The hot water in our office is very hot, and has a sign saying "Cautio: Hot Water". Why is this? Can't they just turn the temperature down?
2007-03-01 02:13:18 · 7 answers · asked by swinkate 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Perhaps it is what is called an "insta-hot" water heater that makes very hot water for making instant coffee, tea, or soup.
If it is a separate tap in a corner of the sink, that's what it is. You should be able to get "normal" hot water out of the faucet in the center.
Normal hot water is 110-120 deg F. Instant hot dispensers are 180-200 deg F.
If it is coming out of a standard faucet, you should notify the building maintenance staff. Most likely they are using a heat exchanger and steam to make the hot water and the steam valve is open too much. Or they have a conventional water heaters and the thermostats are too high.
A link to the insta-hot:
2007-03-01 13:06:29 · answer #1 · answered by H_A_V_0_C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Likely the hottest temperature will not be reached unless the water is run long enough to heat all the copper pipe and tubing and fittings from the boiler to the sink which may vary for different floors in the building. Frequent use of the sink may keep the lines warmer though. For a quick wash of hands the water may only get warm. The water should not be hot enough to scald and often there is a hot and cold faucet for a cooler mix. Less water may be used than if the water is supplied less hot.
2007-03-01 10:55:03 · answer #2 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water temperature should be set to 60 deg C to prevent the formation of Legionella.
This is way too hot to get your hands under, hence the warning.
2007-03-01 10:21:29 · answer #3 · answered by rookethorne 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The temperature can be set. However, due to the length that it may need to be pumped to reach all sections of the building, sometimes is set hot to avoid too cold on the far ends.
2007-03-01 10:21:24 · answer #4 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The water in office buildings etc has to be hot to prevent the spread of Legionaires Disease.
2007-03-01 10:23:00 · answer #5 · answered by k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring it to the attention of your Trade Union Health and Safety Representative.
2007-03-01 10:22:33 · answer #6 · answered by Tamart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. You probably should ask your building maintenance staff. We don't have that problem in our office building.
2007-03-01 10:17:38 · answer #7 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋