Hot Water Heater

[4evermaat]

recently I bought a Toshiba 3511-MC (3500 watt) and after almost 2 weeks of seemingly flawless service, the heating element stopped working. Took it back to Makro and got a slightly different Toshiba 4511 (4500 watt), Same price. Only one day now, but ok so far.

There were several brands: Hitachi, Sharp, Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung(?), and some other unfamiliar brands. It was hard to tell by looking which ones were quality. I can only go by my experience from different guesthouses. The prices at Makro/Tesco/Big C ranged from 2200 baht for the Sharp (with no flow reducer) to 4500 baht for the Hitachi. Homemart had mostly Panasonic of different wattages and pricing.

According to my installer, he recommended Panasonic highly. He also suggested that I didn't have to go above 3500 watt. Gf translation of "Sapli not have power strong" I'm not sure if she was referring to all of Sapli, or the place we are staying in. Reading other posts seem to indicate that the 4500w would give hotter water when the water pressure is strong. At the last guesthouse I stayed, there was no pressure reducer, so I had to control the flow only with the faucet handle. So the water was warmish when faucet was fully opened, but only hot when I reduced the flow to 1/3 open. If you reduced the flow too much, the safety switch turns off the heating element .

So which brands are worth it? 3500 watt vs 4500 watt? Any special settings or features to look out for?

PS: what would be the best way to "stress test" the maximum electrical load of the electricity output for the shop.? I was thinking turn on the higher-powered electrical units simultaneously and see how the power performs. (2 a/c units, 1 or both water heaters, 1 cooking device, washing machine, building lights). What's the worst that could happen?

[Crossy]

You sound like someone who needs a hot shower, so something bigger than the regular 3.5kW would suit. The offerings from the big names are much of a muchness, our Panasonic has been happy for nearly 4 years with no issues, but I'll probably be shelling out on Stiebel Eltron multipoints for the house.

Watch the size of your wiring and breaker if you go over 3,500 Watts, your 4,500 will likely be OK on a 20A breaker with 2.5mm² cable but anything bigger will need 4mm² cable and a 30A breaker.

Before you start 'stress testing' anything you should check:-

1. The rating of your meter
   
2. The size of the incoming breaker
   
3. The size of the feed cable.
   

And report back here with the sizes of your loads (water heaters, A/C etc).

The worst that can happen? A fire!