balloon" option remains. It is the gas cylinder that becomes the only source of hot water in the dachas. There are a number of conditions here:

  • your geyser must be adapted to connect to the cylinder and the gas that it uses. Otherwise, it is necessary to readjust the unit, replace the manifold nozzles;
  • after re-equipment, the apparatus is checked for tightness;
  • the date of the changeover is marked on the column, indicating the type of gas that is acceptable for use.

Installation of a geyser is carried out after a tee or manifold, through which hot water is distributed. For comparison: a direct-flow version of an electric water heater is installed under the tap, thereby reducing heat loss during the transportation of liquid to the place of consumption.

The electric direct-flow water heater does not have a storage tank and has a large capacity. Electricity consumption can reach 30 kW. This is a compact unit that allows you to install directly under the washbasin. The use of such a heater is possible only in houses whose wiring is designed for electric stoves. Before installation it is necessary to consult with an electrician without fail.

Another type of electric direct-flow water heater is called the so-called induction columns. Unlike units with heating elements, this type boasts the highest efficiency - up to 98 percent. Saving electricity with such a heater can be up to 30-50 percent. Simple construction. The heating element does not come into contact with water, except for the inner wall of the pipe through which the supply is carried out. An alternating type magnetic field does not allow deposits to form and heats up the entire volume of liquid at once, which saves time. The water heats up very quickly. Long service life - up to 30 years. The only drawback of this miracle unit is the high cost.

Cumulative

A gas-heated boiler is installed only if it is not possible to connect a higher power unit. This is a large and at the same time an expensive option. The power of the device directly determines its performance.

An electric storage water heater is an easy way to solve your hot water problem. Electricity is available almost everywhere. And unlike gas equipment, it does not require any approvals or permits.

Unlike direct-flow, the storage water heater has a special tank equipped with heating elements and thermal insulation. Water from the pipeline enters the tank, and then through the drain fitting it enters the consumer. This can happen both under the influence of pressure and by gravity. A special thermometer is installed on the front of such a unit, which allows you to determine the temperature of the water in the tank.

Depending on the manufacturer, an electric boiler can be equipped with sensors:

  • dry run - prevent heating of the heating element if there is no water in the tank;
  • pressure control systems - turns off power consumption when the liquid overheats;
  • combined approach to security. The mechanical valve is complemented by electronic sensors on the body or fitting.

In addition, there must be a power unit designed for a voltage of 180-240V, and not just the standard 220V.

The boiler is mounted on a pipeline with cold water supply and is supplemented at the outlet with a collector for hot water pipes to the points of consumption. The main requirement for the body of the water heater is compactness and sufficient thermal insulation. The most effective from this point of view is polyurethane foam. High-quality thermal insulation is the key to efficient operation of the boiler without unnecessary costs for heat loss.

Scheme of storage water heater

Flow-accumulative

The combined flow-accumulative type of heaters can operate both on electricity and on a gas pipeline. Moreover, it is this type of speakers that can be connected to various alternative energy sources - for example, solar panels, heat pumps.

The circuit of such a unit includes both a flow-through and a storage type of heater. It is possible to accumulate a supply of hot water for small needs and provide continuous heating for a bath or shower. Moreover, during installation, it is possible to immediately distribute the water disposal in accordance with the required volume at the points of consumption.

Installation is carried out on a pipeline with cold water with further drainage through the collector.

Source of power Type of heater Advantages Flaws Notes
Gas flowing Suitable for low hot water consumption. It can only be installed in houses with gasification.

Installing behind the collector increases heat loss during the time the water reaches the point of consumption.

Economical in view of the cost of energy.

Requires sufficient water pressure to operate.

Installation of a gas water heater requires coordination with regulatory authorities.

Cumulative It will be more preferable and economical at high water consumption. Justifies the installation only in the absence of the possibility of connecting a more efficient unit.
Flow-accumulative Allows you to effectively breed points of consumption according to the method of water heating.
Electric flowing Heat losses during the delivery of hot water to the point of consumption are minimal due to installation directly behind the tap. Compact. Large power consumption. The wiring must match the voltage, in a house where there are no electric stoves, it will not withstand the voltage. Electrical consultation required prior to installation.

No installation permission required. Fireproof, does not need ventilation.

Cumulative Compact. It has sensors for monitoring pressure and heating heating elements. With insufficient thermal insulation, energy consumption will increase.
Flow-accumulative Allows you to save money by dividing points of consumption according to the method of water heating. Allows the use of alternative energy sources. Requires installation of two heating systems.
Electric induction flowing Heats up water quickly. Energy savings up to 50 cents. Efficiency - up to 98 percent. Long service life. Simple construction. High price. It is possible to assemble by yourself.

Gas flow

Induction

Accumulative gas

Electric storage

Electric flow

Principle of operation

The flow heater has a simple operation scheme. Water is supplied through a copper pipe. The tube itself in the form of a spiral wraps around an energy source - a gas burner or a heating element (in other words, a tubular electric heater). An induction water heater uses the power of an alternating magnetic field, which, acting on a material with high resistance, causes it to heat up due to the excitation of an electric current. The current from the mains is converted into high-frequency current by means of an inverter and transferred to a coil that generates an alternating magnetic field. The liquid pipe plays the role of the core. The electric current excited in it under the action of a magnetic field causes it to heat up and increase the temperature of the water.

Principle of operation

In a storage heater, water first enters the tank, where it is gradually heated to the desired temperature. Moreover, according to physical laws, the warmer layers gradually move to the upper part of the tank, and the cold ones sink down.

Gas water heaters have open and closed combustion chambers for the output of waste energy products. A chimney or coaxial metal sleeve can be used.

Electric columns can differ in the type of heating elements: tubular or dry. The most common tubular This is a metal tube, inside which is placed a conductor with high electrical resistance. The tube is heated by the conductor and gives off heat to the water. The dielectric in this case is sand, which fills the space between the conductor and the walls of the tube.

Heating elements contribute to the formation of scale, which reduces the efficiency of the heater.

The so-called dry heating element is not a tube, but a special flask, inside which is special oil or quartz sand. It is also called ceramic. Much less scale forms on the walls of the flask and this option is recognized as more electrically safe.

Wiring diagram

Selection rules

When deciding which water heater is better for flow or storage, decide on your expectations.

What specific functions will be assigned to hot water equipment:

  • you have hot water supply, but you want to have an additional source of hot water for maintenance periods;
  • you are interested in water heaters to simply boil water for small needs;
  • or there is no hot water system and you need an electric or gas heater in the bathroom as the main water heating system.

Having decided on the specific purpose of the purchase, proceed to the next step. Calculate the estimated daily water consumption. You can rely on the following values ​​in calculations:

  • shower visit - 20 liters per person;
  • the cost of cooking, washing dishes and other household needs - 12 liters.

The average Russian family consists of four people. Based on this, we calculate the daily need for hot water: 4 (number of family members) * 20 (hot water costs when visiting a shower for 1 person) + 12 (daily consumption for household needs) \u003d 92 liters.

In our example, water heaters with a tank of 100 liters will be the best choice. It is not recommended to take a smaller volume, since there will always be a risk that someone will not have enough water and there will be a need to reheat. If you plan to use a water heater for a large house or non-domestic use, be sure to get expert advice.

In addition to the price, you need to objectively evaluate the connectivity water heater to the required source energy supply. Checked: the larger the tank volume water heater, the more operational term . Choose a model based on its technical requirements for installation and operation. When buying, the reputation of the manufacturer is important and duration guarantees .

When choosing a water heater, you can not unreasonably save. A poor-quality or inappropriate model will cause many problems in the future, reacting to pressure drops in the pipeline or overloading the power grid. An instantaneous water heater is good in a home with a large flow of water, but trying to save money using a gas storage type is not the best idea. This is going to be a great water pressure dependent unit that should only be chosen if there are no other alternatives. Flow induction heaters are considered the most efficient, but their purchase can be considered a large-scale investment in future energy savings on hot water.

Video

Today, when there are more and more interruptions in hot water in the apartment due to the fault of the supplier, the desire of people to become completely independent of the performance of heat generating companies is becoming stronger. After all, as it usually happens, the prevention of systems in these organizations is carried out in the hottest time of summer and for quite a long time. ( sometimes there is no hot water in the taps for a whole month ) . You can deal with this problem by installing in your home household. Why electric and not gas? Yes, because to install a gas water heater (the so-called column), you will need to get a bunch of all sorts of permits ( and then, if allowed ) and spend a lot of money on its installation, since self-installation of gas appliances is strictly prohibited! With electrical appliances, everything is much simpler, since you do not need to obtain any additional permits to install them. In addition, you can install and connect such devices yourself, guided by the manufacturer's instructions.

However, which one to choose hot water heater: storage or flow? The answer to this question is ambiguous, since it will require understanding the principle of operation of both types of heaters, which determines both the advantages and disadvantages of each of the electrical appliances.

That's it and let's talk about it. And let's start with storage water heaters.

How does a storage water heater work?

Advantages of storage electric water heaters

Based on the foregoing, we can say that storage type water heaters have the following advantages:

Now let's move on to the next type - flow type water heaters.

The principle of operation of electric flow type heaters

The difference between this type of heaters and storage type heaters is that they are able to very quickly heat the water flow passing through the heating element of the device, due to a significant increase in the power of this thermoelement. You just need to open the tap with cold water, so that it is just through 10-15 seconds after passing through household boiler flow type, became hot enough. At the same time, not one heating element is installed in the device, but two or more, which can be used both individually and all together by turning on the corresponding toggle switch or button on the device control panel. That is, the stronger the water jet in the tap, the more heating elements you need to use at the same time so that the water has time to heat up to the desired temperature. It will be necessary to use all the heating elements at the same time in winter, when the water in the water pipes flows very cold. In summer, when the weather is very hot outside, on the contrary, you can use only one heating element to get water heated to a comfortable temperature. In more expensive models of electric instantaneous water heaters, automation is installed, which itself decides whether to turn on or turn off additional heating elements, depending on the amount of flow and water temperature. This allows you to achieve some energy savings when the house uses instantaneous electric water heaters. By the way, automation will warn a person with a sound and light signal if the water temperature reaches a value at which he can get a skin burn. The latest models of such water heaters can even be controlled using a remote control.

Well, at first glance, electric water heaters are no worse, and even better than similar storage-type household appliances. But let's not make hasty conclusions, but first consider what advantages and disadvantages they have.

Positive aspects of flow type water heaters

These household heaters have significant advantages over their storage-type counterparts, since they:

only work when water flows through them. This means that electricity is consumed only for a certain period of time, during which you can get any amount of hot water that you need;

They do not need to be equipped with a tank, therefore they are very compact in size and light in weight, which allows them to be installed in any place convenient for you and does not require a main wall for mounting the device;

Manufacturers produce these devices in a very diverse design and color, which allows them to harmoniously fit into any room interior;

stand ( if it's not the most expensive models ) much cheaper than storage water heaters;

They can be easily installed by hand;

Easy to maintain as they do not require periodic descaling.

It would seem that you need to choose exactly instantaneous water heaters, and not storage ones, what else is there to think about. But let's also consider the disadvantages that such « wonderful » water heaters.

Cons of electric running water heaters

So, these devices have, albeit a little, but significant disadvantages:

1. If there is no electricity in the house (even for a short time), then you will not be able to wash or wash the dishes, as in the case when you would have a household electric storage boiler installed.

2. Hot water can be distributed only at one point, that is, only where this device is installed ( e.g. only in the bathroom or in the kitchen ) .

3. During operation, flow-type water heaters consume a large amount of electricity, since such devices have a power consumption of 8 kW up to 10 kW ( this is the most optimal power for domestic use, although less powerful devices are also produced, but they work with low productivity and cannot provide a normal flow of hot water ) . If you want, you can find an electric instantaneous water heater for sale even with a power consumption 30 kW! But before you buy it, calculate approximately how much you will have to pay per month for electricity if you install such a powerful device in your home, and only then make a decision to buy or refuse it.

4. The biggest drawback of this type of water heaters is a consequence of the previous one - you cannot use a standard line laid in the apartment to connect them to the electrical network. / house, since it can safely provide electric current only to devices connected to it, the total power consumption of which does not exceed 3 kW. And this means that to connect such a water heater, you will have to lay a separate line. I do not advise you to do this on your own. It is better to contact the specialists of the company with which you have an agreement for the supply of electricity. For a fee, they will carry out technical documentation, perform electrical work and connect your instantaneous water heater to the network. By the way, do not forget to check the installation of the RCD in order to protect your home and your own life. To find out how it works and why such devices must be installed in an apartment / at home, read my article "Connecting a single-phase RCD with your own hands". In addition, if you still decide to lay a separate line on your own, then I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the material of the article. "How to choose the right electrical cable for wiring" where all the necessary information is available.

Now we can draw some conclusions.

Which is better: storage or instantaneous electric water heater?

Let's look at the price factor first. Storage water heaters, even the most "fancy" ones, are much cheaper than their flowing "brothers" with good power consumption (8 kW - 10 kW ) and an extended list of available options. At the same time, storage water heaters, characterized by the same power consumption and the same volume of the water tank, can vary greatly in price, which depends on:

From the material from which the tank is made ( enameled steel, titanium or glass porcelain or stainless steel ) ;

From the thickness of the sheet of metal itself;

From the number of options available during the operation of the water heater ( for example, the presence of a programmable controller that allows you to set the exact date and time the boiler is turned on, so that the water in its tank is already hot by the time you arrive ) ;

From electrical appliance design.

In addition, it will be necessary to “fork out” for electrical work on laying a separate line if you decide to install an instantaneous water heater.

Now let's turn to the efficiency of both types of water heaters. Contrary to popular belief, instantaneous electric water heaters consume about the same amount of electricity to heat the same volume of liquid as storage-type water heaters, although the former have much more powerful ( twice or more ) heating elements. This is because the flow heater consumes electricity only for a short period of time (while water flows through it), and the storage water heater is forced to periodically turn on its heating elements throughout the day in order to maintain the set temperature of the water in the tank.

In terms of ease of installation, instantaneous water heaters, of course, win over « brethren » accumulative type, because they are small in size and do not require a main wall for their installation. However, they have a significant drawback is the need to connect to the network through a more powerful than standard power line.

Instantaneous water heaters do not limit your hot water flow, unlike storage boilers, which cannot give you more hot water than their tanks contain. However, storage heaters allow for the simultaneous distribution of heated water at various points in the dwelling, albeit in small quantities. ( for example, one person can do the dishes in the kitchen while another person takes a shower ) . In addition, if the light suddenly disappears in the house for a short time, then the water heated during the day in the boiler tank will still remain hot for several hours.

In maintenance, electric instantaneous water heaters undoubtedly occupy a leading position, since in storage devices it is necessary to periodically descale the tank and change the magnesium anode.

What we have in the end: these devices, if you add up all the pluses and minuses, are almost equal to each other. That is, you yourself must decide what type of electric water heater it will be convenient for you to use. The main thing is that it serves for a long time, regularly and pleases you with the possibility of easy access to such a blessing of civilization as hot water. I am sure that now you can make the right choice!

The reality is that even today, despite the age of progressive technologies, the problem of hot water is faced not only by residents of villages and country houses, but also by most large regional centers. The crazy pace of modern life does not allow us to waste our precious time on heating water using the stoves and buckets we are used to. Plus, it's completely inconvenient. And why such painful chores? Indeed, today it is enough to purchase a high-quality heating device that will satisfy the needs of even the most demanding customers.

The industrial market is so large that it offers a huge number of various types and types of water heaters: gas and electric heaters, storage and flow systems, powerful enough and economical to use, horizontal and vertical, wall and floor.

How to choose a good electric heater?

The choice is so great that, focusing on your financial condition and consumer needs, it is easy to choose quality electric heater water and enjoy cleanliness, comfort and a lot of free time, and not run around with buckets of boiling water, blaming the housing department for your difficult life. At the peak of popularity among consumers, electric water heaters. They are faithful helpers, both during seasonal shutdowns of hot water supply, and in suburban private houses, being an integral part of an autonomous water supply. In turn, electric water heaters are of two main types:

  • flow,
  • cumulative.

Therefore, when going shopping, you must clearly determine your needs in hot water, as well as the requirements for a water heater. Indeed, not only the comfort of its use depends on the correct choice of the device, but also the ability to significantly reduce the amount of the bill for the use of electricity.

So, in the case when you need hot water supply of a country house, where the owners come to relax for a couple of days from time to time, it would be more economical to install a flowing water heater. What can not be said about an apartment in a high-rise building, where a large family lives permanently. In this case, the expediency of installing an electric storage heating device is obvious.

Features of storage water heater

The main feature that distinguishes a storage water heater from a flow one is its operating principle. So, the principle of operation of the latter is truly simple and lies in the fact that water coming directly from the water supply passes through a special chamber where a heat transfer device is installed. Most often, such a device is a heating element, a spiral or a plate electric heater.

There, the liquid is heated to a certain temperature, after which it exits hot through the installed tap. At the same time, it is obvious that such a device does not have a separate container for accumulating water (in some cases it can be quite small in size - up to three liters). And this, of course, affects the size of the electric water heater, making it quite compact. Of course, this is a big plus in case of a lack of usable space in the room.

Positive properties of electrical appliances

Among other positive features of the operation of flow devices, it should be noted that the liquid heats up almost instantly, which eliminates the dependence of hot water consumption on the volume of the tank capacity. Electric water heaters have enough power to instantly heat water. One has only to open the faucet, as hot water immediately flows out of it. Such a seemingly obvious plus of a flow device for many consumers is a significant minus. It's all about the power of the heater. In order to instantly heat cold water to a comfortable temperature of at least 36 degrees C at a flow rate of 2-3 liters per minute, it is necessary minimum power 3-5 kW.

Therefore, the power consumption is quite high, which, in turn, requires good electrical wiring in the room, capable of withstanding high loads. Do not give preference to electric water heaters of this type and lovers to take a hot bath. After all, the power of the device is unlikely to allow him to cope with his task. Of course, you can purchase a heavy-duty model with a consumption of 20-27 kW, but such a device already requires connection to a three-phase network and is by no means cheap, which is not at all affordable for the average consumer.

Varieties of electrical appliances

Flow type electric heaters are enough easy to install by yourself, which can significantly save on the services of electricians and plumbers. But still, it is worth considering certain features of their installation, so that later you can freely enjoy the comfortable use of hot water. So, in order to avoid unpleasant moments associated with a power surge protection circuit breaker, it would be better to install a separate circuit breaker for the water heater.

It is not uncommon for a purchased heating device to exceed the capabilities of an already installed meter. In this case, his recommended to replace. Most often this is necessary in the premises and houses of the old building. And additional wires will help create grounding devices. In any case, if you have already decided to install an electric water heater on your own, you will need to be careful in work and, of course, comply with all safety standards.

Storage-type electric water heaters are better known to the average consumer as a boiler. The main design element of such a device is a special container - a tank, which can be either standard sizes of 30-60 liters, or very impressive up to 500 or even 1000 liters. However, electric heating devices of such a volume already have the value not of domestic, but of industrial ones. Features of the operation of an electric storage-type heating device can be compared with the well-known thermos.

So, the heating elements located inside the tank provide water heating to a predetermined temperature, the range of which is 7 - 85 degrees C, and then with the help of a thermostat keeps it at a given level. Naturally, with this principle of operation, in order to reduce the cost of consumed electricity, thermal insulation of the tank is of great importance. The thicker the insulating material, the less electricity is needed to maintain a certain liquid temperature.

Electric heaters - modern models

Modern models of electric water heaters have a night heating mode, since developed countries have long practiced setting reduced tariffs for the population at night. Also, storage electric water heaters are an ideal solution for high-rise buildings with electric stoves, because it is possible save on fare. Since such houses are equipped with more powerful wiring, it is most likely not necessary to lay a separate one for the boiler.

Many consumers rightly refer to the main requirement for an electric heater of storage type is the presence of a high-quality anti-corrosion coating inside the tank. Every day, the storage capacity of the boiler experiences the detrimental effects of high pressure, as well as sudden changes in temperature. In addition, tap water has various aggressive substances that have a destructive effect. All these factors can significantly reduce the life of the device.

Manufacturers of expensive models use a special anti-corrosion titanium enamel, it is much better than cheap aluminum or galvanized steel. Another of the problems that residents of small apartments face is the lack of space in order to accommodate a large boiler tank. Partially cope with this problem will help the choice of the correct form of the tank. Today, manufacturers of storage-type electric water heaters produce the following models:

  • round or cylindrical
  • rectangular tank,
  • tank, the so-called slim-form.

The latest model is different much less thick, and the volume is preserved due to the greater height of the device. This form is often the only possible solution. When properly organizing the space in the room where the boiler will be installed, one should also take into account the installation method of the electric heater, since some models require horizontal installation, others vertically, and there are boilers that can be installed in both ways.

All electric storage heaters can be divided into the following types:

  • to open, so-called non-pressure,
  • and closed or which are also called pressure.

And, like any technique, both have its advantages and disadvantages. Non-pressure (open) are installed on only one draw-off point or, in simple terms, one tap. This is largely due to their small tank volume, only 5-50 liters. Such compactness and ease of installation allow you to install the boiler even under the sink.

However, the small volume and high consumption of electricity consumed are a significant drawback of this type of storage water heater. Pressure (closed) water heaters have a larger tank volume and can simultaneously serve a pair of water points. When installing such a cold water heater, the installation of the so-called three valves: non-return, safety and pressure reducing valves is mandatory.

A long stay without hot water turns a person's life into gray despondency. All people try to solve this problem, and everyone does it in their own way. Some install a large boiler, others prefer taps with a built-in water heater.

The device is almost no different from a conventional mixer. Instant taps are connected to a cold hose. Heating is carried out inside the equipment. Within 3-5 seconds the water will be up to 70°C. It is worth noting that the flowing electric water heater on the faucet is made of a special steel alloy that does not corrode and does not form scale.

The device has 3 operating modes:

  • "Off" - the handle is in the "down" position. Water does not flow, electrical circuits are de-energized.
  • "Cold" - the lever is in the "left" position. The power grid is off, and ordinary water at room temperature runs from the tap.
  • "Hot" - the knob is turned to the right. The electrical system is turned on and within a few seconds hot water begins to flow from the tap.

There are models of mixers in which the temperature controller is located outside the structure. This is convenient - electronics controls all the necessary indicators.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages include:

  • Fast water heating. Hot liquid will be dispensed within 5 seconds after switching on.
  • Excellent technical characteristics of a cold water heater for a faucet in the bathroom or in the kitchen. Liquid temperature - up to 70 °C, good pressure, compact dimensions, local area of ​​use.
  • Constant temperature. There will be no hesitation towards the appearance of boiling water or, conversely, the entry of too cold liquid.
  • It will perfectly fit into any interior and will never spoil the appearance of the room.

The flow heater, which is put on the faucet, has almost no drawbacks. Only high power consumption can be noted - 3 kW per hour. Another drawback is the low throughput (up to 6 liters per minute). However, this indicator is quite enough to fill the bath or wash the dishes in the kitchen.

Overview of Chinese-made faucets with heating function

Model namePeculiaritiesSpecificationst load, °СConsumed energy, kWPrice, rubles
"Aquaterm"Attractive design, quick installation, water filter.High quality electric heating element, protection against overheating and electric shock.60 3 3 900
"Delimano"Fast supply of hot water, attractive design, possibility of regulation of temperature.Material: plastic, metal. Working pressure: 0.4-0.6 MPa.50-60 3 2 500
"Aquastream"Compact size, energy saving.The body is made of composite plastic.60 2,5 3 500
RAPID™Instantaneous water heating, saving resources compared to a boiler - 30%, simple installation.High level overheating protection.60 3 3 900
CorraveniThe valve is made of ceramic, the surface finish is of chromed steel.There is a self-controlled water temperature system.60 3 4 200

Before purchasing these devices, you need to pay attention to the power consumption. This indicator should be minimal, since the lower it is, the greater the savings in resources, and hence money.