What are electric water heaters

Shapes, dimensions and control type of boilers

The modern market for the equipment in question provides consumers with a huge selection of different types of electric boilers.

1. Different volume - most often they buy models from 10 to 100 liters.
2. Various shape: round, flat, square. Round water heaters up to 30 liters are very popular; they are usually installed in the kitchen. If a larger model is required for the bathroom, then the flat version will take up less space.It can be easily mounted on a free wall or above a toilet.
3. Vertical and horizontal. Most often, consumers prefer the first option. Before choosing, you should decide on the installation location. Horizontal models are best installed above a door or other plumbing fixtures.
4. By type of control: mechanical and electronic. The second option has the ability to fine-tune settings, set automatic shutdown or on. Such models are often equipped with a small screen.

The best storage water heaters for 80 liters or more

Boilers with a tank volume of 80 l, 100 l and 150 l are most often used in summer cottages and in private homes. This volume will be enough for several people to buy without reheating, but at the same time, the time to heat the water increases several times.

4Stiebel Eltron 100 LCD

Stiebel Eltron 100 LCD is an incredibly functional, but at the same time very expensive electric storage water heater. This model combines high German standards, advanced technology and high security class.

The first thing that attracts the attention of the buyer is a multifunctional liquid crystal display. On it you can see the amount of energy consumed, temperature, the current amount of water in the tank, operating modes, and so on.

In addition, the self-diagnosis mode will report any malfunctions in the device.

The enamel inner coating of the tank will prevent rust. The Stiebel Eltron 100 LCD also provides for the presence of a titanium anode, which, unlike magnesium, does not require replacement and maintenance during operation. It is also worth noting the function of a two-tariff power supply mode, a boiler and anti-freeze mode.

pros

• Very powerful device, heats water quickly
• Holds heat well
• Convenient management
• Additional modes of use

Minuses

3Gorenje GBFU 100 E B6

Gorenje GBFU 100 E B6 ranks third among the best storage electric water heaters for 80 liters or more. This model is created using modern technologies, which ensures reliable operation and easy maintenance.

The main advantage in comparison with analogues is the presence of a “dry” heating element. This type of heating element is protected from scale and damage by a special flask. Plus, the inner surface of such devices is completely covered with enamel, which means that the load on the magnesium anode is much less.

How to decipher the name Gorenje GBFU 100 E B6?

GB stands for "dry" heating element.

F - compact body.

U - can be installed vertically and horizontally (nozzles are on the left).

100 is the volume of the water tank in liters.

B - the outer case is metal with coloring.

6 - inlet pressure.

Otherwise, the equipment is practically no different from competitors. In this model "Gorenie" there are 2 heating elements with a power of 1 kW each, a mode of preventing freezing, economical heating, a check valve, a thermometer and an indication of the boiler operation.

pros

• Keeps warm for a long time
• Good reliability for the price
• Universal mounting
• Dry heating element and power of 2 kW

Minuses

2Polaris Gamma IMF 80V

The second place goes to the incredibly simple but effective device Polaris Gamma IMF 80V. Due to a reliable heat-insulated tank and several points of water intake, the boiler is ideal for use in houses, baths, cottages, apartments and so on.

Thanks to the flat body, the boiler can easily fit even in small rooms with a shortage of space. All controls are located on the front panel. The digital display shows the current temperature value, next to it there is a temperature level regulator and a mode switch. In this model the mode of economy and the accelerated heating is provided.

The maximum power of the heater in Polaris Gamma IMF 80V is 2 kW. A 100 liter tank heats up in just 118 minutes. The built-in adjustable thermostat maintains the temperature at the set level. The device is protected from switching on without water, overheating, leakage and pressure drops.

pros

• For 80 liters very compact model
• The price is lower than that of analogues with the same functionality
• There is protection against switching on without water and against overheating
• Convenient and simple control

Minuses

1Gorenje OTG 80 SL B6

Most water heaters have very similar specifications, so picking the best one can be tricky. However, Gorenje OTG 80 SL B6 can be considered one of the best models for 80 liters and more.

The compact size of the device allows you to install it even in small spaces (for example, in a toilet). The enameled tank and magnesium anode will protect the body from corrosion. It also includes frost protection, splash protection, safety valve and thermostat. Good thermal insulation allows you to keep the water warm for a long time, even after a power outage.

Numerous positive customer reviews speak for themselves. There is nothing superfluous in this device. Install a Gorenje boiler at home, set the desired temperature, and forget about problems with hot water forever.

pros

• Simple and reliable assistant
• European assembly
• Thermal insulation at a high level
• Heats up a full tank fairly quickly

Minuses

Cumulative: the principle of operation

Such a water heating device works in a cumulative way. Provides a tank (different in volume) that holds water. The heater is the heating device. For operation, it is necessary to connect a cold water pipe to the device and turn it on to the mains.

Water is drawn into the tank, heated and maintained at the set temperature. Used as needed. Automatically fills and ensures the constant availability of a certain volume of water at the desired temperature.

There are the following types of this type of water heater:

• Boilers of direct heating - heating occurs due to the heating element, which requires a connection to the mains.
• Boilers of indirect heating - mainly work from the central heat supply. And in the summer, when the heating is turned off, the water is heated using a heating element.

Advantages and disadvantages in comparison

The pros and cons of each type of water heater, for objectivity, should be considered comprehensively, in accordance with the operating conditions. But first of all, you need to deal with the power consumption.

Flow type devices consume more power per unit of time. At first glance, this seems uneconomical. But the heated water in storage water heaters, with the best insulation, still cools down. This means that part of the energy is spent for "air heating".

For example, a 1.5 kW Ariston ABS SLV 30 V SLIM storage water heater heats 30 liters of water to 75 ˚C in about an hour and a half.If it is disconnected from the mains, and water is not used, then after about 48 hours, it will reach room temperature. If the device were connected to the network, then in two days, to maintain the set temperature, it would consume 2.25 kW / h of electricity. And in a month, 2.25 x 15 = 33.75 kW / h will run.

These are costs solely for the elimination of natural heat losses. Of course, they can be reduced if you independently carry out a small modernization. Let's wrap the tank with another layer of heat insulator. But losses will still remain.

In instantaneous water heaters, electricity consumption occurs exactly when the consumer needs hot water. Wash dishes - 3 minutes, wash hands - 1 minute, take a shower for 10 minutes. Overrun will only be observed if the user does not control water consumption and leave the tap open at a time when hot water is not being used. The fact of saving becomes obvious.

But this is where bandwidth limitations come into play. Already for a water heater with a power of 8 kW, the cross section of the copper wire should be 4 mm, and for aluminum, with the same cross section, the maximum load is 6 kW.

At the same time, in big cities the mains voltage is almost always 220V. In villages, small towns or summer cottages, it often falls much lower. That's where the water heater comes in.

Some accumulative type models, from a more expensive price category, are equipped with a block that provides operation in a “two-tariff mode”. Heating is carried out at night, when electricity is cheaper. But the synchronization of the European and domestic time interval very often fails.Of these devices, we can note the Czech "Drazice OKCE 80" worth 21 tr. or the German "Stiebel Eltron DHB-E 11 Sli" at a price of 51 tr.

Bulk water heaters

An excellent solution for giving or in case of lack of tap water in the house. A bulk water heater is a container with a lid in which a heating element is mounted. The container can be made of stainless steel, plastic, ordinary enameled steel. The temperature is controlled by a thermostat. A shower hose is attached to the body.

There are two types of such devices - gravity and with a small built-in pressure pump (Alvin EVBO). Self-flowing bulk water heaters must be hung above the head. You can take a shower, then the flow of water will be weak. Models with a pump have more pressure, but the tank capacity must also be decent and you cannot call such a model a marching one.

The functions here might be:

• maintenance of the set temperature;
• automatic shutdown after heating;
• the presence of an accumulator and a pump to create pressure;

• status indicators.

  Bulk water heater device

Bulk water heaters are a primordially Russian invention and all manufacturers are Russian. There are similar electric water heaters of the following brands:

• Success;
• Alvin Evbo;
• Aquarius;
• Elbet;
• Mr. Hit Summer Resident;
• Story.

The devices operate from a 220 V network, have a power of about 1-2 kW, and the price is from $20 to $100, depending on the functionality and material of the tank. Which water heater is better in this category? Stainless with pressure, but these are just the most expensive models.

No. 2. Heating element type

Heating elements are responsible for heating in boilers, spiral heating elements are less often used (they are more powerful, but if something happens, they are more difficult to repair).

Heating elements can be of two types:

• "wet";
• "dry".

It is easy to understand who is who by the name. "Wet" heating element - a copper heating element that is immersed in water and works like a boiler. Such heating elements are typical for many storage and almost all flow boilers. These are cheap devices, but due to direct contact of the heating element with water, scale quickly forms on it, which has high thermal insulation properties, due to which the heating element's ability to heat water decreases. You will have to constantly increase the temperature, and this will affect the life of the boiler. It is noteworthy that the higher the heating temperature, the faster the formation of scale. In addition, the "wet" heating element is subject to electrochemical corrosion. If a water filter is installed in the apartment, then in principle you can take a boiler of this type, it costs less. When working with hard water, get ready to clean the heating element every 3-4 months.

"Dry" (steatine) heating element is protected by a special flask and does not come into contact with water, so scale cannot form here. The heat transfer of such a heating element is much higher, the service life is also, but a boiler with a similar heating element will cost 1.5-2 times more.

Boilers Atlantic

A good example of a water heater with a “dry” heating element is the French Atlantic. Atlantic factories are located all over the world. Except China - that's why Atlantic is often called the most "NON-Chinese" water heaters. Atlantic boilers are equipped with a self-developed steatite heating element with a service life of up to 20 years.This is ten times longer than conventional inexpensive "wet" heating elements.

Due to the coating of the tank with branded enamel with titanium dioxide and a magnesium anode, scale does not practically settle in Atlantic boilers and rust does not appear. Therefore, Atlantic are also the quietest, economical and reliable water heaters of all that are sold in Russia.

Atlantic work with all types of water and are provided with a maximum guarantee for tanks - 7-8 years. And the Atlantic does not need to be serviced annually, like most conventional Chinese manufacturers. And once every 2-3 years.

Storage water heaters can be equipped with one or two heating elements. The second heating element is received by all boilers of large volume, as well as models with a fast heating function.

The principle of operation of instantaneous water heater

A potential buyer should be aware that there are two groups of threaders that work a little differently:

Pressure type

Such a water heater crashes into the water supply somewhere before branching, so that hot water can be supplied to several points of water intake. When the taps are closed, it experiences the pressure of the water supply, which is why it is called pressure.

Schematic diagram of the installation of a pressure instantaneous water heater

Non-pressure type

Commonly referred to as "faucet water heaters" or "heated faucets". To connect such a device, a tee cuts into the water supply, to the outlet of which a tap is screwed. The water heater is connected to this tap. Thus, only one hot water draw-off point will be available.It is most convenient to connect to the outlet to the washing machine, to which you just need to screw the tee.

It is even easier to connect to the nozzle on the faucet, to which a hose with a shower head is screwed. True, this option will not be very convenient to use: a regular shower hose and a water heater connection will have to be screwed in and out alternately.

Non-pressure flowers are equipped with a spout (this element is also called a gander) and a shower head of a special design, which provide a comfortable water supply at low flow rates. If you connect an ordinary shower head to the water heater, water will flow out of it not as a “rain”, but in one stream. If you increase the flow, "rain" will appear, but the water will become cool.

The spout and watering can supplied with the water heater are not only designed for low consumption, but also have structural elements that allow you to adjust the flow while maintaining the parameters of the jet.

In this case, the flow rate will change (and with it the temperature), but the water will in any case flow out in the form of “rain”. The spout is configured in the same way, only the nozzles for it are interchangeable.

It is convenient to use an electric water heater in a country house, in a private house of permanent residence, when there is no connected gas main, hot water supply. Acceptable cost (compared to gas) also plays an important role when buying, and often preference is given to an electric heater. At the same time, it must be remembered that the correct operation of the device is the key to a long uninterrupted service.

Varieties of water heaters

Depending on the tasks, choose the type of water heater. There are two main types:

1. flowing;
2. cumulative.

Instantaneous water heaters are designed to temporarily solve problems associated with the lack of hot water. It makes sense to use them if it is possible to reduce the amount of hot water consumption. An instantaneous water heater is a compact device that quickly heats water passing through a heating element at high speed.

The main disadvantages of flow models are:

• The impossibility of obtaining temperatures above 60 degrees.
• High level of electricity consumption.
• Difficulty in obtaining large volumes of hot water.

Storage water heaters do not have such disadvantages. We will consider them in more detail.

The principle of operation and differences from the storage water heater

The design of a flowing electric water heater is not complicated.

The body of the device contains a small reservoir, inside which one or more heating elements are installed. Running water from the water supply system enters the device tank, where it is heated by contact with the heating element of the device. Further, the already heated liquid can be supplied directly to the faucet or through the intra-apartment water supply system to the points of water intake.

Instantaneous water heater

Three types of heating elements are used in modern water-heating equipment.

heating element

A metal tube filled with a heat-conducting electrically insulating material, through the center of which a conductive spiral passes.

Advantages: simple replacement procedure in case of failure.

Disadvantages: rapid formation of "scale".

Uninsulated spiral

Spiral made of nichrome, kanthal, fechrome, etc.

Advantages: hard deposits practically do not appear on the surface of the spiral.

Disadvantages: high sensitivity to air jams.

induction heater

This is a heater consisting of a moisture-proof coil and a steel core.

Pros: fast heating, high efficiency.

Disadvantages: impressive cost.

To control the heating temperature in flow-through water heating equipment, various B&C devices and automatic safety systems, the task of which is to prevent the heating of the liquid above the set value, to prevent boiling, "dry" switching on of the heating element, and the creation of emergency situations.

Instantaneous water heater device

The main difference between instantaneous and storage type electric water heaters are as follows:

• instantaneous water heaters heat the water flowing through the heating element of the apparatus almost instantly;
• storage units are a reservoir in which the water is heated gradually.

Based on such fundamental differences, it is possible to formulate all the advantages and disadvantages of flow-type electric water heating installations.

What to look for when choosing a heater

Tank

What to look for when choosing a storage heater? First of all, on the dimensions, configuration and material of the tank

capacity

The volume of the tank is recommended to be selected depending on the number of users. For one owner, a boiler with a volume of 30 or 40 liters may be suitable, for a family of two or three people it is recommended to choose a tank of 60–80 liters, and for large families it is better to play it safe and buy a boiler with a tank of 100 liters or more. Of course, it all depends on the tastes and individual preferences of the owners.Some people like to take hot baths, while others like a cool shower.

4 capacity options

• 10-15 liters. Water heaters of small volume, designed for short-term use. As a rule, their main scope is the kitchen.
• 30 liters. Water heaters with below average capacity. It is possible to use them in the kitchen and in some cases in the bathroom, if there is only one user (and without any special claims).
• 50–80 liters. Water heaters of average capacity, universal option, can be used everywhere. The bathroom is good with a small number of users.
• 100 liters or more. Large volume water heaters provide a high level of comfort, but it can be difficult to accommodate models of this size.

Dimensions, shape and weight

Too voluminous storage water heater, unfortunately, takes up a lot of space. Let's say a 100-liter boiler with a traditional body shape is a vertically standing cylinder with a diameter of about 0.5 m and a height of about 1 m. The placement of such a water heater can be a serious problem, especially considering that the appliance weighs about 130– 140 kg, not every wall can withstand it.

To simplify the task, manufacturers offer various modifications of devices, in particular, boilers with a flat tank. This form is more difficult to manufacture and therefore more expensive, but the flat body is easier to place in conditions of limited space. In addition, the flat body gives less load on the fasteners, on which the water heater is suspended from the wall.Another option for solving the "problem with placement" is water heaters with the possibility of horizontal mounting (the cylinder or flattened body is mounted so that the axis of symmetry is directed parallel to the ground level). This modification of the boiler can be placed high under the ceiling or, for example, above the front door.

Housing and protective coating material

The inner tank of the water heater can be made of black enameled steel or stainless steel. All internal tanks are non-repairable, so one of the main criteria when choosing a boiler is the reliability of the tank. Unfortunately, it is impossible to independently find out how well the tank is made. Indirectly, this can be estimated by the warranty period of service. Warranty for enamelled tanks is usually from 1 year to 5-7 years (7 years is very rare). The warranty period for a stainless steel tank is 5–7 years.

Other Options

What else should you pay attention to when choosing a storage type electric water heater?

Maximum temperature

Typically, storage water heaters are designed to produce hot water at a temperature of 60 to 85 °C. You should not chase high performance too much: scale is known to form at water temperatures exceeding 60 ° C. Therefore, it is good if the water heater has the option of adjusting the maximum heating temperature: by setting it, say, at 55 ° C, you are guaranteed to protect the tank from scale formation.

Built-in RCD

Serves to prevent electric shock in case of water heater breakdowns.Built-in RCDs are available in many models of Ariston, Electrolux, Ballu, Polaris, Timberk and some other manufacturers.

half power

A mode that provides for the operation of the heater at half the maximum power. This option is useful, for example, in the case of using powerful (about 3 kW) water heaters that create a large load on the network.

Frost protection

A useful option for our climate. If the temperature of the water in the water heater drops below a certain limit (for example, to 6 °C in the Vaillant eloSTOR VEH basis model), automatic frost protection will immediately turn on, which will heat the water to 10 °C.

Dismantling the heating element from the bottom of the water heater.

TEN.

At the bottom of most models are the inlet (blue) and outlet pipes.

Design and principle of operation

The device of a flowing water heater is not difficult: a small water tank is enclosed in a metal or plastic case, equipped with heating elements or a spiral.

In budget devices, most often there are 1-2 heating elements, which have a weak point: the heating elements quickly “overgrow” with scale. The good news is that they are easy to replace.

Less scale is formed in appliances with a spiral enclosed inside a copper tube. The disadvantage of such a device is a negative reaction to bubbles and air pockets. If the equipment fails, replacement will be expensive.

The principle of heating is simple: cold water enters the tank, comes into contact with hot elements, heats up and exits outside already with the desired temperature parameters (on average from + 40 ° C to + 60 ° C).

For installation of compact equipment, a mounting kit, water supply and electrical cable are required.

Schematic representation of a household flow electrical device with an electronic control unit, the water in which is heated using a copper heating element

Powerful equipment, designed for several points of water intake, requires good flow and high pressure. Non-pressure devices operating at low pressure can adequately serve only one tap.

For this reason, they are initially equipped with "custom" devices - a gander or a flexible hose with a diffuser.

The heating process takes place instantly, so there is no need to wait for a certain amount of hot water to accumulate. Electricity is only used when the device is running.

Unlike the storage counterpart, the instantaneous water heater takes up a minimum of space. Usually it is fixed on the wall near the tapping point (sink or shower) in a vertical position

If we compare flow models with storage models, we can distinguish the following advantages:

saving space, compact dimensions (important for rooms with a shortage of free space);
the possibility of installation both near the tap (minimization of heat loss), and in a separate room (for powerful appliances);
the amount of water consumed is not limited;
interval electricity consumption (only during the active period);
beautiful laconic design;
low cost.

The disadvantages include regular electricity costs: the more often the water heater is turned on (respectively, the larger the family), the higher the electricity bill.

Installation diagram of one device for two mixers. When choosing, you should focus on the power indicator of the device.If it is not enough, the device can serve only one tap at a time (maximum - a tap and a shower)

Another minus concerns the installation conditions. For water heaters with a capacity of 7-8 kW and above, a reliable three-phase electrical network, high-quality copper wiring and appropriate protection are required.

The presence of built-in furniture in the room makes it possible to hide the wall groover in one of the wall cabinets. A prerequisite is easy access to the housing, control unit and significant maintenance nodes

Capabilities

To better understand the technical characteristics of the water heater, you need to learn about its capabilities:

• Power. The user has the ability to adjust the power of the device at his discretion. A larger value is used when using continuous heating, and a smaller value is used for a cumulative effect.
• Heat. Rapid heating of water can be carried out in different ways. The flow mode is recommended to be selected if it is necessary to heat a lot of water in the shortest possible time. If there is not a lot of liquid, you should choose the storage mode.
• Water supply. Cold water can be added to a tank that already has hot water. Liquid with a lower temperature, upon entering the boiler, is almost instantly heated to the required temperature.

How to start a storage boiler

The first start-up of the electric water heater must be carried out by the equipment installer immediately after the installation of the device. His signature, the company's seal in the technical passport, warranty card testify to the high-quality installation, the launch. Without this procedure, warranty service of the boiler in the future is impossible.

Under conditions when it is impossible to invite the master to install, start the system, you have to connect the boiler yourself. The sequence of actions at the first start:

Checking the quality of the water heater installation, identifying leaks, if any:

• Disconnect the water heater from the power supply;
• Fill the water tank with water with the hot water tap open. After water starts flowing from the hot tap, you need to stop the water intake, since the tank is already full;
• Close the tap, it is advisable to leave the boiler for a while;
• Inspect the water heater. Determine the integrity of the connection elements. If there are no leaks, you can connect the device to the power supply. The presence of leaks must be eliminated.

1. Connect the boiler to the mains, set the heating mode.
2. Make sure, by checking the technical documentation, that the amount of time spent on heating corresponds to the norm, and the water is at the desired temperature.

After a long shutdown of the boiler (winter period in the country, use in the apartment when the hot water supply is turned off), the start is carried out according to the above scheme.