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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
A long stay without hot water turns a person's life into gray despondency. All people are trying to solve this problem, and everyone does it in their own way. Some install a large boiler, others prefer faucets with a built-in water heater.
The device is almost no different from a conventional mixer. Instantaneous taps are connected to a cold hose. Heating is carried out inside the equipment. Within 3-5 seconds the water will reach a temperature of up to 70 °C. It is worth noting that the instantaneous electric water heater for the tap is made of a special steel alloy that does not corrode and does not form scale.
The device has 3 operating modes:
There are models of mixers in which the temperature regulator is located outside the structure. This is convenient - the electronics control all the necessary indicators.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages include:
A flow-through heater that fits onto a faucet has almost no drawbacks. We can only note the high energy consumption - 3 kW per hour. Another drawback is the low flow capacity (up to 6 liters per minute). However, this indicator is quite enough to fill the bathtub or wash the dishes in the kitchen.
| Model name | Peculiarities | Characteristics | t heating, °C | Energy consumption, kW | Price, rubles |
| "Aquatherm" | Attractive design, quick installation, water purification filter. | High-quality electric heating element, protection against overheating and electric shock. | 60 | 3 | 3 900 |
| "Delimano" | Fast supply of hot water, attractive design, ability to regulate temperature. | Material: plastic, metal. Working pressure: 0.4-0.6 MPa. | 50-60 | 3 | 2 500 |
| "Aquastream" | Compact size, energy saving. | The body is made of composite plastic. | 60 | 2,5 | 3 500 |
| "RAPID™" | Instant water heating, resource savings compared to a boiler - 30%, easy installation. | High-level protection against overheating. | 60 | 3 | 3 900 |
| "Corraveni" | The valve is made of ceramics, the surface finish is made of chrome-plated steel. | There is a self-controlled water temperature system. | 60 | 3 | 4 200 |
Before purchasing these devices, you need to pay attention to the power consumption. This indicator should be minimal, since the lower it is, the greater the savings in resources, and therefore money.
There are many factors that make the life of a city resident comfortable, and one of them is the constant availability of hot water. In the absence of centralized heating or a boiler serving the entire house, storage or flow-type heating devices are used. The choice depends on the characteristics and size of the equipment. For country use or the use of hot water in small volumes, an electric instantaneous water heater for a tap is ideal - a budget compact device that replaces a standard mixer.
It is quite difficult for a person who is far from plumbing intricacies to distinguish a heating faucet from a kitchen faucet, since all the important elements are located inside the base, and the external outlines completely coincide with conventional models. Behind the walls of a durable metal or plastic case lies the heart of the device - the heating element heating element, as well as a set of elements that ensure safety. The main external distinguishing feature is the power cord for supplying electric current.
In the diagram, the flexible water supply line is located below, under the water heater; there is another connection method - from the rear side. The connection location must be clarified in advance before installing the device.
Products of domestic and Chinese production have become widespread on the Russian market. There are no fundamental differences in devices of different brands, except for the “branded” design. You can choose a color that is in harmony with the interior of the kitchen or bathroom, the length and shape of the spout, but you will not find much difference in design and technical characteristics. This is explained by the fact that not all companies are interested in the production of portable household models, and the range of tap-heaters is much smaller than, say, the number of similar products in the segment of storage devices.
The electric wire, an integral part of instantaneous tap water heaters, is covered with a protective sheath on top, but it is advisable to strengthen it by placing the wire in a box or deepening it into the wall, hiding it under the cladding
Let's look at what instantaneous water heaters for taps consist of:
One of the main properties of electrical household appliances is safety, so every detail is made taking into account the fact that the user will not suffer from the effects of current, which, as is known, is an excellent conductor of water. For example, a pressure switch prevents the faucet from running idle, that is, it protects against the so-called “dry” start-up. There are frameworks within which the device operates: from 0.4 atm. (minimum required pressure) up to 7 atm. (permissible maximum).
In addition to pressure, the device also monitors water temperature. If the liquid heats up to +60ºС, the temperature sensor is triggered and heating stops. The cooled water also begins to be heated automatically.
This is what one of the modern compact models of instantaneous water heaters for taps looks like: simple design, nothing superfluous, backlit display, hidden wire
Each certified model has an RCD unit that performs two functions - protection from voltage and protection from electric shock in the event of a danger, for example, if the integrity of the housing is compromised or the heating element fails.
Not only the user needs protection, but also the device itself. A common cause of faucet breakdowns are. To prevent damage to the water heater, the body of the device is reinforced with durable but elastic plastic, and a silicone damper is installed inside to soften vibrations. All parts of the device are covered with shells that do not allow water to pass through.
Some tap water heaters have not one universal lever, but two: the first regulates the water temperature, the second controls the water pressure in the device
Some manufacturing nuances relate to increasing the efficiency of the device. Let’s assume that a spout of almost any model has a different cross-sectional diameter at the inlet and outlet, and the hole at the outlet is noticeably smaller. This trick creates additional resistance and thereby increases the performance of the heating element.
The heated tap operates in 3 main modes:
It should be remembered that the operating principle of the simplest devices is based on the direct dependence of temperature on water pressure. By manipulating the handle (lever), it is possible to adjust the temperature to the most comfortable value. The accuracy reaches 1 degree, and this is very convenient for those who like cooler or, conversely, hotter water.
Some models are equipped with a thermostat with an electronic display. In this case, the water is turned on with a handle, and the temperature is set by pressing or touching a device located on the side.
For some models, the operating mode switch knob is not on the right, but on the top, and the body itself is attached to the wall (the standard location is on a table or sink)
When talking about rapid heating, you need to remember the inlet water temperature. How cold water can a portable device heat? Everything depends on the energy consumption class, respectively, on the output power: the minimum power is 3 kW, the average is 5 kW, the maximum is 7 kW. The minimum is sufficient if it is necessary to heat the liquid at room temperature - 18-20°C, that is, low-power devices function well only in the summer. For year-round operation, you should purchase more powerful devices that can quickly heat even ice-cold water.
Functional tap water heaters of the Delimano, Aquatherm and Supretto brands have taken root on the Russian market. Models from well-known companies differ in technical characteristics, appearance and cost. Let's consider the main characteristics of the listed brands.
If your hot water is turned off as planned or in an emergency, you can use a product from Hong Kong - an inexpensive medium-power device. The faucet has a stylish design: a white cylindrical body with silver trim. The small spout is located horizontally, the switch handle is on the side. The liner is installed from below.
Flow-through heating devices are installed on the faucet using a mounting kit by simply tightening the nut, so anyone can install the device
There are no additional accessories, for example, a shower outlet. Connecting a new household appliance will not take much time: just remove the old tap and screw in a heating device instead. The kit must include fasteners. Typically, the faucet is installed on the edge of the sink or screwed to the countertop.
The performance of the water heater varies depending on the set temperature. If you do not turn on the heating, the tap flows one and a half liters per minute, water heated to +50°C flows out in a smaller volume - 1.3 liters per minute. The power is minimal - 3 kW, but it is enough to heat the water to the maximum temperature (+50-60°C) in about two minutes. The case is protected from shocks and rapid breakage by durable heat-resistant plastic.
On the front wall of most models there is a heating indicator that lights up when the water temperature reaches the set value.
When purchasing an electric heater, you need to take care in advance of connecting it to a standard voltage network of 220~240 V. The wire is about 1 m long, so the socket or surge protector should be located at a distance not exceeding a meter.
The Aquatherm brand is popular due to its excellent functionality and variety of models that have an original design and convenient additions.
During the purchasing process, pay attention to the following points:
The technical characteristics can be called average - heating up to +60°C, heating element power 3.0 kW, power supply voltage 220V±10%.
The spout on all models of instantaneous water heaters is rotary, which resembles a regular mixer. There are models where the spout rotates 360 degrees, that is, it rotates around an axis
Thanks to the interesting exterior finish, it is possible to choose a faucet that matches the style and shade of the kitchen design. Suppose silver and bronze portable devices with an electronic display fit perfectly into the interior of a high-tech kitchen, and devices with a high thin spout are more suitable for classic or modern.
The diagram of the Aquatherm water heater clearly shows a spiral-shaped heating element, which increases the temperature of the water as it moves inside the chamber
The cost of instantaneous water heaters per tap depends on the design, the possibility of connecting a shower hose and the presence of an electronic display.
Specialists from various countries, including Germany and Italy, worked on the project of a portable heated faucet, but it is being produced in China. The manufacturer recommends using its products as a household assistant in the country. The convenient attachment is compact, functional, and has a warranty.
The power cord is connected to the back of the case. The water temperature, regulated using a convenient side handle, helps to determine the indicator. The lever positions are indicated by special marks – blue and red. An oval without a color mark means starting water at room temperature. The technical characteristics of the device are the same as those of Aquatherm brand products.
Let us remind you that small tap water heaters are a lifesaver where there is a shortage of space for using storage tanks: in country houses, studio apartments, and office premises. It can also be useful in new buildings during repairs or connection of communications. "Delimano", made in the Art Nouveau style, will be appropriate in any interior.
Products are supplied for sale in partially disassembled form: separate packages contain a housing with an electrical cord, a spout and a mounting kit.
Before purchasing any water heater, it is worth considering a number of factors influencing the choice:
Priorities are set differently. For example, a portable device is not suitable for a family with a small child, since a large amount of hot water is constantly required. And for summer residents temporarily visiting a country house, this is a completely acceptable option.
Portable instantaneous water heaters with a shower hose and watering can are designed for installation in the bathroom. There are models with the ability to install one or the other - either a spout or a shower
Sometimes it makes sense to install a heated mixer in city apartments, industrial premises, or offices, since it performs the minimum required functions and has the following advantages:
The advantages include quick installation, similar to the installation of a conventional mixer. The only difference is the connection of the electrical wires. The big advantage of the listed brands is their availability - buy devices at a price of 2,500 rubles. up to 6,000 rub. Everyone is capable without exception.
During the period when hot water is turned off in the summer in the city or in the country during vacation, you always want to treat yourself to hot water to wash your face or wash the dishes. It is very uncomfortable to do this with cold water.
Of course, you can heat water in a kettle or in a saucepan, or you can forget about these inconveniences. The Aquatherm flow-through heater will supply hot water as soon as you open the tap.
This appliance looks like a regular kitchen sink faucet. Made from high-quality material, it has a modern design that any housewife will like. The Aquatherm instant water heating faucet completely replaces the kitchen faucet. Its controls are the same - single-lever, turn the handle in one direction - you get cold water, in the other - hot water.
There is a powerful heating element inside. When water passes through it, it has time to heat up to a comfortable temperature. It does not need to be installed next to an existing conventional faucet.
Useful qualities:
The entire mechanism of this heater is designed so that the user does not think about technical issues when using it. I just opened the tap and hot water came out.
The water supply regulator has three positions:
Any housewife can cope with this task:
1.
First you need to free the device from the packaging and remove the plastic nut from the mounting tube, leaving only the rubber gasket aside.
2. Insert into the hole in the sink and screw from below.
3. You need to connect the cold water supply to the mounting tube from below using a flexible hose, which is sold in any store.
Take into account: It is advisable to use a special tape for sealing threaded connections (fum tape). The water heater comes with detailed instructions in pictures with a connection diagram. It is very difficult to make a mistake in this case.
4. After all connections are connected, you can check them for leaks. Turn on the water without electricity and make sure that there are no obstacles to its flow anywhere.
5. If everything is in order and nothing is dripping anywhere, you can safely plug the device into the outlet. The indicator on the protective device located on the electrical wire will immediately light up. To avoid premature failure of the heating element, the mixer contains a special dry running sensor. It turns off the electricity supply if there is no water in the tap.
Editorial advice: It is worth paying attention to the outlet itself where the water heater will be connected. It must provide for mandatory grounding and a thicker wire - with a cross-section of at least 1.5, and preferably 2.5 square meters. mm.
6. Next, you need to turn the faucet handle to the left, hearing a characteristic click (the heater on relay will work), the water will begin to heat up. This will be indicated by the LED indicator on the mixer. After about 5 seconds the water will be heated to maximum level. Next, the temperature is adjusted by decreasing the water pressure.
The smaller the jet, the hotter the water. In order not to experience discomfort because of this, there is a special attachment on the tap - an aerator. It allows you to create the effect of a large volume of water with low pressure.
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:
What are the benefits of such devices?
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:
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.
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 |
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:
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!
