3 ms·

I used them for over 20 years in South America. I even burned them many times, to the dismay of my dad. I burned them because I wanted hotter water, and closed

by Shorel 4y ago

I used them for over 20 years in South America. I even burned them many times, to the dismay of my dad. I burned them because I wanted hotter water, and closed the water line as much as I can, the resistance heated up to red and then melted. The fact that ground contacts the water is by design. As far as I know, no one has ever been electrocuted by using one of these showers, not even me, so used to burn them. The only reason I use gas heaters now is: I can shower with hot enough water for a long time. So that teardown can be terrifying to you, but millions of South Americans pay no attention to such fear mongering at all. They are safe for people.

stickfigure 4y ago
I can confirm these are universal in Central America. It always terrified me somewhat, especially the more janky looking installs.
xani_ 4y ago
I mean, sure, you can make them work, but this particular one wasn't done correctly > I even burned them many times, to the dismay of my dad. I burned them because I wanted hotter water, and closed the water line as much as I can, the resistance heated up to red and then melted. I'd imagine making one with PTC (element that decreases resistance when heated, self-regulating temperature) would prevent that but that would add a buck or two on material bill
tyingq 4y ago
I believe you that accidents don't happen often with them. But, on the other hand, you're describing a scenario where you: - Melted the enclosure, probably exposing the wiring, maybe near your hand if you reached up to see what was happening - While you might have been standing on a drain that was an excellent path to ground And, if the ground wire is meant to be constantly in contact with the water, there's certainly cheap ways to ensure that, that are better than "exposed stripped end randomly sits in the chamber".
- Shorel 4y ago
  The enclosure doesn't melt. The resistance splits, and no longer provides a path for electricity to flow, so it stops heating. No wires are exposed. It's similar to an old electric bulb failure.

by Shorel 4y ago

stickfigure 4y ago

I can confirm these are universal in Central America. It always terrified me somewhat, especially the more janky looking installs.

xani_ 4y ago

I mean, sure, you can make them work, but this particular one wasn't done correctly > I even burned them many times, to the dismay of my dad. I burned them because I wanted hotter water, and closed the water line as much as I can, the resistance heated up to red and then melted. I'd imagine making one with PTC (element that decreases resistance when heated, self-regulating temperature) would prevent that but that would add a buck or two on material bill

tyingq 4y ago

I believe you that accidents don't happen often with them. But, on the other hand, you're describing a scenario where you: - Melted the enclosure, probably exposing the wiring, maybe near your hand if you reached up to see what was happening - While you might have been standing on a drain that was an excellent path to ground And, if the ground wire is meant to be constantly in contact with the water, there's certainly cheap ways to ensure that, that are better than "exposed stripped end randomly sits in the chamber".

Shorel 4y ago
The enclosure doesn't melt. The resistance splits, and no longer provides a path for electricity to flow, so it stops heating. No wires are exposed. It's similar to an old electric bulb failure.