The temperature on a temperature and pressure relief valve for a water heater should open at or below which temperature?

The temperature on a temperature and pressure relief valve for a water heater should open at or below which temperature?

• A. 210 degrees Fahrenheit
• B. 180 degrees Fahrenheit
• C. 230 degrees Fahrenheit
• D. 250 degrees Fahrenheit

Answer: (A)

The safety function is to prevent the tank from overheating or over-pressurizing. A temperature and pressure relief valve is designed to start releasing water when the temperature reaches about 210°F (and also when pressure hits its limit, around 150 psi, whichever comes first). Choosing 210°F keeps the valve from tripping during normal heating, since typical domestic water is heated well below this, but it will activate before the water becomes dangerously hot or the tank could fail. If the setting were much higher, overheating could occur before relief happens; if it were much lower, the valve would vent too often, wasting water and energy. So 210°F is the standard threshold for this safety device.

The safety function is to prevent the tank from overheating or over-pressurizing. A temperature and pressure relief valve is designed to start releasing water when the temperature reaches about 210°F (and also when pressure hits its limit, around 150 psi, whichever comes first). Choosing 210°F keeps the valve from tripping during normal heating, since typical domestic water is heated well below this, but it will activate before the water becomes dangerously hot or the tank could fail. If the setting were much higher, overheating could occur before relief happens; if it were much lower, the valve would vent too often, wasting water and energy. So 210°F is the standard threshold for this safety device.