Thermostatic
mixing valves
mix the hot and cold water supplies to produce mixed water at
a controlled temperature. The hot water supply from the heater
is typically approximately 60°C. and is maintained at this
temperature for a number of reasons:
-
to
prevent the growth of potentially harmful organisms in the
water system, in particular the Legionnella bacteria, which
can cause Legionnaires disease.
-
to
provide water at a suitable temperature to the kitchen and
laundry
-
to
provide a greater capacity of warm water to the building (by
mixing with larger volumes of cold water)
However,
exposure to water above 60°C can scald, with potentially lethal
consequences. Therefore hot water should be mixed with cold water
at the point of use (e.g. basin, bath, shower or bidet) to provide
warm water at safely controlled and comfortable temperatures. |