What is required for all storage water heaters?

For storage water heaters, having a high limit aquastat and a temperature relief valve is essential for safety and proper operation. The high limit aquastat serves as a critical safety device that monitors the water temperature inside the heater. If the temperature exceeds a certain limit, the aquastat will interrupt the heating process, preventing the water from reaching dangerously high temperatures that could lead to malfunction or explosion.

Additionally, the temperature relief valve acts as a safety mechanism designed to prevent excessive pressure buildup within the tank. If the pressure exceeds safe levels–often due to overheating–the relief valve opens and allows water to escape, thereby reducing the pressure inside the unit.

In sum, having both a high limit aquastat and a temperature relief valve ensures that the water heater operates safely, maintaining the correct temperature and pressure levels to prevent accidents. This is why this answer is crucial for anyone working with storage water heaters.