Are Electric Water Heaters Dangerous?

Even though there are millions of electric water heaters installed and working faultlessly over the years, there are dangers you face while working with or using electric water heaters.

There are dangers such as electric shocks, leakages that can damage property, and several others.

Fortunately, these dangers are mostly avoidable, if you follow the local code and installation instructions provided by the water heaters manufacturer.

This article aims to explain the common dangers you face when using electric heaters and how you can minimize them.

Are Electric Water Heaters Dangerous?

Electric water heaters can work safely and reliably for 10 + years, with minimal danger when installed properly according to local code and manufacturer installation plus safety guidelines.

This is in addition to regularly maintaining them – see the water heater owner’s manual for more information.

In several places, you can also purchase professional maintenance services along with a new heater, so explore that option if you do not have the skills to do the maintenance yourself.

There is also the option of engaging a professional plumbing contractor.

Note that If proper care is not taken during installation and usage, then there is an increased danger of injury from burns, shocks, damage to property, or even explosions.

You may also be interested in this article: 7 checks you can do to confirm that your electric water heater is working properly

4 Common Dangers you Face When using Electric Water Heaters

These are some of the dangers you face when using an electric water heater. They are ordered in order of likelihood of happening.

Note, the list is not exhaustive.

1. Electric shocks. If the water heater is not properly grounded then there is a high risk of electric shocks that can result in death.

2. Burns and scalds. There is the danger of severe burns and scalding if the water temperature is set too high or there is a fault with the electric water heater thermostat.

3. Fires. If the electric circuits and circuit breakers are not properly sized then is an increased risk of fire and property damage when the electric circuits overheat.

4. Explosions. You can also have a water heater explode should there be a high-temperature buildup in the heater combined with a failed temperature and pressure relief valve.

Also, a buildup of hydrogen in the water system can lead to explosions if electrical appliances connected to the hot water system are switched on immediately (after the hot water system has not been in use for 2 weeks or longer) before the hydrogen is released from the system.

Electric Water Heaters | How to Minimize Dangers

Here are some good tips to consider to minimize the dangers faced when using electric water heaters.

#1. Risk of electric shock

To avoid the risk of electric shock, follow the local code and installation instructions when installing the water heater.

This ensures that the water heater is connected to appropriately sized wiring, circuit breakers and is properly grounded to protect against electric shocks.

#2. Risk of burns and scalds. Set and check the water temperature at use. Excessive water temperatures can cause severe burns and scalds in a matter of minutes.

Many water heaters are shipped from the factory with the temperature setting set to 120 °F.

Take extra care if you have young children or elderly amongst the family as temperatures 125 °F and above can result in burns in a short time.

Make sure that mixing valves are properly installed at the point of use to lower the water temperature as may be needed.

#3. Risk of fire or explosion. You can have explosions from hydrogen buildup in the hot water system, faulty temperature, and pressure relief valve, bad thermostats, and also sediment buildup in the heater.

Tips to minimize the danger for each fault are below:

  • hydrogen buildup in the hot water system.

Do not switch on any appliances connected to the hot water line such as dishwashers, washing machines immediately after switching on the heater if it has not been in use for a long time.

This helps to minimize the risk of fire or explosion from hydrogen that can build up in the line if the heater has not been in use for a while.

Instead, If the water heater has not been used for 2 weeks or more and is then switched on for the first time, after the water has heated up, open the faucet (preferably in the kitchen) for several minutes until the sound o air in the line has stopped.

This allows any hydrogen that may have built up in the line to escape first and minimize the risk of an explosion.

  • a faulty or poorly installed temperature and relief valve

The Temperature and Pressure (T/P) relief valve should also be properly installed so that in the event of excessive pressure and temperature buildup, the T/P valve releases the excess pressure to prevent an explosion.

  • a bad thermostat

The thermostat needs to be tested and replaced if faulty in case of extremely hot water regardless of the thermostat setting.

If not fixed, the excessive temperature buildup that can lead to an explosion.

  • sediment or mineral buildup

Plan to flush and drain the electric water heater to prevent the build-up of sediment in the heater.

Sediment and mineral buildup leads to inefficiency in heating and can result in overheating situations which if not controlled can lead to explosions.

Final Word

By and large, electric water heaters are safe to use if installed in accordance with the local codes and installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Common dangers associated with using electric heaters include electric shocks, burns, and scalds from hot water, fires, and explosion from the buildup of excessive pressure.

You can minimize these dangers during installation by following: local codes and manufacturer instructions, manufacturer safety recommendations during use, and maintaining the water heaters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.

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