Hot Water Tank Temperature Settings
Is your hot water tank set too high?
It's so nice to have hot water ready - especially for those who like hot showers! However, having your water set too high can be dangerous, especially if young children are around. The temperature of your hot water tank should be set at approximately 120 degrees. Here is a chart to show how long it takes to get a burn from your hot water:
Estimated Times/Temperatures Causing a Full Thickness (3°) Burn in Adults/Children
| Water Temperature |
Adults (skin thickness of 2.5mm) |
Children 0-5 Years (skin thickness of 0.56mm) |
|---|---|---|
| <160 F | 1 second | - |
| <149 F | 2 seconds | 0.5 seconds |
| <140 F | 5 seconds | 1 second |
| 135 F | 10 seconds | 4 seconds |
| 133 F | 16 seconds | - |
| <130 F | 35 seconds | 10 seconds |
| 127 F | 1 minute | - |
| 125 F | 2 minutes | - |
| 124 F | 3 minutes | - |
| 120 F | 10 minutes | |
| Source: National Burn Victim Foundation | ||
Notice the difference in skin thickness between children and adults. This is why children are so vulnerable to burns.