Water heaters are found in most Malaysian homes. There are two types – storage heaters, which heat up water in an external tank, and instant heaters, which are installed in the shower area.
With instant heaters, water flows directly through the appliance and is heated up by electrical elements.
This type of heater can be dangerous if not installed or maintained properly. If the thermostat fails, the water can become too hot and cause severe scalding. There can also be an electrocution risk if the current is not isolated from the water when you shower.
Safety advice
The Malaysian Energy Commission advises homeowners to replace water heaters that are more than 10 years old to meet the latest safety requirements.
For storage heaters, look for those that come with plastic inlet/outlet isolation barriers. This device, which is mandatory, limits the amount of leaked current that enters or leaves the circuit, preventing electrical accidents.
New storage heaters also feature safety specifications such as thermostats and built-in thermal cutouts.
Instant water heaters are now fitted with a built-in 15mA residual current device, which detects the leak of dangerous current caused by defective equipment.
New models also come with a hose made of plastic or other non-conductive material that is at least one metre long. Ten years ago, many instant heaters in Malaysia came with a stainless steel hose, but this has now been banned.
How to stay safe in the shower
1. Hire a professional
Do not install a water heater yourself if you are not trained. There have been cases where people have mixed up the earth and live wires during installation. The heater might function normally but will not automatically switch off in the event of an electrical surge.
2. Test the water heater once a month
Check that your instant heater will stop the power supply in case of an electrical surge. Use the “test” or ELCB (earth leakage circuit breaker) button. The heater is working correctly if you hear a click and the power cuts off.
3. Inspect for loose cabling
Your instant water heater has a cable that connects it to the power mains. Make sure it is properly sealed so that water does not get in.
Also check for loose connections as the earth wire can sometimes get disconnected. If you are not sure about this, call an electrician.
4. Test your house fuse box regularly
Every home has a big box known as a residual current circuit breaker or RCCB. It is usually located by your main door, under the stairwell or in the kitchen.
Similar to the ELCB on a water heater, push the “test” button to see if the switches trip to cut off power supply. If not, call an electrician.
5. Watch your aim
Avoid pointing the shower at the water heater casing. Although most heaters are waterproof, the seal may deteriorate over time. Steam from hot water may also condense on the casing, causing the seals to wear out.
This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform. Recommend.my offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.