demand type water heaters

[Judith Kennedy]

In our travels to central and south america, we took many showers in local establishments. Most of these showers had hot water ( if any ) supplied by an on demand heater screwed to the shower head pipe. The wiring to these units were often pretty scary and never seemed to be larger that #14 or possibly #12 wire of questionable origin. Therefore I am assuming that the current requirement is suprisingly small. As one might suspect, the quanity of heat was somewhat related to the flow rate. It took some getting used to, but proved to be adequate.

[Roger C H]

But don't forget in S. America, like in Europe, they use 220 volt electricity which only needs half the size of wire that 110 volts does for the same power output.

Here are the specs of a 'typical' tankless hot water heater:

Eemax EX95 "Flow Controlled" Electric Tankless Water Heater Specifications:
• EX = Bottom Water Connection, 1/2" compression fittings
• Volts 240V
• KW 9.5kW
• Amps 40A
• Rise at .75 GPM 87°F
• Rise at 1.0 GPM - 65°F
• Rise at 1.5 GPM - 43°F
• Rise at 2.0 GPM 32°F
• Wire Size AWG 10
• Dimensions - 10.75" x 5.25" x 2.125"
• Weight 3 lbs
• Element - Replaceable cartridge insert

I found this perusing the following website which has a very good explanation:

http://www.tanklesswaterheaterguide.com/

[pjanits]

Today I was with friends at Costco and they have a 110 v On demand hot water heater with spigot for around 100 bucks + ( I was more interested in the watts then anything else)
edit 129 bucks
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup....topnav=&s=1

Get this, it uses 780 watts! 6.5 amps and claims 60 cups/ hour. I could probably engineer a shower from that.

Maybe in a few months more I may look into this, meanwhile we just use or 35 cup coffee maker from the yard sale. We set it outside and I mix some cold water in a bowl and Viola! face wash, toothbrushing, dishwashing, etc.