1. Select and measure as accurately as possible the location where you plan to install the water heater.
2. Determine how many water points the water heater will operate on (bathroom sink, kitchen sink, shower, etc.) - this directly affects the choice of power and the connection process.
3. Be sure to find out the electrical wiring capabilities of your apartment - cable cross-section and material, maximum permissible load. If you don't know how to do this yourself, consult an electrician. This is especially important if you choose a tankless water heater. It is necessary to understand that if opportunities existing electrical wiring will be insufficient, you will need to lay a new separate cable from the electrical panel to ensure a safe connection. An important fact is the grounding of the device.
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Section calculation electric cable for connecting electrical appliances. Connecting high-power household appliances necessarily requires laying a separate electrical cable from distribution panel. Remember! If you are trying to connect a high-power instantaneous water heater to a power outlet washing machine or to the outlet that is plugged into electric stove, you risk getting burnt wiring, which in turn can lead to a fire. Attention: if instead of copper you take aluminum wire, it is necessary to apply a magnifying factor equal to 1.3-1.5. |
4. If your tap water no different good quality, it is strongly recommended to install filters that purify the water before entering the water heater. Otherwise, the “life” of the water heater will be significantly less than that declared by the manufacturer.
5. Determine for yourself the type of water heater (storage or instantaneous), choose a design (round, rectangular, flat, etc.), and also decide on performance. See the tip How to choose a water heater.
6. Depending on the installation location storage water heater, determine whether you need a wall-mounted or floor-mounted, vertical or horizontal water heater.
7. If you plan to install the device yourself, you will need to purchase additional materials(electrical wire, circuit breaker electricity, water supply, taps, etc.).
In any case, the installation of a specific storage or instantaneous water heater must be carried out strictly in accordance with the instructions supplied with the device. It describes required quantity holes on the wall, the number and features of fasteners, the sequence of connecting hoses, their size and location (vertically, horizontally), as well as other important information.
8. The storage water heater must be especially firmly fixed on hooks (bolts), without the possibility of moving to the sides.
9. All connections between the water heater and the water supply must be sealed.
10. The water supply can be connected to a plastic, metal-plastic, steel or copper pipe. Not recommended for use flexible liner rubber hoses due to their rapid wear.
11. When turning on the instantaneous water heater, you must make sure that there is water in the water supply. When turning on the storage water heater, you need to make sure that the tank is full.
2 Electric storage water heater and its installation
1. It is necessary to think in advance and measure very accurately the installation location of the water heater.
2. In conditions small apartments and bathrooms, water heaters are most often installed in plumbing cabinets, kitchen niches, and sometimes hung from the ceiling in a horizontal position. If your apartment has very little space to install a water heater, you can choose a model with a reduced diameter or flat design.
3. In most cases, water heaters with a volume of up to 200 liters are wall-mounted, and those above 200 liters are floor-mounted.
4. Water heaters wall mounting with a volume of more than 50 l it is recommended to install on load-bearing wall. The device is suspended by the housing bracket on anchor bolts (hooks) fixed in the wall (not included in the delivery package). To install vertical models (30-100 liters), two hooks are used. The distance between the hooks should be 180 mm. Horizontal models (50 - 200 liters) are installed on four hooks using the loops provided in the EWH brackets. To service the EWH, the distance from the protective cover to the nearest surface in the direction of the axis of the removable flange must be at least:
- 30 centimeters - for models 5-80 liters;
- 50 centimeters - for models 100-200 liters.
Horizontal water heaters, as a rule, have a volume of no more than 150 liters.
It is impossible to install a vertical water heater in a horizontal position!
5. Very often, storage water heaters are installed in some niche or plumbing cabinet, and therefore access to the device can be difficult. In this case, you should think about the quality of the water heater in order to spend a minimum of effort on maintenance in the future and avoid repairing a hard-to-reach device.
Attention!
Do not forget about installing a safety valve - a device designed to protect against mechanical destruction of equipment (water heater) and pipelines due to excess pressure. The safety valve performs its function by releasing excess water from the system at a pressure above the set pressure. The valve also ensures that water discharge stops when operating pressure is restored.
When installing a water heater in rooms that do not have waterproofing of floors and drainage channels, it is necessary to install a protective pan with drainage into the sewer under the device and connect the drainage pipe to drain hole safety valve.
The drainage tube and protective pan are usually not included in the delivery package and must be selected by the consumer independently.
Connection to water supply
Attention!
If the water supplied to the water heater does not meet the standard tap water, a filter must be installed at the inlet of the water heater, the type and parameters of which can be selected by the service technician.
Screw on safety valve to the intake pipe cold water, marked in blue, 3.5-4 turns, ensuring the tightness of the connection with any waterproofing material (linen, FUM tape, etc.). Connection to the water supply system is made only using a special flexible plumbing connection, as well as flexible plastic or copper pipes. During installation, excessive force on the water heater pipes is not allowed to avoid damage to the pipes and the porcelain coating of the internal tank. After connecting, open the cold water supply valve to the water heater and the hot water tap on the mixer. When the device is completely filled, water will flow from the mixer tap in a continuous stream. When connecting a water heater in places without running water, you can supply water to the water heater from an auxiliary tank, placing it at a height of at least 5 meters from the top point of the device.
3 Electric instantaneous water heater and its installation
1. The first thing you need to pay attention to when connecting an instantaneous water heater is the electrical wiring. It is recommended to find out before purchasing the device maximum load electrical network in the apartment and, if necessary, install an additional circuit breaker on the electrical panel and run it through separate wire and provide grounding. More information about choosing a cable was written at the beginning of this tip.
2. The performance of an instantaneous water heater directly depends on its power.
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Power and performance of instantaneous water heaters First of all, you need to determine how much hot water you will need. Water consumption in a family of 2 adults will be significantly lower than in a family with small children, and water consumption in a city apartment is much less than in a large one. country house. Must be taken into account individual characteristics and user habits. Contact sales consultants if you find it difficult to make calculations yourself. Capacity of instantaneous water heaters at outlet water temperature 38° C, liters per minute:
Productivity of instantaneous water heaters at a water outlet temperature of 55° C, liters per minute:
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Attention!
- It is strictly not recommended to replace any components included in the instantaneous water heater. By replacing, for example, a hose with a watering can in the device, you will violate throughput water heater for which it is designed. For this reason, the water will not heat up properly.
- Under no circumstances should you shut off the water outlet to prevent it from boiling inside the appliance.
- When planning to purchase an instantaneous water heater, you should consider that it can increase the water temperature by about 20 degrees. Those. If you want to supply very cold (for example, spring) water to the device, then you will not be able to get hot water at the outlet - it will only be warm.
Since centralized hot water supply residential buildings becomes irrelevant, and is being replaced by autonomous storage water heaters. An important advantage of these household appliances is simple installation that does not require special permits. We offer to help you realize this advantage and consider how to properly install and connect a boiler to the water supply of a private house or apartment.
Materials and components
As a rule, storage and instantaneous water heaters are equipped with fastenings - brackets or brackets designed for hanging the unit on the wall. Other components and pipeline fittings you'll have to buy it yourself.
For installation and correct connection electric boiler according to the standard scheme, prepare a set of materials:
- 3 ball valves DN15;
- 2 American ones of identical diameter;
- tee Du15;
- safety valve intended for boilers;
- metal-plastic pipes (cross-linked polyethylene, corrugated stainless steel or polypropylene are also suitable) with connecting fittings;
- three-core copper cable VVG with a conductor cross-section of 2.5 mm²;
- automatic two-pole switch, designed for a current of 20 amperes.
Note. Some manufacturers complete their products with safety valves with rubber gaskets.
This is what the pressure release valve from the tank looks like
If the pipe connections to the storage water heater are planned to be built into the wall, it is better to take a metal-plastic pipe, stainless steel or cross-linked polyethylene. It is not recommended to lay PPR wiring hidden. Do not forget about the brackets for attaching the pipes to the walls - the connections should not load the boiler pipes with their own weight.
The length of the cable for connecting to the electrical network depends on the distance from the main control panel, from where a separate power supply line will have to be installed. The second connection option is to the nearest distribution box socket network. For open method prepare plastic cable ducts or a corrugated sleeve.
When laid hidden, the pipes immediately go into the wall
Boiler connection option indirect heating depends on the type of boiler and heating scheme. But you will definitely need pipes with fittings and a circulation pump low power, developing a pressure of 4 m of water column (0.4 Bar).
Water heater installation
Before connecting the water heater to the electrical network and water supply, the unit should be securely mounted on the wall in a convenient place. Let's give some recommendations for placing the boiler:
Reference. IN apartment buildings– new buildings for accommodation water heating equipment Often a separate room is provided.
Having chosen the location and height for hanging the water heater, mark the mounting points on the wall. The task is made easier by the design of a standard bracket in the form of a strip with slots for hooks, welded to the boiler body. Drill holes 12 cm deep, hammer plastic stoppers and screw in hooks with a diameter of 8 mm. The second fastening option is Ø10 mm anchor bolts. Together with an assistant, lift the heavy unit and hang it by the bracket.
Products of some brands are equipped with special paper templates that facilitate the initial marking of attachment points. There are boilers with a separate mounting plate, fixed to the wall with several dowels. The housing is screwed to it with ordinary bolts.
How to connect the device to the water supply network
Electrical or gas boiler provides for the selection of water for DHW needs from the upper zone of the tank, where it reaches maximum temperature. Makeup from the cold water supply is carried out to the lower zone. This leads to the following problems with emptying the tank:
- draining is impossible from the “hot” side - the end of the tube is located too high, so literally 2 liters will flow out of the container;
- if you connect the pipe directly from the “cold” side, then to empty it you will have to unscrew the American pipe;
- draining water through the standard valve is inconvenient and time-consuming - the cross-section of the fitting is too small.
The presented boiler connection diagram solves the listed problems and allows you to empty the tank at any time, spending literally 15 minutes. Each element of the harness clearly performs its function:
- Ball valves on the main lines serve to isolate the water heater from the water supply and domestic hot water networks.
- A tee with a third ball valve on the “cold” side is designed to completely empty the tank.
- The safety (also known as non-return) valve discharges excess water, whose volume increases when heated. The second function is to prevent the tank from emptying back into the supply line.
- American ones allow you to disconnect the device without disassembling the system.
To correctly assemble the electrical boiler piping, it is enough to connect the pipes according to the diagram and attach them to the wall with clamps. Lastly, the American ones are screwed on, and a flexible hose is put on the “spout” of the safety valve and directed into the sewer. The installation process of a storage water heater is clearly demonstrated in the video:
After assembly, check the tightness of the joints by opening the cold water supply. Filling the tank is done with the “hot” faucet tap open to release air. After making sure the connections are secure, proceed to electrical installation.
Connection to the house electrical network
The power of the vast majority of water heaters does not exceed 3.5 kW. If the consumption of your household appliance is within the specified limits, feel free to connect the boiler through one equipped with a grounding contact (required!). The work is simple: run a three-core cable from the distribution box using a corrugated cable or plastic box, and place a socket next to the heater.
Exposed wiring and outlet knobs are not popular with all homeowners. To make the electrical connection to the water heater more efficient, follow our instructions:
Plug in the boiler filled with water and check its functionality. Since on budget versions of the devices the heating temperature is regulated directly on the heating element, do not rush to put on the lid. Wait until the water reaches comfortable temperature(look at the index) and turn the adjusting lever at the end of the heating element so that the heating element turns off.
Connecting an indirect heating boiler
The unit is a tank with a built-in coil that heats the main volume of water. Accordingly, the heat exchanger is connected to the boiler, and the tank is connected to the hot water supply system. The same safety valve is used to drain excess water that expands when heated.
The easiest way is to connect an indirect heating boiler to a single-circuit boiler equipped with special pipes. Inside the heat generator there is a three-way switching valve that distributes the coolant flow for heating or loading the hot water boiler - as the electronic control unit orders. IN in this case The heater coil is simply connected to the appropriate connections.
Note. We are talking about , staffed with our own circulation pump. In floor-standing versions - solid fuel and gas - pumps and three-way valves, as a rule, are not provided.
The operation of the pumping unit is controlled by a thermostat built into the boiler (it has a special socket). When water collection begins, the container cools down and the thermoelement starts the pump; when it is heated enough, it stops.
Important point. Connection to a double-circuit boiler is made according to similar scheme. It is not allowed to “hang” the boiler on the second circuit of the heat generator, operating from a flow-through heat exchanger. How to properly strap in such cases, watch the video from an expert:
Conclusion
You don’t have to read the instructions at all, don’t use any piping fittings, and supply water directly to the electric heater. The unit will function successfully until the first problem or repair of the water supply system, when you have to drain the water from the container. But there is one part that must be installed - a safety check valve. Without it, the expanding water can rupture any weak connections or the tank itself.
Equally in demand today electric heater and a boiler. How to install such equipment will be described in this article. With the help of such a device you can cope with the problems of turning off hot water. Among other things, such installations can operate on an ongoing basis. IN wide range in modern stores you can find storage or instantaneous electric boilers, the latter of which are in less demand, because they are inferior to storage boilers in terms of volume and profitability. To install such a device, you can use the services of specialists or do the work yourself, but you will need to follow all safety regulations. To do this, the electricity is completely turned off and the hot water pipes are shut off.
Preparation of materials
If you decide to purchase such equipment, you should find out in advance. Of course, doing the work yourself is cheaper. If you refuse the services of professionals, you should prepare a certain set of materials for installation. You will need either a safety valve, two flexible water hoses, and two dowel nails. Upon purchase water hose It should be taken into account that you will need two elements, the length of each of which is 2 m. However, the length will depend on the distance to the insertion into the water supply system. When purchasing dowel nails, please note that there should be hooks at their ends. By the way, about the safety valve. It is worth mentioning that it comes complete with an electric boiler. The valve should have a diameter of 10 mm.
Preparing tools
So, you need a boiler. You should learn how to install such equipment before purchasing it. Do you want to do the installation yourself? Good luck! However, it is worth considering that in some cases, doing the work yourself will void the manufacturer’s warranty. In addition to materials, you should prepare certain tools, including: screwdrivers, drills with a Pobedit tip for fastening to brick wall, adjustable wrench and hammer drill. The latter can be replaced with an electric drill.
Installation instructions
Many home craftsmen, having learned how much it costs to install a boiler, prefer to do all the work themselves. This is not surprising, considering that such services cost about 5,000 rubles. Do you have the skills and know which side to approach the hammer drill from and how to hold the screwdriver? Then why overpay? But if you do the installation yourself, you will have to prepare properly. An important role here is played by the reviews of those people who are not new to doing this kind of work. If you study all the recommendations, you can come to the following.
The process should begin by choosing a place for mounting in the bathroom or toilet. Most often, such equipment is installed above the toilet, where it will not disturb anyone. It is necessary to check the strength of the wall, as it will have to bear the load from the boiler. If the room has unreinforced plasterboard partitions, then you should refrain from installing the unit on them. With a boiler volume of 50 liters or more, a double load will be placed on the wall, that is, 100 kg.
Before installing a boiler in an apartment, you should decide on the lowest point of the equipment location, marking it on the wall surface. Next, the master measures the distance from the mounting strip to the bottom point. The first is firmly welded to the equipment body. The resulting distance must be marked on the wall. The next step is to drill two holes. The craftsmen emphasize that you need to remember that the fastening bar does not have such holes; anchors with a hook at the end must cling to its edge.
So, everything is ready to mount the boiler on the wall. How to install it correctly? The question is not an idle one: the structure must be securely fastened, because the fall of such a massive device can cause injury. If the wall is made of concrete or brick, then the craftsmen recommend using a hammer drill with a Pobedit drill for the work. For wooden wall used regular drill on wood, the diameter of which is smaller than that of a plastic dowel. The latter must be installed in the hole and, if necessary, driven in.
The metal anchor is screwed in until it stops turning. As a rule, a depth of 12 cm is sufficient. The boiler should be hung by hooking the anchor hooks onto the bar to secure it to the unit body. At this point, the process of hanging the equipment can be considered complete. As you can see, the technology is not very complicated, so any home craftsman can master it. At the next stage, you can connect the boiler to the water supply system; for this, flexible hoses should be used.
Let's connect!
Judging by the reviews, polypropylene pipes can be used instead of flexible hoses, but this will cost more and take more time. At the bottom of the boiler there are two tubes, one of which has a blue plastic ring. Cold water will be supplied through it. The second tube is indicated in red and is intended for hot water outlet.
According to craftsmen, a safety tap should be installed in the place where cold water is supplied. It is usually included in the kit or purchased additionally. The first step is to attach the safety valve. Don't forget to wrap the thread first sanitary linen or sealing tape.
Masters advise to screw one end at the next stage flexible hose to the safety valve. In this case, you need to stop using the tape, since the hose nut contains rubber gasket, acting as a sealant. Well, the question of how to install a boiler in an apartment has almost been resolved. The next step is to screw one end of the flexible hose to the pipe from which the hot coolant comes. In this case, sealing tape is also not required.
Now you can start connecting the free ends of the hoses. The end to which cold water will flow should be connected to a water pipe. A valve or tap must first be installed at this location, which will allow, if necessary, to shut off the liquid supply. This recommendation should not be neglected, since the boiler may fail during operation or require replacement of spare parts. The free end of the other hose should be connected to the pipe that goes to the mixer.
In principle, installing a water boiler yourself is not difficult. You just need to arm yourself with certain knowledge (in addition to tools and materials). And there are many nuances in this matter. In particular, before connecting the unit, it is necessary to connect the tees to water pipes Oh. In the absence of certain experience, it is better to entrust this work to professionals. Now you can do the electrical part. If we're talking about About Thermex brand water heaters, they have one feature, which is the presence of a cable for connection along with a plug included. Moreover, this element is connected to the boiler. If this is not so, then consumables will have to be purchased separately.
And one more thing. To ensure that everything goes off without a hitch (read: without accidents), craftsmen strongly recommend observing safety precautions when working with electricity.
What else needs to be taken into account when carrying out work
If you are faced with the question of how to properly install a boiler, then you should know that you do not have to open the lid if everything in the equipment is already connected. It is enough to install a grounded outlet in advance, which should be located close to the equipment. You should turn on the cold water tap to check how tight and reliable connection. If there are no leaks, the boiler plug can be connected to the outlet. Now you know how to install. If you did everything correctly, the indicator on the case should light up. After this, you can set a certain temperature using the regulator, which is usually located at the bottom.
Conclusion
It is important to remember the main mistakes that are made when connecting the equipment described in the article. In particular, before installing a boiler in the bathroom, experts recommend making sure there is a circulation system. This will minimize energy losses if the pipes are constantly filled with hot water.
It is not always possible to connect a gas water heater or boiler, and then the question arises about choosing an electrical appliance. Connecting a water heater of this type is much simpler; it can be installed both in an apartment and in a country house.
So, electric boilers are not the most cheap look water heaters. If it is possible to install a geyser, then it is more economical to choose a gas analogue.
Types of electric water heaters
The most common and popular devices:
- accumulative;
- flow-through;
- liquid
The latter type of water heaters is used only in the absence of a centralized water supply, so it is installed quite rarely.
What is better to choose
First of all, the choice of device depends on the amount of free space and consumption per family. The connection diagrams for water heaters and wiring requirements also vary.
Cumulative
Electric storage water heaters can supply the entire apartment hot water, which is carried out due to a capacious tank.
These boilers are most common in apartments, they do not require improved wiring, and are connected via a regular 220 V outlet. Electric heating tanks are very economical and can work immediately on all “hot” taps in a house or apartment. Also, the devices maintain the temperature of the heated water well and even in the absence of light, you will be provided with hot water.
The main disadvantage of this type of device is its impressive dimensions, which vary depending on the volume of the tank. Moreover, installing a water heater with your own hands in this case will be much more difficult. Since in any case you will need hot water wiring and an outlet from the water supply to connect the tank.
Models with an economical mode (ECO) help to save a lot of money. They allow you to maintain the required water temperature at minimum costs electricity.
Flow-through
An electric instantaneous water heater, unlike a storage one, has a modest size and does not require time to heat the water.
This type of water heater is suitable for dachas where there is no need to keep constantly heated water. The devices are quite compact and take up very little space. The equipment immediately supplies hot water to the tap, and there is no need to wait several hours for it to heat up. No matter how much water you use, it will always be hot, as it heats up as it passes through the water heater. Since the device is quite simple to manufacture, its price is lower than that of storage tanks. But unlike the latter, flow-through models consume a lot electrical energy, require improved wiring and are unable to provide hot water to several taps at once.
How to connect a water heater: preparation
You should start your work with the selection the right tools and materials. Their set varies depending on the pipes used.
Be sure to obtain the following tools before starting work:
- pipes;
- valves, tees, angles;
- ball valve;
- set of keys;
- adjustable or gas wrench;
- pipe cutter or soldering station(depending on the type of pipes used).
Easiest to work with metal-plastic pipes, which can be cut even with an ordinary knife. To cut into such a pipeline, it is enough to cut off a piece of pipe and install a tee. No soldering irons or special equipment is needed. The most complex is metal water supply. It is difficult to cut metal pipes; you will also need a clamp to make a branch for the boiler.
How to connect a instantaneous water heater in an apartment and in a country house
Before you begin installing your water heater flow type, make sure your meter and wiring will "pull" the water heater. If the meter has a current rating of less than 40A, it will require replacement.
Replacing the meter is easy. Choose the most powerful models. The installation is carried out by energy supervision services.
The same goes for wiring. Old aluminum wiring will not withstand heavy loads, which can lead to a fire. It is better to replace it with a new copper one with a larger cross-section. Pay attention to the power of the heater model. You should not choose models that are unable to maintain a water temperature of 40 degrees at a flow rate of 5 liters per minute.
Calculation of wire cross-section
Section dependence table copper cable on the current strength. You can select the appropriate wire cross-section value from the table, knowing the power or current of the water heater.
Let's remember school course physics and power formula:
P = I * U;
where P is power (W), I is current (A), U is voltage (V).
It turns out that if the power of the device is, for example, 7 kW, then using the formula it is easy to calculate the required current value.
I = P / U = 7000 / 220 ≈ 32 (A).
For every square millimeter of cross-section copper wire account for 10 A current.
It turns out that we will need (take it with a reserve) a cable with a cross-section of 4 mm.
The maximum power value of an instantaneous water heater is 8 kW for an apartment. For a higher value, you will certainly have to change the counter. Don’t forget that the meter powers all electrical appliances, not just the water heating device.
Additional protection
Don't forget that any heating device, and especially water heating is a source increased danger. Don’t be lazy and when changing the wiring, install a separate machine on the device. This will protect other devices, wiring and the meter from short circuit, and the house from fire.
Do-it-yourself instantaneous water heater installation
The principle of operation of the water heater is very simple: the hose supplying water to the shower is connected to the device. Thus, cold water is supplied to the water heater through this hose, it is heated and hot water is supplied through the second hose.
Flow devices do not need to be inserted into the pipeline, as storage devices require. Such devices can be connected to a regular shower. The device is equipped with a separate watering can, but there are also those equipped with a separate tap outlet.
The device is attached to the wall using ordinary self-tapping screws (light weight). Using a level is optional.
Alternatively, you can install a flow-through model so that hot water flows from all taps. Then you have to crash into the pipeline. Installation will be similar to storage type water heaters. But do not forget that such a device will not provide hot water to all taps at the same time.
How to connect a storage water heater
Installing such a device is much more difficult than a flow-through model. Firstly, you will need a lot of space for the device, as it is quite bulky. Secondly, tapping into the pipeline in the case of a storage water heater is mandatory, which adds complexity to installation. Thirdly, you need to take into account the condition of the wall where the device will be mounted, since it itself weighs a lot, and add a certain number of liters of water to boot.
The most popular models have a tank volume of 80-100 liters. This amount of water is enough for a family of 2-3 people.
Since the device stores hot water in a tank, it does not care about distance from taps or showers. The boiler can be installed where it is convenient for you, as long as the wall is strong and the water pipes are located nearby.
Preparatory stage
The tools and equipment you will need to self-connection storage water heater.
To properly connect a storage water heater, in addition to the necessary tools, you will have to purchase a pair of ball valves, a non-return safety valve, a tube (to drain water), and hooks (to secure the tank to the wall). If the water supply is already connected to the device, then its installation is greatly simplified. Otherwise, you will also have to purchase pipes, tees or a clamp (in the case of a metal pipeline).
In addition, you will additionally need:
- level;
- roulette;
- hammer drill
Before you start installing the tank, you first need to install the pipes for hot and cold water.
How to connect a water heater to a water supply
The communication connection diagram itself is quite simple.
Scheme for connecting a storage water heater to communications. As you can see from the diagram, it doesn’t matter where you cut into the cold water pipeline. How to do further hot wiring - whatever is more convenient for you.
The following elements are indicated by numbers in the figure:
- 1 and 2 – water supply valves (it is better to install ball valves, they are the most reliable). Using these taps, you can shut off the supply of cold water to the tank and hot water from the device;
- 3 and 4 – a central tap that shuts off the access of water to the apartment and a tap that shuts off hot water (it is not necessary to install it, since a valve can only be installed at the outlet of the tank);
- 5 – check valve, which is mandatory element when installing a boiler and hot water pipeline; (The check valve will protect the heating element of the tank from damage if cold water stops flowing into the device. It also relieves excess pressure from the water heater. Do not forget to connect a tube to the valve through which water and condensate will flow).
- 6 – drain valve, which will help drain all the water from the water heater tank when it is needed maintenance or repair. If in central water supply there is no pressure, then you can always drain hot water from the tank for your needs.
Important! The water drain valve MUST be located higher check valve, otherwise you will not be able to drain the water from the tank.
Do-it-yourself boiler installation
The main stages of installing a water heater: mark the wall, drill holes, screw in hooks, hang the water heater, connect the water supply.
It is quite difficult to install the device yourself, so you will need the help of another person. The tank is installed as follows:
- Find a suitable wall for the appliance. Step back from the ceiling a little more than 10-15 cm and, using a level, make notches for future holes. It is necessary to move away from the ceiling so that the water heater can sit on the hooks.
- Drill holes according to the length of the hooks.
- First install the dowels (wooden or plastic), then screw the screws into them, but at the same time leaving a small gap for the mounting strip.
- Next, lift the tank and hook it onto the hooks.
- Now you need to connect the “cold” hose.
- And also connect the “hot” hose in accordance with the diagram above.
The last stage is connecting the device to electricity.
How to connect a water heater to electricity
A simple diagram for connecting a water heater to electricity through a regular 220 Volt outlet.
When connecting to the electrical network, a lot depends on the power of the device. If you purchased a tank with a power of up to 3 kW, then it can be connected to a regular outlet or through an extension cord. But more powerful models should be provided with a separate wiring line.
If you want to protect yourself, then you should draw a separate line for the tank directly from the meter. Moreover, it is better to install a separate machine for it. It is not necessary to destroy the wall for such wiring. The wires are routed outside, secured with special brackets. The cross section is calculated according to the same instantaneous water heaters way.
Some useful rules when connecting the tank to the electrical network:
- It is better to position the socket so that water does not get into it (for example, away from the washbasin or shower);
- do not leave exposed wires in the bathroom, as this may cause high humidity a short circuit may occur;
- do not forget about grounding;
- do not use tees; the boiler must be connected to a separate outlet or extension cord.
Installing an electric water heater - pros or cons
But what to do if gas is supplied to your apartment? Can I install a gas water heater? Here again there is no clear answer. It will be cheaper to heat water with gas, but installing such equipment will be more expensive and more painful. WITH electric tank things are much simpler. By the way, you won’t have to change it often, but it is highly advisable to service it once a year. Electrical appliances are also considered safer.
What's the outcome
Instantaneous or storage water heater, which one to choose is everyone’s business and depends on the operating conditions. Flow-through models are not at all economical, but their installation is very simple. The second type is more reliable and versatile, but installing a storage water heater is much more difficult.
The presence of hot water in a house or apartment is one of the main signs of the level of comfort and coziness in it. In the distant past, its source was wood-burning titan boilers - bulky, smoky and inconvenient to use devices. Then they were replaced by flow-through geysers, which had a lot of advantages: quick access to operating mode and fuel consumption only during use, but also had disadvantages: the need for a centralized gas supply, explosion and fire hazard if used incorrectly.
Water boiler accumulative type
In parallel with the construction of thermal power plants in major cities pipeline networks for centralized hot water supply and heating began to develop. They allowed consumers to forget about problems with hot water, reminding them only during planned outages during the summer months. It is at this time that most homeowners think about an additional backup source warm water, affordable and easy to install.
Water heater designs
In most cases, the eyes of householders are drawn to practical and easy-to-use electric water heaters, which are divided into two main classes:
Storage boilers
Such a boiler is a tank of relatively large capacity, thermally insulated with polyurethane foam, equipped inside with:
- thermal electric heater with electrical power of 1.2~3 kW;
- a thermostat regulator that ensures the device turns off when the threshold temperature is reached;
- anti-corrosion protective magnesium anode.
The outer casing of the tank is made of enameled or stainless steel. The thickness of PPU thermal insulation is usually 2~3 cm.
When turned on, the device maintains, periodically turning on/off, the water temperature at the set level: usually 60~65° - this value is considered the most economically advantageous.
The defining characteristic of storage electric boilers is the capacity of the tank, on which the power of the heating element depends. With a volume of up to 150 l, the power does not exceed 2 kW.
The main advantages of these devices:
- independence from additional energy sources other than electrical;
- low electrical power;
- relative ease of connection to both the electrical network and water supply;
- smooth adjustment of water temperature with a mixer;
- maintaining the temperature of heated water for a long time;
- ease of maintenance, low operating costs.
The main disadvantages of storage-type electric boilers are:
- relatively large dimensions and weight;
- long wait to get back to work;
- decrease in outlet temperature during hot water consumption;
- limited tank capacity;
- heating a large volume of water when a small amount is needed.
Another advantage of storage electric water heaters is the ability to create a completely autonomous system hot water supply, or inclusion in ready-made networks as a backup source of warm water.
Flow-through boilers
These devices turn on and continuously heat running water only when it is flowing. This design assumes the presence of a large heating element electrical power- from 3 kW and above. This parameter is decisive for water heating devices flow type.
There is a common point of view that flow-through devices are uneconomical due to their high electrical power. This opinion is wrong.
Let's give an example: a storage water heater with a capacity of 80 liters. with a 2‑kW heating element it heats up to 60° for at least half an hour in summer, and even more in winter, while consuming 1 kWh of electricity. A 4-kW instantaneous electric water heater with a 15-minute shower is the same 1 kWh.
The main advantages of instantaneous water heating devices:
- instant hot water output;
- automatic switching on when the tap is opened: electricity is consumed only when using the device;
- small dimensions and weight;
- convenience and speed of installation.
Among the shortcomings we can only name:
- the need for reinforced electrical wiring due to high power device;
- low water pressure at the outlet;
- stepwise switching of water temperature;
- impossibility of working for several consumers - each device is connected individually to only one point of hot water use: kitchen sink, sink in the toilet, shower stall.
- True, over the past few years the cost of these devices has decreased significantly, so the need to purchase two or three devices of this type for the home is no longer an obstacle.
Installation instructions
We connect the boiler to the water supply Installation of flow-through electrical devices is usually not difficult: it involves inserting an outlet equipped with a ball into the water pipe. shut-off valve, as well as connecting an electrical line with a cross-section corresponding to the electrical power of the device.
Installation storage units more complex and requires some electrical and plumbing training, at least at the entry level. The installation can be compared to installing a meter in a bathroom.
Boiler installation diagram
You should not start work without a preliminary sketch or drawing of the device connection. The diagram for connecting a water heater to the water supply in an apartment if it is installed as a backup source of warm water is shown in the figure:
The numbers on it indicate:
- Main shut-off valves. They serve to shut off the water supply to the apartment from the common water riser.
Attention! While hot water is supplied to the apartment from the riser, the shut-off valve is on common pipe must be open and closed at the outlet to the boiler. In the case of water supply from an electric water heating boiler, the valve on the outlet opens and the valve on the riser closes. Otherwise, your water heater will provide hot water to the entire entrance. - Water heater shut-off valves - to perform repair work and maintenance of the electric boiler.
- Safety valve with drainage outlet. Designed to relieve excess water pressure in the tank when it is heated.
Pay attention! Pressure equalization is accompanied by the release of excess water from the valve. To drain it not to the floor, but to the side, the valve should be equipped with a drainage tube. - Drain valve with pipe. Designed to empty the boiler, which may be needed, for example, at the dacha when preserving the water supply for the winter.
Important! Emptying the tank from water may also be necessary when replacing a burnt heating element or magnesium anode, which prevents the inside of the device from corrosion.
If there is no filter in the water supply system rough cleaning water, it won’t hurt to place it on the inlet pipe from the riser. This will be useful not only for the hot water boiler, but also for other electrical appliances: washing and dishwasher, For example.
If the house old building and it was not initially provided for a hot water supply riser, then storage boiler may well be used as the main source of warm water. In this case, before connecting the electric boiler to the water supply, you should install an appropriate hot water pipeline in the apartment with wiring to all faucets in the bathroom and kitchen.
Selecting a location
Before you begin installing a water heater, you should decide on its placement. As a rule, you need to think through the design of the bathroom down to the smallest detail, so as not to regret later.
Electric storage boilers have two designs:
- Vertical - designed for hanging on the wall directly indoors.
- Horizontal - for hidden installation in the attic or attic room, or in the ceiling space.
Vertical devices occupy part of the room space and are more noticeable, but they can be placed in close proximity to the connection point, and therefore are easier to install and require less piping materials and installation work. And useless heat losses in long pipes can be avoided.
In addition, device bodies can be round or flat. The latter is most preferable as it takes less usable space premises and more convenient to install, as well as aesthetically pleasing. When choosing a location for the device, consider the possibility of access to it when performing repairs and maintenance.
Pay attention! The wall at the installation site of the unit must be strong, preferably solid, capable of supporting the weight of the tank along with the water filling it. If necessary, a non-permanent wall should be reinforced with additional structures.
Installation Tools
We prepare tools for installation Before starting any work, prepare the necessary set of tools. Its completeness depends on the type of water pipes in the house. Considering that copper and polymer pipelines While they are still exotic, consider a set of tools for standard steel pipes:
- gas pipe wrench No. 2 or an adjustable crocodile, or better yet, both together;
- adjustable wrench;
- metal hacksaw or hand pipe cutter;
- thread-cutting tools with heads of the appropriate diameter;
- electric drill with hammer drill and drill bits for concrete;
- screwdrivers: figured and electric;
- pliers;
- side cutters;
- tape measure or folding meter, ruler, square, level, pencil.
Installation materials
Connecting fittings for the water heater For installation you will also need a mandatory set of installation and consumables:
- shaped fittings: angles, tees, couplings, bends corresponding to the thickness of water pipes in diameter;
- ball shut-off valves;
- pressure safety valve;
- flexible hoses for connecting to the boiler;
- plumbing tow or Teflon mounting tape;
- electric wire;
- screws or hooks and dowels, or anchor bolts Ø 8~10 mm.
Step by step instructions
We will start installing the electric boiler by hanging it on the wall in the location chosen for placement.
- By measuring the installation dimensions of the unit or taking them from technical passport, mark and drill holes on the wall, insert dowels.
- After attaching the screws, hang the boiler and securely fix it with them.
After installing the boiler and checking the reliability of its fastening, proceed to plumbing work:
- Close the shut-off valves of the pipelines to the hot and cold water risers.
- Mark on the pipes the insertion points for the tees-branches under the unit.
- Attention! The connecting fittings of all modern electric hot water boilers are marked blue for cold water and red for hot water. Accordingly, mark the installation locations of the tees under them.
- On each pipeline circuit, cut a piece of pipe length equal to the amount lengths of tee and bend.
- Cut threads from both ends of the cutouts.
- Screw a tee onto one end of the cutout and screw the side with the short thread into it. Screw the locknut and straight coupling onto the long one. Once the tee is aligned, screw the coupling onto the other side of the cutout in the pipe and secure with a locknut. Make all pipeline connections using tow or Teflon FUM tape for sealing.
- Do the same with the other pipe.
- Screw the bends into the bends, choosing their length so that the free ends are at the same level.
- Screw the ball check valves onto them.
- Having closed them, open the taps at the inlet of the risers and check the tightness of all connections. If necessary, turn off the water and correct problem areas.
- Between the shut-off valve on the cold water outlet and the electric boiler tank, install an additional safety valve and a tee with a drain valve.
- Connect the hot water boiler to the pipes with flexible hoses.
Do not use a rigid connection between the boiler and the pipeline. Temperature and seasonal deformations of the metal of pipelines and building walls will soon cause failures in the sealing of connections. Instead of flexible hoses, you can use a small U-shaped elbow. - Once again carefully checking the tightness of all connections, you can fill the electric boiler with water. To do this, open both shut-off valves. Then, opening the hot water tap on the mixer, wait for a smooth and continuous stream from it.
Attention! It is strictly forbidden to turn on the boiler electrical network with an empty tank: this will cause immediate burnout of the heating element.
Having completed the installation of pipelines, you can begin connecting the electrical wiring:
- Despite the fact that storage-type thermal units have low power consumption, which standard apartment wiring can withstand, it is better to draw a separate line from the electrical panel to the device, connecting it through a personal RCD - residual current device.
- Very important! Any electric water heaters must have protective grounding, without which to use them categorically forbidden! If your home wiring does not have a third ground wire, you can protective grounding. It is performed with a separate cable connected to the electrical panel housing and the input neutral wire. Under no circumstances should you rely on grounding the water pipes: the neighbor below could have already replaced them with polypropylene ones. Also, you should not connect the body of the device to the zero in the outlet: with any reconnection in the distribution box, the zero and phase may change, and the device will be under mains voltage.
- De-energize the power line supplying the device by unplugging the cord from the socket or turning off the circuit breaker on the electrical panel. Only then remove the protective cover from the boiler.
- Make the electrical connection of the device in accordance with the markings on the terminals under the cover:
- L - phase.
- N - zero
- Protective grounding or grounding is connected to the clamp screw on the device body.
- Having completed electrical installation, make sure once again that the boiler tank is filled with water, close the protective cap and turn on the power supply. The red light on the device body should light up. Using a test electric screwdriver, make sure there is no voltage on the housing.
- If the electric boiler is equipped with a dial thermometer, then after some time you can observe an increase in the water temperature.
On this installation work can be considered completed. During operation of the unit, do not forget to monitor the tightness of all connections and the reliability of electrical contacts. If you constantly use the water heater, it is advisable to replace the magnesium anode approximately once a year; this will significantly extend its trouble-free service life.
Very important! When performing any work, it is necessary to comply with general and electrical safety rules. When cutting metal and performing other operations, wear protective gloves or mittens. When drilling concrete walls Wear safety glasses. Perform all electrical installation work on de-energized electrical appliances.
For home handyman Even with a budget bathroom renovation, the skills to install a faucet and the ability to connect an air conditioner are necessary. If you have the skill, then the work of installing an electric water heater will not cause any particular difficulties, the main thing is attentiveness, accuracy and thoroughness at every step. If experience is not enough, it is better to show it to a more experienced and qualified technician before turning on the mounted device.