The recent electrocution involving electric water heater is tragic and serves as a great warning to all of us. TEEAM is taking the initiative to provide a safety guideline and advice so that the public can take action to immediately improve protection in the event of any failure of wiring and the water heater.

All water heaters are equipped with heating coils. This is electrically powered coil which is immersed in the water inside the water heater. Any insulation failure of this coil will endanger the person using the water heater.

To isolate (switch off) the electrical supply in the event of a failure protection can be provided by an external 10mA RCCB (ELCB)

RCCB (Residual current operated circuit breaker) is a device that can detect and measure current leakage. It will immediately trip and isolate the circuit should the leakage current exceed its tripping value and in this case should be 10mA (0.01Amp)

Recommended RCCB rating :
– rated current = 25amp
– rated residual tripping current ( sensitivity ) = 10mA

The average market price of this RCCB including installation is between RM300 – RM500.

Once installed, RCCBs must be regularly tested at least four times a year. This tripping test can easily be done by pressing a dedicated button marked “TEST” on the RCCB. The RCCB should be replaced if it fails to trip.

Water heater fatalities

1) December 2008 – Penang – main RCCB failed – no dedicated RCCB
2) June 2011 – Bangi, Selangor – main RCCB failed – no dedicated RCCB
3) December 2011 – Penang – short circuit in main DB – RCCB failed.
4) September 2013- Kuala Lumpur – under investigation.

We would also like to advise all house owners to engage a qualified and registered electrical contractor to install the water heaters.