2013 Are these safe?? - Electrically heated sink taps

[ryansdirect]

Hi All,
I own a plumbing/bathroom merchants in the North West (uk)
I have the opportunity to bring into the uk a type of product that I have been asked for by customers and I think it may be popular.
However, I am not sure if uk regulations would allow this to be sold and would like some advice.
The products are kitchen sink mixer taps, which are fed by cold water only.
The water is heated within the tap itself by a standard electric mains supply (stated as 220v, 13.6a, 3kw, 50hz on the tech specs)
As far as I am aware, these type of products are not available anywhere else in UK and Id like to know if they are safe to install and conform to uk regs?
(the complete tech specs are as shown below)
Thanks, Phil

1.Solid brass body
2.Single lever ceramic disc cartridge
3.Chrome plated
4.Power supply:220V,13.6A,3KW,50HZ
5.Plug and wire (UK standard)
6.Installed upright
7.Anti-dry, power and water leakage device
8.Inner heating part(Silicon nitride)
9.Pressure required:2-6Bar
10.Cold water output:3-8L/Min
11.Swivel spout for single and and multiple bowl sinks
12.Hot water output:3-4L/Min
13.Adjustable temperature dial
14.Heating speed:35oC (2.5L/Min)
15.Waterproof:1p*4
16.Working times:1,000,000
17.Over temperature protection:55oC
18.Mixed valve
19.Dispenses 46oC hot water
20:Inlet connection:copper tail

 

[Guest111]

The plug in bit certainly won't be unless the plug is outside the bathroom,and they must be rcd protected,don't know about the rest as I was an industrial spark and haven't done much domestic.What does it say in the tech sheet regarding NEMA,VDE ,or UL listing as these are bodies that test the safety of electrical equipment.

 

[kingeri]

They'd surely need testing and to be approved for the UK market.

 

[markc123]

Agreed, if they haven't got a stamp from an approved UK company as regards to electrical safety in the UK then i would suggest not. If it's because they've never been in this country before like you said, it could be that they've never had the chance to be tested by such a company....i'd suggest you send them off to get checked.

I mean you describe the spec, but its irrelevent really, although the spec does sounds okay (apart from above, take notice of zones0,1,2) the build quality could be poor. You're best getting them checked by an approved body buddy.

Im guessing the wire would be a similar install to trace-heating systems?

 

[telectrix]

check and see if they are CE marked and approved. that is essential for sale in the UK. at 13.6A, each unit would require it's own dedicated circuit from the consumer unit.

edit. a couple of members are missing a point. they're kitchen taps, not bathroom

 

[Silly Sausage]

Ryan,

This unruly mob might know...
Plumbing Forum | Plumbing Advice | Plumbers Forums | A forum for plumbers advice in the UK

 

[ryansdirect]

Thanks Phil.
They are actually kitchen taps so wouldnt be fitted inside a bathroom, but I understand the need for an RCD.
The practical use for these would be for small offices or shops (or homes) that do not have any gas or electrically heated hot water for washing hands/dishes etc..
I suppose it would be similar to a Triton/Redring 3.0kw electric shower type handwash - or similar principal anyway
The products dont have any uk certification as yet, as they are only available in China.
I will submit the enquires to these bodies after the samples arrive and I have tested quality etc.

 

[Guest111]

check and see if they are CE marked and approved. that is essential for sale in the UK. at 13.6A, each unit would require it's own dedicated circuit from the consumer unit.

edit. a couple of members are missing a point. they're kitchen taps, not bathroom

That was the one I was looking for,CE my brain isn't functioning well at the moment mind you I have been up since 2am.

 

[telectrix]

Ryan,

This unruly mob might know...
Plumbing Forum | Plumbing Advice | Plumbers Forums | A forum for plumbers advice in the UK[/QUOTE

you're 'avin' a giraffe, mate. the only thing they'll know is how to fit them with the spout uppermost.

 

[markc123]

To be fair i did completley miss the kitchen point aswell, so point taken telectrix....i know i need to read more carefully before sticking my nose in :vanish:

It's been an early start - thats the excuse im sticking with anyway.

Basically.....

DO NOT listen to / believe anything i have to say im a sparks for gods sake! :44:

 

[Silly Sausage]

Give them something to think about...:tounge_smile:

 

[telectrix]

what does 1 plumber have that 2 haven't got?
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an odd number of brain cells. ( 1 ).

 

[Engineer54]

Why not contact the manufacturer and ask the relevant questions on the certification/approval status of this product. Generally you will find at least one or two English speaking (well Chinglish anyway, ...lol!!) Chinese in any well run manufacturing company over here.

The Chinese rarely design anything of their own, so it could well be a (out of copyrights registration model), copied certified/approved faucet from another Western country, which if manufactured to the same high standards, would still satisfy CE/UL/BS approval.

If it doesn't have the required certifications, maybe import one or two and send them off for appraisal.

 

[Paul.M]

check and see if they are CE marked and approved. that is essential for sale in the UK. at 13.6A, each unit would require it's own dedicated circuit from the consumer unit.

Agreed but that figure has come from a 220V which makes it 13.64A. If calculated on 230V it would then become 13.04A. Is it still ok on a plug top at FLC 0.04A over the ratting of the plug top/fuse/socket?

The 220V comes from a CE ruling that any equipment sold in the EU from 1990 must be able to run on 220V if it has a CE stamp on it. That may be the reason why they have put it as 220V to retail into Europe???

 

[Engineer54]

Agreed but that figure has come from a 220V which makes it 13.64A. If calculated on 230V it would then become 13.04A. Is it still ok on a plug top at FLC 0.04A over the ratting of the plug top/fuse/socket?

The 220V comes from a CE ruling that any equipment sold in the EU from 1990 must be able to run on 220V if it has a CE stamp on it. That may be the reason why they have put it as 220V to retail into Europe???

And if calculated at the real voltage (240) in the UK?? lol!!

 

[Paul.M]

And if calculated at the real voltage (240) in the UK?? lol!!

12.5A as well you know E54 lol. Thats the problem when installing showers, do you calc at nominal or actual voltage. Some times makes a difference in what size cable to use. Just like this product, if it is 3Kw at 220V then it needs its own supply and cant be just plugged in.

 

[brman]

Hope I haven't misunderstood you guys, but I doubt they are a fixed power rating, will they not effectively be a fixed resistance?

So 220V at 13.6A is 16.18 ohms. Put that across 250V and you get 3750W if i have done my sums right (or 14.9 Amps). Can't see that being a good idea from a plug/socket. (even thought it might actually work....)

 

[electri]

freee bumppppp

 

[brman]

Another thing, I don't know that much about plumbing but isn't 2 bar a bit high for a minimum pressure?

 

[Gazmm]

is it just me or has anyone else seen these taps already, they arent a new invention. theres an ad on tv at the moment by a company called quooker pushing them. quooker taps actually boil the water straight from cold feed only.

 

[brman]

is it just me or has anyone else seen these taps already, they arent a new invention. theres an ad on tv at the moment by a company called quooker pushing them. quooker taps actually boil the water straight from cold feed only.

there is a slight difference. these heat the water to normal hot tap temperature. the quookers give boiling water which I find a bit scarey as they look like a normal tap. I can see lots of people being scalded thinking it is a normal tap.....

 

[Gazmm]

ah right. please ignore the friend request i just sent, now i know what that button does.

 

[Geordie Spark]

It brings a whole new meaning to the term "Heat Sink" :joker:

Aye .... OK ... I'm going