Description

This Standard specifies the basic requirements related to safety and public health for water heaters and hot-water storage tanks that are intended for connection to a potable water supply, such as - 

• a) storage water heaters;
• b) heat-exchange water heaters;
• c) hot-water storage tanks with an external energy source;
• d) instantaneous water heaters; and
• e) boiling-water dispensers.

Scope

This Standard applies to water heaters using any type of heating, irrespective of the source of the heat energy imparted to the water, including electric resistance, gas, liquid or solid fuels, heat pumps, waste-heat recovery systems, solar energy or any other means of heating potable water.

In addition to the requirements of this Standard, additional requirements may be applicable for early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools and nursing homes or similar facilities for young, aged, sick or disabled persons, as set out in AS/NZS 3500.

This Standard does not include requirements affecting the durability of water heaters, except those applying to safety devices. It does not apply to steam generators, sterilizers, washing machines, wash boilers, urns, kettles, or hot-water supply systems intended solely for space heating, swimming pools, spa pools or industrial processes.

NOTE: The installation of water heaters and hot-water supply systems is covered by AS/NZS 3500.4 and AS/NZS 3500.5.