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⚠️ Water Heater Safety Guide (Singapore)

Stay Safe with Your JOVEN Water Heater

⚡ Quick Safety Rules (Read This First)

To use your water heater safely:

  • ✅ Must be installed by a licensed plumber

  • ✅ Must be connected with fixed wiring (No 3-Pin plug)

  • ✅ Must have proper earthing

  • ✅ Must be protected by ELCB / RCD

  • ❌ Do NOT block or obstruct the pressure relief valve (PRV)

  • ❌ Do NOT modify wiring or internal parts

🚨 These are not optional — they are critical safety requirements in Singapore.


⚡ 1. ELCB / RCD Protection (VERY IMPORTANT)

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What is ELCB / RCD?

An approved Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) or Residual Current Device (RCD) of 10mA sensitivity and higher than rated current:

  • Detects electrical leakage

  • Automatically cuts off power

  • Protects against electric shock

Why It Matters

👉 Water + electricity = high risk

If leakage occurs:

  • ELCB will trip immediately

  • Prevents serious injury or fatal shock

✅ What You Should Do

  • Ensure your heater is connected to ELCB/RCD

  • Test regularly (press “TEST” button)

  • If it trips repeatedly → call for service


🌍 2. Proper Earthing (CRITICAL)

What is Earthing?

Earthing provides a safe path for electricity to flow into the ground in case of fault.

Why It Matters

Without proper earthing:

  • Electrical faults cannot discharge safely

  • Risk of electric shock increases significantly

🚨 Important

👉 Never use a heater without proper earthing

👉 Heater must be permanently earthed. The use of plug and socket is not recommended.

👉 Always ensure installation includes:

  • correct grounding wire

  • secure connections


👨‍🔧 3. Licensed Plumber Requirement (Singapore Law)

🇸🇬 Regulatory Requirement

According to PUB:

  • All water heaters must be installed by a licensed plumber

  • Installation must comply with local regulations

⚠️ Why This Is Critical

A licensed plumber ensures:

  • Proper water connections

  • Safe pressure management

  • Compliance with regulations

❌ Do NOT:

  • Install heater yourself

  • Use unqualified installers

  • Modify piping without approval

👉 Non-compliance may result in:

  • safety hazards

  • damage to property

  • invalid warranty

👮Penalties for Non - Compliance by Public Utilities Board (PUB)

PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency
  • Fines: Up to SGD 10,000 and/or 3 months imprisonment (Public Utilities Act Section 40A).

  • Water Supply Cutoff: PUB may disconnect supply until violations are fixed


🔌 4. Electrical Safety (Do Not Ignore)

Must Have:

  • Dedicated power supply

  • Proper isolator switch

  • Correct wiring size

  • Fixed and Permanent Wiring

🚫 Do NOT:

  • Use 3 Pin Plug

  • Use extension cords

  • Share power with other appliances

  • Modify electrical connections


🚿 5. Unblocked Discharge Pipe at Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)

The Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) should never be purposely blocked or installed with an end cap or valve.

✅ Important:

  • Make sure the discharge pipe connection is properly connected. Failure to do so can cause serious damage and void the warranty.

  • Do not block or seal the drain valve which can cause serious damage and void the warranty.

  • The pressure relief valve must not be removed or connected away from the storage water heater

  • Do not use ABS or PVC plastic pipe for the outlet connections. Use only PUB approved stainless steel, copper or polymer pipe which can withstand high temperature and pressure.

  • The minimum pipe length between check valve(s) and pressure relieve valve must be 500mm for thermal expansion. Use only PUB approved pupe which can withstand high temperature and pressure for this connection.

  • Pressure reducing valve rated at 3.0 Bar (45 psi) must be installed if mains supply pressure is above 5.0 Bar (75 psi).

  • Discharge pipe length must not exceed 10 meters to avoid choked flow.


❤️ 6. Safe Usage Guidelines

✅ DO:

  • Turn off heater if not in use (conserve electricity for all types of heaters)

  • Check for unusual signs regularly

  • Keep heater accessible for servicing

❌ DO NOT:

  • Open heater casing

  • Attempt DIY repairs

  • Ignore warning signs


🚨 Warning Signs to Act Immediately

Stop using the heater and seek help from an electrician if:

  • ⚡ Heater trips power frequently

  • 🔥 Burning smell

  • 🔊 Unusual electrical noise


🧠 Why Safety Matters

Water heaters combine:

  • electricity

  • heat

  • water pressure

👉 Improper installation or usage can lead to:

  • electric shock

  • fire hazard

  • equipment failure


💡 JOVEN Safety Commitment

Joven heaters are designed with:

  • ✅ Built-in safety protections

  • ✅ Reliable electrical systems

  • ✅ Durable construction

👉 But safe installation and usage are equally important


📅 Safety Checklist

Before using your heater, confirm:

✔ Installed by licensed plumber
✔ Proper earthing
✔ ELCB / RCD installed
✔ Safe electrical connection and no 3 pin plug allowed
✔ No visible issues


❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a licensed plumber?

👉 Yes — required by regulation in Singapore


What happens if no ELCB?

👉 High risk of electric shock — unsafe to use

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