Hot Water Cylinders
[ Last Updated 3 July 2007 ]
Keep the hot water temperature in your cylinder above 60°C. It is important that the water in the cylinder is hot enough to kill bacteria such as legionella.
Compliance Document G12—Water Supplies of the Building Code states that hot water supplied to sanitary fixtures provided for personal hygiene (e.g. showers, baths, hand basins) should be a maximum of 45ºC for places such as childcare centres; schools; old people’s homes; etc. Elsewhere the maximum temperature to such fixtures should be 55ºC. This can be achieved by fitting a tempering valve to your cylinder. Hot water to the kitchen and laundry may be at cylinder temperature. The code is available from the Department of Building and Housing.
If there are young children in the home you might want to consider adjusting your tempering valve on your hot water cylinder to lower the temperature to 45°C at the tap. This is a safe water temperature for children, ensuring they don't get burned. Ask your local energy supplier or a licensed plumber for advice on how to adjust it, if necessary.
Always ensure that the thermostat and element covers are in place to prevent electric shock.
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