How does an electric water heater work?

The daily use of hot water is one of the most important necessities that we need in our lives, especially in light of this fast-paced time. The invention of the electric heater came to save time and effort to obtain hot water and maintain hot water for the largest possible period of time. Therefore, knowledge of the mechanism of operation is considered important. An electric heater is essential, in order to know the correct way to deal with it, to take public safety measures, and to avoid disasters.

Working principle of electric water heater

The electric heater converts electrical energy into thermal energy, which is used to heat water. An electric current flows through a thermally conductive material with high resistance to electricity, where the moving electrons collide with the particles of the material. The collision results in thermal energy that is reflected on the particles of the material. This heat is transferred to the water through convection currents, and when the required water temperature is reached, the electrical current to the heating coil is automatically cut off.

How an electric water heater works

Heat preservation electric heater

This type is the most common in home uses. It is a heat-preserving tank, often cylindrical in shape. It contains a thermal resistance that heats the water. It is an insulated thermal coil on one side or bottom of the tank. It also contains a regulator. For heat, through it the heating temperature is controlled by disconnecting the electrical current to stop the heating process. The heater contains a magnesium column to deal with acidic water to protect the heater from corrosion. It also contains safety valves to prevent hot water from mixing with cold water.

Direct or instant electric heater

This type is energy efficient and heats up quickly, as it is turned on when hot water is needed, and the amount of water that has been heated is completely consumed. This type of heater is installed on the main water lines of the water tap to be served with hot water, where the hot water flows directly. from him .

The direct heater consists of a water heating coil insulated with a ceramic material, to which electricity is delivered through an electrical breaker, which works on the pressure and force of the water flowing from the tap. It heats the water when the water tap is opened, and when the tap is closed, the breaker is released, thus cutting off the electrical current. About the heating coil.

General safety standards for electric water heaters

A closed water heater is considered a time bomb ready to explode, if the safety valves and thermostat malfunction, which leads to the heating process not stopping, and the pressure inside the closed heater tank increasing, to the point that it explodes. Therefore, it is recommended to perform periodic maintenance and inspection of the electric heater. Do not leave the heater in continuous operation.