Heater attachments for faucets, what they are and their features

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.

What is inside?

The heating element and power cable are hidden in the body of the water heating faucet. Water flows in a spiral and begins to flow out approximately 5-10 seconds after turning on the device. 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 under the body there is a switch and an 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 configuration, 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.
• per minute .
• Convenient temperature adjustment.
• Uncontrolled changes from too cold to too hot water are eliminated.
• 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, instant water heating taps have the following disadvantages:

• Some taps (like Delimano) have a wire that is too short to connect to the network.
• The device requires 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 safety reasons, grounding must be done . 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 purchase 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 the water tap. Types and principle of operation of the crane. Find out how a instantaneous electric water heater for a tap works here. Find out what you need to pay attention to when choosing faucets for the bathroom and kitchen from special publications.

Types of compact electric heaters

Hot water supply modules for faucets are usually divided into two types: a removable heating nozzle and faucets with a built-in heating element. To supply warm water to the sink of the wash area and to the kitchen sink, universal wall outlets are often used.

Separate faucet attachment

The module is installed on the spout of a previously installed mixer. The main advantages of the mini-block: low cost, ability to connect to an existing tap, compactness. The disadvantages are obvious - as a rule, the thermo-block has low power and productivity (about 4 l/min).

The small size does not allow the nozzle to be equipped with a full-fledged security system and a more or less powerful heating element. The efficiency and reliability of the device is quite low

As a protective element, the module is equipped with a temperature sensor that prevents overheating of the internal elements.

Instant water heating mixer

Heated taps occupy a large part of the segment of instantaneous miniature water heating units. The device operates in three modes:

1. Hot water supply. The mixer handle is turned to the right. The electrical system comes into operation, providing a flow of warm water.
2. Cold water supply. Turning the lever to the left turns off the electrical part of the faucet - cold water flows from the mixer.
3. Shutdown. The joystick handle is in the central lowered position - the heating tap is inactive. The circuit is de-energized and the water supply has been stopped.

In most flow-type models, the water temperature is controlled by changing the pressure. Moving the lever vertically allows you to select the heating mode with an error of 0.5-1°C.

A water heating faucet costs more than a separate nozzle. But the difference in price is compensated by the increased performance of the device and a high degree of safety.

Wall-mounted “flow outlet”: pressure and non-pressure model

A universal water heater can be connected to the tap.

The electrical module has a number of distinctive features:

• the ability to service several water intake points simultaneously;
• high degree of protection;
• productivity up to 7-9 l/min, which is more in comparison with faucet attachments and mixer-heaters;
• wall mounting.

The body is made in the form of a spacious box. The increased area of ​​the heating element explains the improved heating characteristics of the device.

The block is attached to the wall near the crane. In order not to clutter up the space for a mirror or a spacious shelf, the module can be placed under the sink

There are two types of wall ducts:

1. Pressure. Hot water from the heater is supplied to the distribution network, and then to the water intake points. The power of the units is 3-20 kW, single- and three-phase connection is possible.
2. Non-pressure. Designed to serve one point of water consumption - water from the mini-boiler is immediately transferred outside through the tap. Device power is 2-8 kW.

If there is a sharp drop in pressure in the plumbing system, the flow of water through the free-flow module will slow down - there is a high probability of receiving very hot water at the outlet. In devices with a temperature sensor, this problem is solved.

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?

Design features and main characteristics

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 back. 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:

• frame;
• heating steel or copper element (tubular heating element);
• temperature sensor with overheat shutdown function;
• water supply relay, which turns on the power supply;
• short or long spout;
• mesh filter;
• power regulator.

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 limits 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 failure is water hammer. 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.

Pay attention to the coarse filter and do not forget to install it during assembly. It protects the device from large particles of dirt and sand, which can damage the heating chamber and damage the mixer.

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 on the angle of rotation of the lever , which, according to the principle of operation, resembles a conventional 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 faucet 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.

In general , 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!

How to choose the right thermostatic tap for water supply - how to buy the best one

To buy a good mixer with a built-in heater, experts recommend paying attention to the following aspects:

1. The selected model must comply with the standards and indicators of the domestic water supply and sanitation system. It is unlikely that the buyer will want to purchase the product and then buy additional adapters, fittings, pipes, etc.
2. During installation, you must pay attention to the location of the pipes. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the device supplies hot water from the right side, and cold water from the left. If installation is carried out on pipes installed in the reverse order, the device may not work at all.
3. The design features of water mains make it possible for cold water to enter the hot water supply system . If this problem is relevant in your home, you need to purchase a device with a check valve that will prevent possible mixing of water.
4. If you have children at home, it is not recommended to purchase models with touch panels. It is worth remembering that water will constantly fall on the surface of the faucets, leaving behind stains - there will always be clear traces of splashes, fingerprints, etc. on the touch panels.
5. The price should be optimal for the family budget.

We recommend watching the video showing a thermostatic water mixer:

Finally, we note that before installing a heated tap, you need to take care of the quality of the water that enters the house. In order for the device to last as long as possible, it is necessary to install filters for water purification.

Thus, residents will receive clean water, and the device itself will last as long as possible.