Why did 2 three-phase water heaters begin to heat poorly?

  • Mar 03, 2021

This was the title of the question from the reader Vitaly.

I continue to publish the questions that readers asked me. For new dear readers who came to my channel for the first time, I would like to inform you that there are already 31 such publications. You can familiarize yourself with some other questions and answers to them by clicking on the links at the bottom of this article.

The text of the question itself was as follows:

Hello. I have 2 electric 3-phase water heaters. And at one point they began to heat poorly. Is this possible in the absence of a phase? Or maybe there are other reasons?
Photo to illustrate the question
Photo to illustrate the question

I gave Vitaly the following answer:

Good day!

As far as I understand, do you use flow type three-phase electric water heaters? If I am mistaken, correct me, since the amount of heat given off per unit of time is really very important for them.

The absence of one of the phase conductors will definitely affect the operation of the heating element. But such devices, for the most part, are equipped with an "automation unit", which, in the absence of one of the phase conductors, should give a corresponding error. In addition, poor water heating can be caused by other factors:

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  • Low voltage level - often occurs during the cold season, when many residents of the private sector heat or use an electric furnace as an auxiliary heating. In the electrical distribution network, a voltage drop occurs due to a power shortage, which is reflected in the operation of other electrical appliances in the house, reducing their power and performance.
  • Seasonal temperature change - with a natural drop in temperature in winter, instantaneous water heaters do not have time to bring the liquid to the temperature you are used to. This is usually easily remedied by adjusting the settings for the colder season. An additional factor in this situation may be plaque formed on the surface of the heating elements, which also impairs heat transfer.
  • Poor electrical connection - if there is a weakening of contact on the supply line of water heaters, then a certain percentage of power will be constantly lost in the place of overheating. As a result, less voltage will be supplied to the water heaters, which will reduce their performance.

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P.S. Link to some past parts - Part 30, Part 29, Part 28, Part 27, Part 26, Part 25.