Vietnam Electricity issues safety warnings for water heater use

The Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) has issued safety recommendations for households using water heaters to prevent electric shocks and energy waste.

EVN advises users to turn off the power source before bathing, particularly when using indirect water heaters. The group recommends turning the device on for 10 to 15 minutes before use and then switching it off. This practice helps save electricity and mitigates the risk of electric shock if a leakage occurs during bathing.

Experts clarify that the thermal relay in these devices is designed to regulate water temperature, not to provide complete electrical isolation. While the relay stops heating when the target temperature is reached, it may automatically reconnect the circuit as water cools. Therefore, the relay cannot replace dedicated leakage protection devices. Additionally, EVN warns against leaving heaters on continuously 24/7, as this leads to unnecessary power consumption and potential risks from degrading internal components.