Humanity has invented many technical means for organizing hot water supply - these are centralized boiler rooms, home gas water heaters, boilers and instantaneous water heaters. They all have certain advantages and disadvantages, but they do their job well. And we will devote this review to one unusual device - we present to you an electric instantaneous water heater for a tap.

The first models of these water heaters were terrible - no protection against electric shock, no adjustments and no design. These devices were dressed in terrible plastic cases and literally mounted on a faucet. Water came inside, passed through a dubious and even scary-looking heating element, and then poured out of the outlet. It was scary to use such a flow-through water heater.

But time does not stand still, and progress moves forward by leaps and bounds. As a result, modern instantaneous water heaters of two types were born:

The first instantaneous water heater is mounted on the wall above the sink, while the second is mounted directly into the sink.

• With wall mounting;
• With faucet mount.

The first type is aimed at consuming large amounts of water (for example, taking a shower), while the second was created specifically for installation on a sink (or near a bathtub). Let's see what faucet-mounted devices we can find on the water heater market and what they are.

Design of water heaters for taps

A flow-through electric heater installed on a faucet allows you to quickly solve the problem with hot water supply. Such devices are created for those who want to get a source of hot water with minimal labor and financial costs. And indeed, it takes just a few minutes to connect - after that, hot water appears in the house. How do these unusual water heaters work?

We have already said that the first models were far from any kind of perfection - they were inconvenient and very dangerous to use, since there was simply no normal protection against electric shock. And the design of the first water heaters was frankly clumsy - only suitable for very, very rural areas where electricity and water supply were miraculously provided.

Today, more advanced flow-through electric heaters have appeared on the market, with the following advantages:

• Availability of protection against electric shock;
• Availability of temperature control;
• Having an attractive design.

This type of water heater consists of a small but powerful heating element, which is connected to a 220V outlet.

A modern instantaneous tap water heater is a completely safe, albeit damn gluttonous device that provides quick preparation of hot water.

This water heater consists of several parts - a powerful heating element, a temperature controller, fasteners with connection to the water supply, a tap for hot water and a safety shutdown device. There is also a temperature sensor, a water filter and a safety relay - it allows you to prevent the heating element from turning on in the absence of water. Some models are equipped with digital thermometers and touch controls that allow you to adjust the temperature on the go.

Some models of tap water heaters are supplemented with modules that monitor pressure - they turn on the heating element only when the pressure in the taps meets specified limits (this helps prevent the water heater from failing).

Operating principle of water heaters

A modern flow-through electric water heater for a tap is a device that does not complement the tap, but replaces it. Therefore, his definition is considered somewhat erroneous. The device is quickly built into the kitchen sink (or just a sink), after which it is connected to the electrical network and to the water supply. The electrical connection is made using a regular wire with a plug, and the most powerful models require a separate line with a connection without an outlet.

Since such water heaters are intended for houses not connected to centralized sources of hot water supply, nothing prevents us from installing such a water heater instead of the tap itself.

Instantaneous water heater with display for more convenient adjustment of hot water temperature.

Instantaneous water heaters operate very easily - after opening the water tap, the heating element turns on, and after a few seconds hot water begins to flow from the tap. The heating temperature for most models is +40-60 degrees. If necessary, you can adjust the temperature at your discretion. As soon as the tap is closed, the flow of hot water will stop, and the heating element installed inside will be turned off.

Flow-through water heaters for taps can operate without heating - to do this, you need to turn the regulator knob in the other direction. And in order for you to be able to fine-tune the heating temperature, We recommend that you choose a model with separate adjustments– here one knob regulates the pressure, and the second regulates the temperature. As a result, you will be able to get hot water at the temperature you need.

The greatest convenience is provided by advanced heaters equipped with liquid crystal displays and touch controls. But you have to pay for this convenience - the cost of such heaters is somewhat higher. If you want to save money, buy the simplest model, since the temperature can be adjusted with a knob.

Which instantaneous water heater is better

Now we will move directly to the choice. If you are going to buy an instantaneous water heater for your tap, pay attention to the following things:

• Design;
• Availability of a quality certificate;
• Manufacturer country;
• Availability of separate power and temperature regulators;
• Trademark;
• Power.

If everything is clear with the design, then the presence of a quality certificate is a serious criterion. Today the market is literally flooded with inexpensive Chinese water heaters, the build quality of which raises the most serious concerns. Some models do not stand up to criticism, and the cheapest devices can be called life-threatening without a twinge of conscience. That's why certified heaters are more preferable, rather than nameless analogues made in the basement of a neighboring high-rise building.

The country of origin is a rather serious parameter. If we have a European-assembled device, the quality of workmanship will be high. As for China, the situation here is ambiguous. The thing is that China is different from China - on sale there are both completely normal instantaneous water heaters and downright terrible ones that belong in a landfill. Therefore, here you need to look not only at the country of origin, but also at the brand (we will talk about this later).

A table for determining the required power of an instantaneous water heater, depending on the time of year and the required amount of hot water.

Finally, let's talk about power - remember that the higher the power of the water heater, the higher its efficiency. For example, a small model with a power of 2-3 kW will provide normal preparation of hot water in the summer, but will not cope with its heating in the winter season. If a water heater is needed as a temporary summer solution (for example, for a summer residence), then you can safely opt for a low-power model. But if you are going to use the device in winter, choose a model with a power of 5-7 kW.

If you need hot water constantly, take a look at wall-mounted models - they are more durable, heat up less and are not as susceptible to overload (they can be used even in the most intensive mode, while tap-mounted models are not designed for intensive use).

By the way, some models are equipped not only with taps, but also with shower heads. Such instantaneous water heaters are designed for installation in bathrooms. They allow you to take a shower, but too intensive use often leads to breakdowns - for these purposes it is advisable to purchase full-size water heaters.

Review of popular models

Next, we will look at the most popular instantaneous water heaters and identify the best models worthy of appearing in your home. Wall heaters will also be affected, providing an excellent alternative to tap-on models. By the way, prices for instantaneous electric water heaters per tap start at 2.5-3 thousand rubles. The cost of the most worthy models varies between 4-6 thousand rubles.

Delimano water heaters

The Delimano instantaneous household electric water heater is a product from a fairly well-known manufacturer. The Delimano KDR-4E-3 model is in greatest demand. It is a small cylindrical block with a gander and a valve-regulator. The power of the device is 3 kW, it operates from a household network with a voltage of 220-230 Volts. The maximum heating temperature is +60 degrees, but this figure is achieved only in the summer, when the inlet water temperature is relatively high.

The Delimano water heater will be an excellent solution for the summer when hot water is turned off for annual maintenance work. Also, these heaters are very popular with owners of dachas where there is no hot water by default - we install the heater on the tap and get an excellent source of hot water. The supply of hot and cold water is regulated using the side regulator.

Tap-mounted instantaneous water heaters from the domestic manufacturer Aquatherm are no less in demand - these are quite reliable and efficient heaters designed for use in the home and country house. Buyers will be pleased not only with the quality of the devices, but also with the variety of models.

Electrolux instantaneous water heaters

This manufacturer’s product range does not include the faucet models described above. But buyers can choose from more efficient and productive small-sized wall heaters with built-in spouts (spouts, hooks) and even with connected shower heads. Electrolux wall-mounted instantaneous water heaters can operate in switched mode for a very long time, without overheating or other troubles.

As recommended models, we can advise you to pay attention to water heaters of the SMARTFIX model range. They have excellent performance and a power of 5.5-6.5 kW. Buyers can choose from options with taps and shower heads.

Among the water heaters from the AEG brand, we can highlight the interesting and inexpensive model AEG BS 35E. It is designed to work with one water collection point. The power of the device is 3.5 kW, productivity is 2.5 l/min. The model is equipped with overheating protection and a temperature limiter. The set includes a shower head with a hose. Control is carried out using a convenient thermostat located on the front panel.

If you want to purchase a more productive model, pay attention to the instantaneous water heater AEG RMC 75. Its power is 7.5 kW, operating pressure range is from 0.2 to 10 atm. There is overheat protection and a heat limiter inside. The desired temperature is selected using a round knob, slightly recessed into the design body of the water heater. Like the previous device, this model is designed for wall mounting. The heater also boasts a good degree of protection against water - a great plus for consumers.

Please note that high wattage water heaters must be connected via a separate line connected with a solid wire to the distribution panel.

Termex instantaneous water heaters

The Thermex brand is known throughout the world. It produces a wide variety of water heaters, including instantaneous ones. And since we are talking about miniature models, you should get acquainted with the Thermex Redring model line. These are small water heaters produced with taps and shower heads. Equipment power varies from 3 to 10 kW, productivity - from 1.8 to 7 l/min, depending on temperature. These devices are highly reliable and efficient.

Bosch instantaneous water heaters

Water heaters from this eminent manufacturer of electric water heaters and geysers Bosch are not in great demand, despite their high build quality and durability. The most popular model is Bosch ED6-2S. This device is equipped with two heating elements with a total power of 6 kW, the range of input water pressure is from 1 to 10 atmospheres. The device is designed to be installed above the sink, and to connect it you will need separate electrical power. The productivity is 3 l/min, the maximum heating temperature is +50 degrees.

Electric instantaneous water heaters for taps – reviews

Angelina, 37 years

We bought a Delimano tap water heater after following an advertisement in one of the TV stores. We were dissuaded for a long time, but we made our choice and placed an order. Having received and installed a water heater at the dacha, we received an excellent source of hot water, to the envy of our neighbors. The device heats water well, and up to very high temperatures - you can adjust it using a small knob. The installation took only 20 minutes; you just had to remove the standard faucet and install the heater in its place. The faucet spout rotates in different directions, and the water heater itself has a pleasant design. We installed another similar heater in a city apartment to use hot water during the summer breaks.

Anatoly, 43 years

Summer interruptions in the supply of hot water will drive anyone to white heat. I understand that prevention is needed, but what should consumers do? On the Internet I saw an advertisement for a Supretto instantaneous water heater, which completely satisfied me in terms of its cost and functionality. I called, ordered, installed. By the way, the installation was incredibly fast, I spent about an hour, of which I spent half an hour installing the socket. I liked it - quick warm-up, temperature adjustment, cold water supply, Russian-language instructions. I didn’t like it - the high power of the built-in heating element, you will need to connect a separate line here. The assembly seems to be of good quality, now let's see how long this thing will last.

Michael, 35 years

Buying a tap water heater was a clear mistake; it would have been better to buy a regular wall heater. There is no smell of heating up to a temperature of +60 degrees, and the vaunted Italian assembly turned out to be Chinese. The water at the outlet is slightly warm and that’s it – the wasted electricity goes down the drain. And what is this craze for saving on wires? There are no sockets within 50 cm of the tap, as this is unsafe! But no, the wire included is as short as possible. And if you consider that to connect consumers with a power of over 2-2.5 kW you need to pull a separate wire of increased cross-section, the connection task becomes not an easy one. I cannot recommend this water heater, since buying it is a waste of money. It is better to buy a small wall-mounted flat boiler.

Manufacturers of household appliances are constantly working to solve problems facing residents of a big city or countryside village. The lack of hot water in the kitchen or shower causes real suffering to a person spoiled by the conveniences of civilization. An innovative way out of such an uncomfortable situation was an electric running water heater, made in the form of a mixer tap.

Comparison of different heaters

Shutting off the centralized hot water supply, called preventive, has become a common occurrence for city dwellers. For those who live in a country house or in a temporary country house, choosing a convenient and effective way to establish hot water supply has always been relevant.

Gas boiler with heated water supply in a storage tank seems to be the right choice for the cottage. Where there is no gas supply and for a large number of water points, it is more reasonable to install an electric storage water heater of the required volume. Only high-power flow heaters can serve several consumers - a kitchen and a bathroom - at the same time.

A device in the form of a mixer with a built-in instantaneous electric water heater is appropriate where a small amount of hot water flowing from one tap is sufficient. Usually this is a country house. It will also come in handy as a means of surviving the summer periods when the hot water supply is turned off in a sparsely populated city apartment, provided that electricity prices are not critical.

Description of the faucet with flow-through heater

The operating principle of an instantaneous electric water heater is the same for a massive and powerful device mounted on a wall and a compact one in the form of a sink faucet. Water enters the container, where there is a tubular electric heater (TEH), which has the shape of a spiral. In the shortest possible time, the water is heated to a temperature of 60-85⁰ C. The required temperature is maintained for all water coming through the tap; its pressure is regulated by a lever or valve.

The faucet with a built-in electric instantaneous water heater has:

• A spout attachment, usually complemented by an aerator (spout divider) with a filter function. In the best examples, it is capable of rotating a full revolution.
• Pressure valve or pressure sensor.
• Tank for heating running water.
• Heating element with ceramic insulation.
• Thermocouple to control the heating level.
• Mode switch.
• Grounding cable for connection to the electrical network.
• Electronic RCD system

All this is contained in stainless steel housing or a thermoplastic-based composite and looks quite aesthetically pleasing - like a regular faucet with a slight thickening. Its operation process is also very similar to the operation of a regular faucet.

In the middle position of the lever, no water is supplied and the power is turned off. When turning to the left, cold water flows from the spout, the pressure of which can be adjusted. When you turn to the right, the heating element turns on, which is indicated by the indicator, and heating begins. Its maximum degree occurs within 3-5 seconds. You can regulate the water temperature either using a separate thermostat on the body or simply by turning the lever - with strong pressure, the water heats up less.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main disadvantage of an instantaneous electric water heater is the increased energy consumption. It is not as intense as, for example, a high-power kettle, but models consuming up to 3 kW per hour, with intensive use can lead to significant costs.

Another disadvantage is insufficient resources. It is unreasonable to consider such a device as a long-term and reliable means of providing all hot water needs. The normal operating mode of a faucet with a flow-through heater is to dispense up to 6 liters of water at a temperature of 40-60⁰ C per minute.

The experience of using electric heaters built into the domestic water supply system has revealed problems unique to it. At low pressure, safety sensor can turn off the heating element to avoid overheating, as in the “dry” mode. Users note the negative impact of low-quality water on the flow-through heater, and hence another drawback: the inability to install a high-purity filter in the tap. This should be taken into account when choosing a specific heater model.

But to satisfy less global requests for domestic hot water, this device has a lot of advantages:

• In the heater on the tap, the cavity with the heating element is very small and heating of running water occurs instantly.
• There are no unpleasant temperature fluctuations. It is even more convenient to regulate the pressure and degree of heating than with some mixers.
• Complete safety in operation.
• Fast and convenient installation process, accessible to non-professionals.
• Compactness and ergonomics of the best models, stylish modern design.

Installation and connection

Installing a faucet with a heater is no different from installing a mixer. The main difference is the cable for connecting the power supply. Designers fastening elements are provided, allowing you to make it invisible and not interfere with the use of the sink or shower.

The combination of water and electricity is deservedly considered deadly, so you should reduce the risk to nothing: buy heaters from certified sellers, carry out installation strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to check that the electrical network complies with the necessary requirements of the flow heater manufacturer when connecting power be sure to ground.

Specifications and price

Manufacturers set the service life of a faucet with a built-in electric water heater from 2 to 5 years, depending on the intensity and operating conditions.

You might think that the solution is obvious - the boiler is more spacious, power consumption is less, and the water supply is greater. But don't rush to conclusions. What is better: fast flow heating or classic volume heating? The dispute is just beginning.

Comparative characteristics of devices

To compare the main operational parameters, it will be more convenient to use the table. For example, a storage model for 50 liters is given.

The increased power of a modern device can be misleading about energy consumption. A distinctive feature of heating taps is their efficiency: electricity consumption begins when the water supply is turned on and stops immediately after it is turned off. It is not difficult to calculate the costs for a water consumption of 5 liters per minute: they will be 3 kW per 300 liters.

If we compare this figure with the declared power of a storage water heater (2 kW per 50 liters of water), the benefit is obvious.

Pros and cons of both designs

The advantages of classic water heaters include:

• possibility of using two lines simultaneously (bathroom, kitchen);
• applicability for showering;
• simplicity of electrical switching (regular socket);
• long working life (warranty up to 7 years).

The disadvantages of these devices include: large dimensions, difficulty in installing on the wall, significant energy consumption, and high cost.

The undeniable advantages of instant heating devices are:

• ease of installation (like a regular kitchen faucet);
• efficiency;
• practicality - it is both a heater and a mixer;
• affordable price.

Disadvantages include: the need for a separate copper electrical line (to avoid overheating of the common wiring), the impossibility of application in two directions.

Practical conclusions

It is impossible to make a clear decision in favor of one device or another. The prospects for the development of flow-through heating products are quite optimistic, but at the moment they cannot fully meet the hot water needs of the entire home. Although for use exclusively in the kitchen or cottage, this is the best option.

To be able to make a choice, we invite users to visit the Shower5 online store, where a wide range of storage boilers of domestic and imported production, as well as new, progressive devices are presented.

On our website you can get complete information about the products you are interested in, their characteristics, prices (they are the best in the region). Our consultants will help you create an application, place an order with delivery of goods at a time convenient for you.

An instant water heating faucet is a device that serves as an alternative to central hot water supply and storage water heaters (boilers). With very compact dimensions, the device manages to simultaneously perform the function of a mixer.

A distinctive feature of the device is that it is connected only to cold water supply. This allows it to be used not only in apartments, but also in dachas or country houses.

The heating element and power cable are hidden in the body of the water heating faucet. The water enters in a spiral and begins to flow out approximately 5-10 seconds after switching on apparatus. During this time it reaches the desired temperature. To adjust the pressure and temperature, there is a special knob on the body of the product.

Directly below the body is located switch and indicator light. The device is connected to the water pipe with a special screw, and is additionally fixed under the sink with a coupling.

In addition to the basic package Some models of heater taps are equipped with:

• Filters for coarse cleaning;
• Aerators (sprayers) for economical water consumption.

Advantages and disadvantages

What are the benefits of such devices?

• Water heats up to 60 degrees in 5 seconds.
• This temperature is not enough for scale to form.
• In a minute 4-6 liters of hot water are supplied.
• Convenient temperature adjustment.
• Uncontrolled differences are excluded from too cold to too hot water.
• The product has compact dimensions, weighs little (about 1 kg) and is easy to install: the process is similar to installing a conventional mixer.
• The heater has several degrees of protection for safe operation.
• Less water and electricity are consumed than when heating with storage boilers.

The device looks neat, which allows it to fit into different types of interiors - from classic and pretentious to practical minimalism.

According to consumer reviews of instant water heating taps there are the following disadvantages:

• Some cranes (like Delimano) have too short wire to connect to the network.
• Device needs additional copper wiring, because The standard one may not withstand the load, and the plugs will fly out the first time you turn it on. And if the plugs are not knocked out, a short circuit may occur, especially if the wiring is old and not very reliable.
• For security it is necessary to do grounding. Additional work turns installation from a 5-minute process (as manufacturers declare) into a longer and more thorough procedure.
• Budget models are not equipped with filters– you have to buy them yourself. Among the cheap options distributed by unofficial dealers, there are many fakes.

One of the most used types of shut-off valves is. Types and principle of operation of the crane.
Find out how an instantaneous electric water heater for a tap works.

Find out what you need to pay attention to when choosing mixers for and from special publications.

How to choose?

Due to the balance of quality, safety, efficiency and price, Aquatherm instant water heating taps are most widely used, followed by Delimano water heater taps. Less popular manufacturers, but with similar technical parameters: Aquastream, RAPID™ and Corraveni. What to look for?

Device power	Most of the range is represented by cranes with a power of 3 kW, less often 2.5 kW. The most economical, but also the rarest options are 2 kW.
Heater	For RAPID it consists of heat-resistant plastic and a ceramic heating disk; Aquatherm equips it with a temperature sensor to turn off the power at temperatures above 60 degrees; Corraveni also has a self-controlled thermoregulation system.
Case material, design	The stronger and higher quality the materials in the product body, the more loads it can withstand. For the production of water heater taps, Delimano uses plastic and metal, Aquastream prefers composite plastic, Corraveni chrome plates its products.
Operating pressure	0.04 MPa (0.4 atm.) -0.7 MPa (7 atm) for Aquatherm, 0.04-0.6 MPa for Delimano, Corraveni operates at 0.04-0.4 MPa
Price	The most expensive line of instant water heating taps is from Corraveni, the most affordable price is offered by Delimano

Installation subtleties

The tap-heater of running water is installed on a cold water supply. Certain models can also be connected to hot water supply, then the tap can be used both as a regular mixer and as a heater, depending on the prevailing conditions. Technically it looks like this:

1. Grounding and a separate branch of electrical wiring are done. The required cable size is at least ½ inch.
2. A connecting coupling is screwed to the pipeline, the coupling is brought to the sink or bathtub, and a heater tap is screwed into it.

Product in use

The faucet handle also serves as a temperature regulator. Heating depends from the angle of rotation of the lever, which is similar in principle to a regular mixer. When the device is turned on, a blue or red light lights up on the indicator.

Heating water in a tap can be compared to the process of heating a boiler. With the significant difference that the product must have a limiter that turns off the power when it reaches 60 degrees. This allows safe operation and prevents scale formation.

In this video you can learn more about the design and operation of rapid water heating taps:

The safety of the instant water heating tap complies with the IPx4 standard, which means protecting all electrical parts from drops from any direction of water jets and regardless of the pressure. In addition, the product is equipped with a RAM - an emergency shutdown device and a membrane that protects against water hammer.

Instant water heating taps are more economical to operate when compared with storage heaters. Boilers turn on every time the water cools by 5-10 degrees, and the faucet consumes electricity only during operation.

Generally taps that heat water are a universal thing. It is good for arranging a bathroom in private houses and apartments outside the city, where there is only cold running water. This is also an excellent solution for organizing a comfortable country kitchen. With its help, you can save yourself during periods of preventive shutdowns of hot water. Comfortable and economical!

The problem of providing hot water, especially in the summer, forces residents of urban high-rises and lovers of holidays in the countryside to look for an inexpensive and compact running water heater, which can be installed without much effort on a kitchen sink or on a bathroom faucet. The easiest way is to buy a water heater faucet for the kitchen, compact and easy to use, especially since the appearance of a modern electric heating device for warm water looks very good against the background of old and inconvenient Soviet nozzles.

How does a modern water heater for the kitchen work?

Common sense and logic dictate that an electric instantaneous water heater on a faucet installed instead of a mixer can provide the kitchen with a sufficient amount of not hot, but quite comfortably warm water.

The design of a flow-through heater resembles a regular electric kettle, so the heating device is based on similar parts and components:

• Plastic or metal body, with a cold water supply fitting and a tap divider outlet;
• A heating element in the form of a spiral or disk, with a temperature sensor at the outlet of the housing;
• Controls for a flow-through electric heater - water pressure valve, control knob for flow rate and flow heating level, LED power indicator, electrical wiring.

For your information! More expensive models can be equipped with a built-in filter or cartridge designed to retain small particles of suspended matter, sand and rust.

The body of the flow-through electric heater is made according to the standard design of a mixer water tap, so its installation in the kitchen is quite simple. You can install a flow-through electric heater instead of a regular faucet on the sink, or make it an additional outlet without changing or removing the existing faucet. The body material most often used is heat-resistant plastic or a composite material such as metal-ceramics.

Some manufacturers produce removable electric models designed for use as a temporary solution when the centralized hot water supply is turned off or for country houses. In this case, an electric heater is attached to the faucet, or more precisely, to the outlet “gander” of the mixer, which makes it easy to remove and install the device in the kitchen without making changes to the design of the sink.

Most often, a running water heater tap is made in the form of a vertical or horizontal barrel with an electrical outlet, so it can be easily distinguished by its appearance from a conventional mixer.

The operating principle of a flow-through electric heater is extremely simple; in high-quality models, the manufacturer has tried to save the user from the need to select the water flow rate with his own hands and regulate the operation of the device. With proper settings, water and electrical connections, the user only needs to turn the handle, and after a few seconds warm or almost hot water will flow from the tap.

The control handle has three working positions. When you turn the joystick handle to the right, the normal supply of cold water is turned on, turning the joystick to the extreme left position starts heating the water, and the central position of the handle turns off the tap.

If the control lever is installed in a vertical plane, then the control positions change to upper, central and lower.

Characteristics of instantaneous water heater

According to statements from manufacturers of electric heaters, the typical design of an electrical device has the following characteristics:

1. The maximum operating water temperature does not exceed 60 o C, so most models do not have built-in hardness softeners or built-in systems to prevent scale formation;
2. Heating power ranges from 2 kW to 3.5 kW. According to the manufacturers, the heating rate is such that at a maximum water flow of 100 ml/s, the water flow, regardless of the initial water temperature, heats up to at least 40 o C;
3. Operating mode - long. This means that a flow-through heater, unlike a boiler, will not drive cold water after 10-15 minutes of operation, but will regularly heat the flow for at least 20-30 minutes.

Important! In fact, an electric heater can heat water for a long time only if separate wiring with a cross-section of copper conductors of at least 3 mm 2 was installed to connect the kitchen appliance.

In addition, the electric meter must be designed to operate with currents of at least 25 A. Otherwise, the insulation of the electrical network in the apartment will quickly melt, which can ultimately cause a fire.

More expensive models are equipped with RCD systems. A small device turns off the power if the current sensor detects a leak of electricity not through the heating coil, but through the water flow. Considering the fact that when washing dishes and hands, a large number of water-soluble products are used that increase the conductivity of water, the presence of a protection device will be a very useful and important addition to the design of the heater. If there is no such device in the electrical heating control circuit, it is extremely important to purchase and install it before using the flow-through heater.

Installing a flow-through heater on a faucet

Mounting the housing of a flow-through electric heater on a sink or in a shower is not particularly difficult, so most of the work can be done with your own hands. Mounting couplings and fasteners are included with the heater.

Unlike a boiler, when installing an electric water heater for the kitchen, you do not have to look for a place or corner in the room to install a heavy and bulky tank.

If the electric heater housing is to be installed instead of a mixer, you will first need to agree on the size of the mounting hole on the sink. If the diameter of the hole in the steel flange is too large, an adapter plate will need to be made. But such situations are extremely rare, only for homemade or converted water supplies.

The cold water outlet is connected with an adapter coupling on an inch thread. You just need to wind up the sealing tape and connect the heater inlet to the cold water fitting.

The most important stage of installing an electric flow heater is laying and connecting the power supply, and arranging a real full-fledged grounding loop. For a power cord, it is best to choose a cable with a double polymer sheath with rubber insulation of copper conductors, a layer of cotton fibers or gypsum backfill. Special grades of rubber for power cables can withstand prolonged heating without affecting the quality of the insulation. The outer polymer layer copes well with moisture or exposure to air oxygen - the main enemies of rubber insulation.

For your information! The requirements for connecting an electric instantaneous water heater are much stricter than, for example, for a heater or boiler.

The problem is that in a boiler, electric oven, or washing machine, the design provides for periodic activation of a powerful heater, which significantly reduces the heat load on the electrical network.

The flow system operates in constant mode, so the large amount of heat generated does not have time to dissipate and can cause overheating of the insulation. After connecting and starting up the flow system at first, periodically check the insulation temperature after using the electric water heater.

Features of operation of flow-through water heating systems

For all their advantages, flow-through electric water heating systems have not supplanted or replaced gas water heaters, heaters and boilers. There can be many reasons why a simple and inexpensive device could not find a place in the kitchen, from the usual fear of electric shock to individual problems with the operation of the electrical appliance.

Advantages and disadvantages of a flow-through heater

According to reviews from users who have experience in practical operation of electric flow heaters for a long period of time, the simplicity and relative reliability of the device are noted. This applies to the most common models “Corraveni” and “Rapid”. The cheaper “Delimano” and “Aquastream” are inferior in terms of the speed of heating the water flow and the resistance of the heating element to poor water quality.

It is the low quality of water that is the determining factor that reduces the service life of the faucet, the temperature sensor control system and the heating element. To avoid the deposition of calcium and magnesium salts on a heated surface, the Rapid company makes the heater in the form of a ceramic disk, and Delimano equipped it with a self-cleaning mode and heat transfer control. The Aquastream company installed a temperature sensor that limits the heating of the coil to 60 o C in order to prevent scale formation.

Typically, city tap water is oversaturated with iron ions, so after just a few weeks of use, the water temperature will decrease, and most devices do not have a built-in system for washing the internal cavity of the flow-through heater with chemicals. If there is a water treatment system at the entrance to an apartment or house, you can install a flow-through electric heater without much concern, you can buy an expensive “Corraveni”, “Rapid” or “Aquatherm”, at a price of at least $150, or limit yourself to the cheaper “Delimano” or "Aquastream".

The second nuance that must be taken into account when selecting an electric heating device is the water pressure in the water supply. The standard minimum at which the valve opens the supply of cold water to the heater cavity is 0.5 atm, so for most residents of the upper floors of city high-rise buildings, an electric instantaneous heater must be purchased in conjunction with a pressure reducer.

How to restore operation of a flow-through electric heater

The most common cause of failure of an instantaneous electric heater is the accumulation of dirt and deposits, both on the heating coil and inside the built-in cartridge filter. The water begins to flow in a thin, barely warm stream.

You can remove the cartridge and replace it with a homemade filter made from several layers of fabric. The filter cannot be completely removed, since its resistance is taken into account when the valve operates. In addition, the speed of the water will change, its consumption will increase, and the temperature will sharply drop to 25-30 o C.

Conclusion

Experts recommend making a flushing circuit for the electric heater. To do this, an outlet with a tap is made from a plastic pipe to a container with a chemical descaling agent, like on a washing machine. In the normal position, the tap is closed and clean water flows into the heater. When the inlet on the container is opened, a small amount of reagent flows into the tap, removing scale in 10-15 minutes of operation.