Essential requirements to verify before purchasing an instant electric water heater

The instant electric water heater is the perfect solution for saving space and electricity consumption, as it heats water instantly only when the faucet is turned on. To ensure optimal performance and avoid return issues, as pioneers of built-in appliances in Egypt, we summarize everything you need in this comprehensive guide.

1. Choosing the Wattage (Power) According to Usage and Space

The first question to answer is: "How many kilowatts should I buy?" The answer depends on the area of the space and the number of desired usage points:

• Heaters from 7 to 9 kilowatts:

• When to buy?: If it will be used for only one point (such as a kitchen sink, a guest bathroom sink, or a shower with medium water flow).
• Space: Ideal for regular residential apartments and limited spaces.
• Heaters from 11 to 12 kilowatts:

• When to buy?: If you want to run the "shower" and the "washing basin" simultaneously with the same efficiency, or if you use large shower heads (Rain Shower) that require high water flow.
• Heaters above 18 kilowatts:

• When to buy?: Designed for villas or places that require feeding more than one bathroom at the same time, and often require a strong electrical current (3-Phase).

2. Checking the Thickness of Electrical Wires (Wiring) According to Power

Since the instant heater draws high current at startup, the wire thickness must match the device's wattage:

• For power up to 9 kilowatts: Certified copper wires with a diameter of at least 6 mm must be available.
• For power from 10 to 12 kilowatts: Certified copper wires with a diameter of at least 10 mm must be available.
• Note: Using a wire with a smaller diameter (such as 2 mm or 4 mm) may lead to melting connections or device damage due to high heat.

3. Automatic Switch and Direct Power Line

The instant heater cannot be connected to traditional electrical outlets (plugs).

• Automatic Switch (Circuit Breaker): A separate circuit breaker must be installed in the main panel with a capacity of 40 amps (for heaters up to 9 kW) or 63 amps (for 11-12 kW heaters).
• Direct Connection: A separate power line must be run directly from the panel to the heater's location without any breaks or outlets in between to ensure stable electrical current and avoid any short circuits.

4. Compatibility of Electrical Current Type (Single vs 3-Phase)

Before purchasing, you must verify the type of meter available in the property:

• Single Phase system: This is the common system in most residential apartments in Egypt, and heaters up to 12-14 kilowatts operate on it.
• 3-Phase system: This is often found in villas or large establishments. If you buy a 3-Phase heater to install in a regular apartment, the device will not work or will work with very weak heating.

5. Water Flow and Pressure

The instant heater operates based on a "flow sensor" that sends a signal to the device to start heating as soon as water passes through.

• Technical Requirement: Water pressure must be stable and strong.
• Warning: In case of low water pressure (e.g., living on upper floors without a pump), the sensor may not detect water flow, leading to cold water. Make sure of good water pressure in your home before purchasing.

Advice from "Al-Riyadah Store" Built-in Pioneers:

Investing in an instant water heater saves you a lot of space and electricity in the long run, provided that the technical standards mentioned above are adhered to. It is always preferable for an electrician to inspect the home's electrical panel before purchasing to determine the most suitable capacity for your home's setup.

Al-Riyadah Store... Built-in Pioneers in Egypt.

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