What is 50°C Hot Water?
October 2022 Article.
Rules and Standards change over time, one that changed over 20 years ago relates to delivered hot water temperature to bathroom fixtures. It cannot exceed 50°C to bathrooms or similar.
In newer homes this is not a problem, if we are doing a changeover hot water in a house that for the example is 15 years old, it will already have 50°C going to bathrooms, ensuite areas.
You may ask how does this effect me? A section of the rules states that if we relocate a hot water system , does not matter on age of property then hot water delivery temperature must not exceed 50°C to bathrooms etc, however on an old house this means we generally have to make the whole house 50°C as we have no way of separating old pipes. This rule sometimes also can apply when we are making a major change to the hot water installation.
Is 50°C hot enough?
50°C is it hot enough that if you hold your hand under the tap you will pull your hand back as an instant reflex but it is not hot enough to burn your skin for a short period of exposure, and in the shower you would certainly need to mix cold water with it to reach the desired temperature.
Many of our customers say they really like hot water and are concerned 50°C will not be hot enough. When we put their new 50°C system in they commonly say that the water is certainly hot enough and they are pleasantly surprised.
In the kitchen, if you are used to having really hot water, then there is a compromise that needs to be reached. We recommend when you start filling your sinkas normal, boil the kettle and top the sink up until you reach your desired temperature.
How do you get 50°C water?
There are two ways we can do this. On a storage tank we fit a tempering valve in the plumbing at the hot water system, this is a mechanical mixing valve that thermostaticallymixes hot and cold to provide the desired temperature.
On a continuous flow/tankless system the manufacturers provide designated 50°C models. These electronically mix the water temperature, they are marvellous pieces of machinery at affordable prices to be honest. It can be commonly cheaper to install one of these compared to a storage tank and tempering valve.
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Give The Hot Water Man a call on (0438 383 764) To further Discuss Your Hot Water Queries.