How Electric Water Heaters Work

Water heater systems are generally reliable and operate for years without a hitch. Electric tank type water heaters provide the best water pressure and temperature so they are a common choice. The job of the electric tank water heater is to heat the water and store it till it is ready for use. So in addition to the heating system, every tank is equipped with insulation to help keep the water warm between heating cycles. AOS Water heaters offer thicker & higher quality insulation compared to the competition. This will allow families to save money on electrical bills as lesser heat is lost to the environment.

Insulation on a tank, Blue Diamond Glass Lining inside tanks

Most tanks are made of steel, which is glass lined on the inside to help prevent corrosion. In fact, corrosion is the primary reason that tanks fail in Singapore. Due to our humid environment, the metal is prone to rust. Once the rust has corroded a hole, there are temporary fixes but eventually, the tank must be replaced.

Below is an image of the cutout of a water heater. The blue pipe supplies water to the tank. This is an inlet. The red pipe is an outlet. The outlet takes water from the top as the hot water always rises to the top.

Water Heater Inlet and Outlet

Connected to the inlet is a temperature and pressure valve (T&P valve). When water in a tank is heated, pressure build up in the enclosed tank is released from the T&P valve in the form of intermittent drops of water. The valve is a safety feature that should never be blocked.

Temperature and Pressure Valve or T&P Valve

The typical electric unit is wired to a 230V circuit. To heat the water, current passes through 3000 watt electrical resistance heating elements. Power is delivered to each element through a thermostat – a switch that senses water temperature. The thermostat will cut off power when the temperature in the tank reaches a preset limit.

Electric Water Heaters are Powered by Heating Elements

Water drawn out at the top of the tank is usually around 60°C to 70°C. This hot water is mixed with a 28°C cold water at your faucet to give you around 40°C of warm water perfect for your shower.