TOPIC: Scalding Temperature of Water Heater

Can someone tell me what the scalding temperature of a water heater would be 120 or 130?

Thanks

Most water heater OEM's call for setting at 120F or 125F.  Temperatures above 130F can cause 3rd degree burns in seconds.

www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-safest-tem...hot-water-heater.htm

Department of Energy:

Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them set at 120ºF. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding. However, if you have a dishwasher without a booster heater, it may require a water temperature within a range of 130ºF to 140ºF for optimum cleaning.

www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_hea...ex.cfm/mytopic=13090

Posting at the same time there. Looks like 120 is the magic number.

I agre with 120. I use my laser on the water coming out of the kitchen sink. If it is too high I just let my client know they may want to adjust it to around 120 to prevent injury to themselves or their children.

Yes, anything above 120 to 125 degrees is a danger for scalding, especially where younger children or the elderly are involved.