Compiled by Tanya Olckers with technical input from Ariston, Kwikot, Advanced Valves and ECASA

Geysers are regulated through the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).

Geysers are highly regulated.

Geysers are highly regulated. Supplied by Ariston

Before we begin, it goes without saying that the installation of a geyser or water heater be done only by a qualified and competent plumber.

Geysers are regulated. Regulation VC9006 requires any person that manufactures, imports or sells water heaters must have a Letter of Authority (LOA) issued by the NRCS. This LOA is product/model specific and has a validity of three years.

Water heaters, commonly referred to in South Africa as geysers, are tested in accordance with SANS 151: ‘Fixed Electric Storage Water Heaters’. Typical tests include energy efficiency (they must be ‘B’ rated), resistance to fatigue failure, hot water output and corrosion resistance.

The electrical safety is tested in accordance with SANS/IEC 60335-2- 21: ‘Safety of household and similar electrical appliances – particular requirements for storage water heaters’.

This is an international safety testing system that makes allowance for each country/region to have national deviations. In South Africa these deviations are the requirement for a Temperature and Pressure safety valve (T&P valve), maximum system pressure of 600kPa and installation according to SANS 10254: ‘Installation, replacement and repair of hot water systems’.

Issuing of a LOA is conditional on compliance with SANS 151 and SANS 60335-2-21. This LOA is of utmost importance.

Geysers are supplied complete with a thermostat, heating element, T&P valve and drain cock (for emptying). For enamelled steel water heaters there is also a sacrificial anode fitted.

Thermostats are required to comply with SANS 181: Thermostats for electric storage water heaters – these thermostats have an adjustable control range from 30 – 70 degrees and a fixed safety cut-out around 100 degrees depending on their design. The safety cut-out must be manually reset after it has operated. It is a requirement that the geyser is tested to SANS 60335-2-21 with this compliant thermostat. There is a notice on the geyser that requires ‘like for like’ component replacement to ensure safety integrity.

Heating elements are required to comply with SANS 514: ‘Immersion heaters for electric storage water heaters’. It is a requirement that the water heater is tested to SANS 60335-2-21 with this compliant heating element. There is a notice on the water heater that requires like-for-like component replacement to ensure safety integrity.

T&P valves are required to comply with SANS 198: ‘Functional – control valves and safety valves for domestic hot and cold-water systems’. It is a regulatory requirement that the safety valve is supplied with the water heater. The safety valve determines the maximum operating pressure of the system and must be matched to the operating pressure of the water heater. It is a requirement that the water heater is tested to SANS 60335-2-21 with this compliant safety valve. There is a notice on the water heater that requires like- for-like component replacement to ensure safety integrity.

Drain cocks are required to comply with SANS 1808-53: ‘Drain cocks for hot water storage containers’. It is a requirement that the water heater is tested to SANS 60335-2-21 with this compliant drain cock. There is a notice on the water heater that requires like-for-like component replacement to ensure safety integrity.

What types of water heaters are available

Electric water heaters are designed to be connected to an AC 230v electrical supply. They are available in sizes 50ℓ to 300ℓ with 150ℓ being the most used. Element ratings vary from 2kW to 4kW. Most water heaters available in South Africa are renewable energy ready and can be connected to solar panels and heat pumps.

Gas water heaters in South Africa are generally of the instantaneous variety (heat water on demand with no storage tank). They are available from 5ℓ/min to 40ℓ/min and can be open flue self-igniting or forced induction with electronic temperature regulation. Gas appliances must have safety permits and must be installed by licensed gas installers.

Solar water heaters can be direct or indirect (for frost prone environments) and are available from 100ℓ to 300ℓ. Solar water heaters can also work as electric water heaters without solar panels.

“Issuing of a LOA is conditional on compliance with SANS 151 and SANS 60335-2-21. This LOA is of utmost importance.”

Magnesium or aluminium sacrificial anodes are fitted to enamelled steel water heaters to prevent corrosion of the steel inner tank. These anodes need to comply with the requirements of SANS 151 and should be inspected every two years. During the inspection, if the anode shows signs of depletion (less than 50% remaining material) they must be replaced to ensure continued corrosion protection.

What parts make up a geyser?

  • Water tank (cylinder)
  • Insulation
  • Outer casing
  • Water connections
  • Additional connections for renewable energy devices
  • Flange
  • Heating element
  • Thermostat
  • Anode
  • T&P valve (safety valve)
  • Drain cock

 

The electrical stuff

Supplied by Grant Seeman, ECASA national technical adviser

Here’s an overview of the electrical components and installation of the electrical side of a geyser.

Electrical components in a geyser:

  • Electrical wiring – Connects the thermostat, heating element, and power supply.
  • Thermostat – Controls the temperature of the water by turning the heating element on and off at the set temperature.
  • Heating element – Heats the water inside the geyser.
  • Control panel (in electronic geyser controllers) – Allows users to adjust settings like temperature or set timers and can include digital displays.

Geyser installation in accordance with the law

A geyser must be installed and certified by a licensed plumber.

Since the geyser is a fixed appliance, it must be connected using a switch disconnector (isolator) that switches both the live and neutral conductors.

SANS 10142-1 Ed3.2

6.16.1.1 Fixed appliances do not form part of the electrical installation other than their positioning in relation to the supply and the wiring carried out between different parts of the appliances.

6.16.1.2 The power supply to every fixed appliance, except luminaires, shall be supplied through

  1. a disconnecting device that disconnects both live conductors in a single phase supply and all phase conductors in a multiphase supply, or
  2. a socket-outlet that is directly accessible at all times that any person is exposed to such appliance while the supply is on. In the case of a remotely installed appliance, the position of the disconnecting device shall be indicated by means of a notice in close proximity to or on the appliance.

The geyser circuit must be protected by an Earth Leakage Unit (RCD) with a maximum tripping current rating of 30 milliamperes.

Heating elements are required to be compliant.

Heating elements are required to be compliant.

SANS 10142-1 Ed 3.2

6.16.2   Water heaters

NOTE: Water heaters include geysers, instantaneous water heaters including units for boiling water, heat pumps, solar systems, induction water heaters and the like (see also 6.16.1). electrode water heaters, steam generators and boilers are not included (refer to 6.16.7)

6.16.2.1  All water heaters shall be bonded in accordance with 6.13 and a.c. supply circuits shall be protected by earth leakage protection with I Δn not exceeding 30 mA.

NOTE To mitigate nuisance earth leakage tripping, an additional earth leakage may be provided.

The hot and cold water pipes must be earthed and bonded together.

 

SANS 10142-1 Ed 3.2

6.13.2.2 Hot and cold water systems Where the hot water system includes electric components and the water pipes are of conducting material, hot and cold water systems shall be bonded together and also be bonded to the earth continuity conductor system.

6.16.2.2 Dedicated circuits shall be provided for water heaters and there may be more than one water heater on each circuit. Where a socket-outlet is used, it shall be unswitched.

A registered person must issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) whenever a geyser is connected or when any of its electrical components are worked on, including maintenance. The CoC doesn’t cover the geyser itself but only up to its supply terminals.

Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR) 2009

‘installation work’ means¬

  • the installation, extension, modification or repair of an electrical installation;
  • the connection of machinery at the supply terminals of such machinery; or

(e) the inspection, testing and verification of electrical installations for the purpose of issuing a certificate of compliance;

9.(4) Any person who undertakes to do electrical installation work shall ensure that a valid certificate of compliance is issued for that work.

These components work together to ensure efficient heating and safe geyser operation. Proper installation and regular maintenance maintain the system’s functionality.

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