Source of heat for hotwater

[catcherintherye]

beeza,
While I certainly do not want, or intend, to become involved in an esoteric on-line debate, I do enjoy engaging in a worthwhile discussion on an interesting subject. You have provided such an opportunity, and I appreciate your sincereity and contribution.

As I'm sure you know, the existence of PD does not in itself provide the pathway for electricity. There is PD all over the place, as an example, at the point of the contact between insolators and distribution power. However, there is little chance of electricity passing through the insolator, even though the difference is great. In order for electrity to be dangerous it needs to travel through a circuit. In the case of human contact, the circuit is completed through the human body to ground. Without a pathway to ground there is no danger. In other words, if a person is completely insolated from ground, he or she can safely handle wires carrying more than 34,500 volts of power, which in fact happens quite often with electrical workers. Problems occur only when the worker comes in contact with ground.

In addition, as I am also sure you know, voltage has little to do with electricity's lethal potential. It has much more to do with the amperage of the current.

[beeza]

catcherintherye

Yes let's keep this intellectual jousting going without it getting nasty, I too enjoy it!

I agree that the existence of a PD doesn't necessarily induce a current flow. I agree that for this to happen you need a conductor.

But answer me this. Where does this electrically charged water go after it's gone over your body and down the drain? Does it go into the ground? Is the ground at a different potential to the house? Does that complete the circuit?

[catcherintherye]

beeza,
I think that depends on the drainage system. If the drainage pipe is PVC and travels straight down (from an upper floor for example) to some type of holding tank, there would be little or no chance of conducting electricity to ground.

However, if the drainage is slower moving, and therefore forming a continuous drainage stream , and the pipe metalic or conductive, and is deposited into a leeching field, the possiblity of creating a circuit is more viable.

However, having all those conditions exist simultaneously, in addition to having a defective showerhead water heater with ample amps to do damage are remote at best.

While I will concede the possibility exists of electrical shock severe enough to kill when using an electrical showerhead water heater, it is no more likely than when using almost any household appliance in the bathroom or kitchen. In fact, I would suggest the chances are much less, given the actual recorded cases of such mishaps.

[beeza]

catcherintherye

Thank you for concurring with me.

I am only trying to establish a risk assessment based on theory alone. The gist of it being that the threat of electrocution from these shower heaters exists.

Many factors have to come into play until a fatal accident occurs. Call it the swiss cheese effect, murphy's law, seven link chain event etc. But the fact is that there is a risk.

Usually the most effective deterrent against these accidents is common sense, but that is very difficult to quantify and measure. Common sense with a little knowledge can help reduce risks even more.

Arguing the fact that an accident will not happen is very foolish. Arguing that it is unlikely is only effective until all explanations of the "What if" have been answered.

[beeza]

Coincidentally, pure or de-ionized water is actually a very poor conductor of electricity. The higher the TDS (Total Disolved Solution) of the water, the higher the conductivity. In other words, sea water for example with it's solution of salt and other minerals is highly conductive.

Tap water, be it from rain, wells, rivers or reserviors has quite a high TDS. Drinking water is not so high.

So to be really safe, have a shower in de-ionized water. It will probably make your shampoo go a lot further and you'll be squeaky clean!