AntiScald RonGeorge

Scalding Issues Associated
with Low Flow Fixtures

Presented to:
Water EC Conference
Newport Beach, CA
March 30, 2009
And
ASME/CSA Committee on Low Flow Shower Heads
April 22, 2009
By: Ron George, CIPE, CPD
Ron George Design & Consulting Services
3525 N. Dixie Hwy
Monroe, MI 48162
(734) 755-1908 cell
(734) 322-0225 Office
Web Site: www.rongeorgedesign.com
Copyright 2010: Ron George, Ron George Design & Consulting Services
Low Flow Showers

and their effect on
Temperature
Control
Facts About Water Use in the United States

Non-Residential Water Use:
Agricultural, Industrial,
Commercial, Etc. = 87%
5%
87%
5.6%
2.4%
8%
NonHousehold
Irrigation = 5%
Uses
Outdoor
Drinking, Bathing, Household
Washing = 5.6% Uses
Toilet Use
Toilet = 2.4%
Residential
Indoor Household Use = 8%
8% of all Water Use is Residential
Drinking,
Bathing, Etc..
Source: US Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency
The 1992 Energy Policy Act is a federal law that was enacted to save
water and energy by mandating low flow toilets, showers and
2
lavatories.
New Low Flow Products:

Health and Safety Issues
Plumbing Engineering Issues:
Engineers and Design Professionals are
concerned about product performance, user
comfort/satisfaction and Safety Issues.
Flow vs Temperature control

Thermal Shock & Scalding Concerns

There is a Major Concern in Older Homes with
Two-Handled Non-compensating Shower Controls.
Thermal shock and scalding is a health and safety issue related

to the restriction of flow at shower heads with noncompensating type shower valves. This is a matter of Physics.
No manufacturer can build a low-flow shower head that will not be
susceptible to thermal shock and scalding if it is connected to a twohandled or non-compensating shower valve.
Validation needed through testing with older style shower valves.
Currently ALL WaterSense and EPA testing I have inquired about is
done with newer code compliant installations the results of the
testing are skewed with respect to the risk of thermal shock and
scalding.
4
Thermal Shock - Definition

Thermal Shock occurs when there is a
pressure or temperature disturbance in the
piping system that will cause a sudden
change in the shower temperature. The
sudden change in the shower temperature
can cause a slip and fall injury that an lead
to broken bones or a head injury from a
fall. Sometimes the bather will grab the
temperature controls on the way down and
it can lead to a scalding incident.
5
Scalding - Definition
Scalding can occur when the skin is
exposed to temperatures in excess of 120
degrees Fahrenheit. Scalding can occur
in varying degrees based on the
temperature of the water and the exposure
time.
6
Temperature/Time Burn Chart

Temp. in Deg. F
111 F =
113 F =
116 F =
118 F =
120 F =
124 F =
131 F =
140 F =
151 F =
Time for 2nd deg. burn

270 mins.
120 mins.
20 mins.
15 mins.
8 mins.
2 mins.
17 seconds
3 seconds
Instant
Time for 3rd Deg. burn

300 mins.
180 mins.
45 mins.
20 mins.
10 mins.
4.2 mins.
30 seconds
5 seconds
2 Seconds
(Source: Report prepared by Dr. Moritz and Dr. Henriques at

Harvard Medical School in the 1940s for adult males. Children and
elderly can receive burns in less time because their skin is thinner.)
Definition:
Non-Compensating Shower Control Valve
A shower valve that does not compensate for
changes in pressure or temperature. This
would include: Two-handled shower valves and
older style Single-handle shower valves without
a pressure balancing/compensating component
or a thermostatic compensating component. It
is estimated that over 50 percent of all existing
homes have non-compensating shower valves.
8
Two-Handled Shower Valves

do not prevent:
Scalding or Thermal Shock
This style of shower control is
probably the most common shower
valve installed in older homes in the
US. (About 50%)
Two-handled shower valves do not
compensate for changes in
incoming pressure or temperature
as required by the model plumbing
codes.
These types of valves were
generally installed prior to when
codes required anti-scald valves for
new construction.
It is estimated that close to

50% of all existing showers
have two-handle noncompensating shower controls.
Two-Handled Shower Valves

do not prevent:
Scalding or Thermal Shock
Flow
Restrictor
When an existing shower

head is replaced with a low
flow shower head the low flow
shower head creates a flow
restriction in the shower arm.
Pressure disturbances in the
system become the path of
least resistance when another
nearby fixture is opened.
Flow Restrictor
Type Shower
Head
When a near-by CW
fixture is used HW will
crossover through the
valve and flow to the
path of least resistance.
10
In many Areas Water Utilities and

Conservation Programs are handing
out FREE Low-Flow shower heads.
This practice is EXTREMELY
DANGEROUS and exposes the entity to a
liability because the low flow shower heads
could lead to scalding and thermal shock
injuries if they are installed in older systems
without compensating type shower valves.
Warning labels and training are needed!
11
Low Flow Shower Head Issues:

There is a great need for research to determine a minimally acceptable shower
flow rate that will still Provide user comfort and address several issues, including the
following:
1.
Water droplet size - spray mist Legionellae Issues
2.
Force
3.
Ineffective Anti-Scald Devices with LF Showerheads
Noise
Wind chill factor Higher usage temperatures
Small water droplet size allows inhalation of water mist with Legionellae bacteria.
This also contributes to high moisture in bathrooms and can increase the possibility
of mold issues.
Consider a fan test to check for small water droplets.
Some models of low flow shower heads have very little force or rinsing ability.
Showerheads @ 1.5 GPM and lower still have a full spray pattern when an
ASSE 1062 Flow Reduction device trips to reduce the flow of water.
Testing I have conducted shows the shower head still has a full spray pattern in lieu
of the trickle when an ASSE 1062 anti-scald device is installed on the shower arm.
Aspirating type showers tend to be loud as the draw water into the stream of water it
creates a whistling/roaring sound and it also create water mist inhalation hazards
Aspirating type shower entrain air and water and create a wind chill effect in the
shower. This causes the bather to use a higher temperature setting than they would
normally use. Entrained air and evaporative cooling and wind chill effect causing
higher usage temperatures (hot heads and cold feet).
12
Low Flow Shower Head Issues:

6.
Temperature from top to bottom of shower area w/ fine droplets
7.
Additional Time Required in the Shower
8.
Time vs Temperature control delays
9.
User Satisfaction
Preliminary testing shows fine mist shower sprays cause higher

temperature settings. There is a very hot temperature coming out of the
shower head and because of evaporative cooling of the small droplets
the water feels very cold by the time it is near the bathers feet.
Low flow shower heads cause longer showering times. Time = $
Consider testing to compare the length of showering time with various
flow rates and shower head types. Consider a test of a 1 GPM shower
head showering time vs a 2.5 GPM showering time.
With lower flow shower heads and standard inch risers there is a
several second delay from the time you adjust the temperature control
until the time the adjusted temperature water flows out of the low flow
shower head. This delay can lead to over correction and thermal
shock and/or scalding issues.
shampoo rinse, time in shower

Low flow shower heads cause longer showering times. Time = $
13
Low Flow Shower Heads

Health and Safety Issues:
1. Scalding and thermal shock Scalding
and/or thermal shock can occur when low
flow or green products are mismatched.
Low flow with non-compensating shower
valve example:
A low-flow shower head installed with a
shower valve that is non-compensating
will not safely control the temperature
as flows and pressures change.
14
Two-Handle Faucet or Non-Compensating

Shower Valve Flow Dynamics
NonCompensating
Two Handle
Faucet
Mixed Flow to shower head

NonNearby
Compensating
CW
Two Handle
Fixture
Faucet
Flow Restrictor
(Resistence)
Nearby CW
Fixture Flowing
Flow
Normal Flow
Hot Water
Crossover to Cold
Water Pipe (Path of
Least Resistance)
Pressure
15
Disturbance
Flow Restrictor
Shower Head
A two-handled
non-safety shower
valve
Closed
Closed
Closed
No Flow
16
Flow Restrictor
Shower Head
Dangerous Hot
Water Temperature
A two-handled nonsafety shower valve.
Opened
Closed
Closed
HW Flow only can

produce scald burns
17
Flow Restrictor
Shower Head
105 Deg. F Mixed
Water Temperature
Closed
Closed
Closed
No Flow hot water in

pipes cooling off
18
Flow Restrictor
Shower Head
40 Deg. F CW
Temperature
Closed
Opened
Closed
CW Flow
19
Flow Restrictor
Shower Head
105 Deg. F Mixed
Water Temperature
Turbulent flow
mixes water
streams
Opened
Opened
Closed
Mixed Flow
20
Flow Restrictor
Shower Head
Illustration of A nonsafety shower valve

with crossover flow
and a pressure
disturbance
Dangerous Hot
Water Temperature
Water
Flowing
Opened
Opened
Mixed Flow With Pressure

Disturbance Nearby CW Valve is
Opened. Crossflow from no
check valve on shower valve
supplies
Opened
21
Flow Restrictor
Animation of A noncompensating faucet

with crossover flow
and a pressure
disturbance
Open
Open
Mixed Flow Returned to

Normal When Nearby
CW Valve is Closed
Closed
22
ASSE Single-Handle
Pressure Balancing Shower Valves
23
Pressure Balancing Valve

TW
Pressure
balancing piston
moves back and
forth with
changes in
pressure to
maintain a
constant mixed
water
ratio/temperature
at the outlet.
CW
HW
24

TW
CW
HW
25

TW
CW
HW
26

TW
CW
HW
27

TW
CW
HW
28

TW
CW
HW
29

TW
If the incoming
water temperature
changes this type of
valve does not have
the ability to sense
temperature and
compensate for
incoming water
temperature
changes
CW
HW
30
The Thermostatic Shower Valves

Two kinds of actuators
Only a few pounds of force to
move a mixing valve shuttle.
1. Bi-Metal Principle
This Design is like a clock spring. It has
poor torque & it is susceptible to sticking
because of scale & sediment build-up on
the coil and shuttle
2. Liquid Parafin Wax Filled

Capsule Principle
Hundreds of
pounds of force to
move a mixing
valve shuttle.
31
31
Thermostatic Valves with Parafin Wax

offer swift reaction and a powerful stroke
32
32
Scald Burns
Scald Burns are extremely
painful and life altering injuries!
We must take every precaution to test for the potential to
increase the risk of thermal shock and scalding. If there
is any possibility of an increased risk we must warn
consumers and building owner of the potential increased
risk of scalding.
Warnings must be included on products, packaging and
in installation and maintenance literature with low flow
showerheads (Below 2.5 GPM)
Ignoring the problem and Increasing the risk of thermal
shock and scalding should not be allowed.
33
Shower Flow Study Testing

Flow Rate vs Temperature Control
Shows need for industry warning.
A Recent Report at an ASME low flow Showerhead task force

meeting in Reno NV showed: As Flows through shower control
valves were reduced, the ability of the shower valve to control the
temperature to ASSE limits diminished. ASSE standards are
proposed for revision to address this issue. Warnings should be
required if the shower head and shower valve are not matched in
flows or supplied by the same manufacturer.
AT 2.5
GPM
MIXING
VALVE
PASSES
ASSE
TEMP
CONTROL
2.5 GPM
AT 1 GPM
MIXING
VALVE
FAILS
ASSE
TEMP
CONTROL
1 GPM
34
WARNING Labels and Education are needed

WARNING! Shower valves may not work properly when low flow showerheads
(restricting water flow below 2.5 gpm) are installed. Installing low flow
showerheads where compensating shower valves or conventional, noncompensating shower valves are installed will increase the risk of scalding or
other types of injuries, such as slips and falls due to thermal shock when the
plumbing system experiences pressure changes.
Make sure the low flow showerhead you wish to install is installed with a
shower valve that has been designed, tested and verified to function safely
at the reduced flow rate. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer of the valve
before installing a low flow showerhead.
1 Thermostatic compensating valves are designed to keep bathing water
temperatures in the shower fairly constant when other appliances, such as a
washing machine or toilet, are in use and when the hot or cold water supply
pressures change or the bathing water outlet temperature changes. The response
of this type of mechanism is different to that of a pressure balance compensating
valve see Note2.
2 Pressure balance compensating valves are designed to keep bathing water
temperature in the shower fairly constant when other appliances, such as a
washing machine or toilet, are in use and when the hot or cold water supply
pressures change.
3 Conventional, non-compensating valves are completely dependent on the user
to adjust the temperature at all times by changing the adjustment these types of
controls are not recommended with low flow or flow restricted shower heads,
because the possibility of scalding and thermal shock increases with the flow
35
restriction.
WARNING!
Conventional, non-compensating
valves are completely dependent on the
user to adjust the temperature at all times
by changing the adjustment.
These types of controls are NOT
recommended with low flow or flow
restricted shower heads, because the
possibility of scalding and thermal shock
increases with the flow restriction.
36
Local Jurisdictions Ignore Safety

Local Water Jurisdictions that Pass Water
Efficiency ordinances and distribute shower heads
without warnings about non-compensating shower
valves are putting themselves at risk.
(Example: Miami Dade County Water Conservation Ordinance)
Some Water Utilities are Passing out 1.5 GPM

flow restrictors and shower heads and are
unwittingly creating dangerous systems.
37
The Stacking Effect in

Un-circulated Water Heaters
165 F HW out
HOT WATER RISES TO

THE TOP OF AN
UNCIRCULATED TANK
DURING PERIODS OF
NON-USE.
COLD WATER IS MORE
DENSE AND STAYS AT
THE BOTTOM OF THE
TANK.
THERE CAN BE A
SIGINIFICANT
DIFFERENCE IN
TEMPERATURE FROM
THE TOP OF THE TANK
TO THE BOTTOM.
THE TOP PORTION

OF THE TANK CAN
BE EXTREMELY
HOT.
Up to 165 F
143 F = OFF
125 F Set Pt
107 F = ON
THE THERMOSTAT
CAN VARY AS
MUCH AS 15-18
DEGREES PLUS OR
MINUS THE SET
POINT
T
34-850 F
T-Stat Set at 125 F
THE BOTTOM
PORTION IS NOT
HOT ENOUGH TO
BE A USEABLE
TEMPERATURE.
Graphic By: Ron George, President, Ron George Design & Consulting Services. www.rongeorgedesign.com
38
The Stacking Effect in

Un-circulated Water Heaters
155 F HW out
HOT WATER RISES TO
THE TOP OF AN
UNCIRCULATED TANK
DURING PERIODS OF
NON-USE.
COLD WATER IS MORE
DENSE AND STAYS AT
THE BOTTOM OF THE
TANK.
THERE CAN BE A
SIGINIFICANT
DIFFERENCE IN
TEMPERATURE FROM
THE TOP OF THE TANK
TO THE BOTTOM.
THE TOP PORTION

OF THE TANK CAN
BE EXTREMELY
HOT.
up to 155 F
135 F = OFF
120 F Set Pt
105 F = ON
THE THERMOSTAT
CAN VARY AS
MUCH AS 15-18
DEGREES PLUS OR
MINUS THE SET
POINT
T
34-850 F
T-Stat Set at 120 F
THE BOTTOM
PORTION IS NOT
HOT ENOUGH TO
BE A USEABLE
TEMPERATURE.
39
Typical HW System Temperature Fluctuations
120 Degree F
Temp setting
Circulated system with a 24

Degree F temperature swing.
Un-circulated Hot water
tanks will typically see
system temperatures with a
wider temperature swing
Flow Rate = 2.4 GPM
Flow Test By: Ron George, CPD, President

40
Turning Down the Thermostat

Setting on a Water Heater Will
NOT Prevent Scalding!
Most Plumbing Codes will not allow the
thermostat on the water heater to be used
as the final temperature control on a
domestic hot water system to prevent
scalding. Because the System
temperatures fluctuate widely as shown in
the previous slide.
41
How Do We Control the Temperature Swings?

Use ASSE 1017 Thermostatic Mixing Valves at the Water Heater!
ASSE 1017 Therm.
Mixing Valve
143 -163 F HW
HOT WATER RISES TO
THE TOP OF AN
UNCIRCULATED TANK
DURING PERIODS OF
NON-USE.
COLD WATER IS MORE
DENSE AND STAYS AT
THE BOTTOM OF THE
TANK.
THERE CAN BE 120
DEGREE F DIFFERENCE
IN TEMPERATURE
FROM THE TOP OF THE
TANK TO THE BOTTOM.
34-850 F
34 - 85 F
THE TOP PORTION
OF THE TANK CAN
BE EXTREMELY
HOT.
143 F to 163 F
143 F = OFF
125 F Set Pt
107 F = ON
120 F
THE THERMOSTAT
CAN VARY AS
MUCH AS 15-18
DEGREES PLUS OR
MINUS THE SET
POINT
T
THE BOTTOM
PORTION IS NOT
HOT ENOUGH TO
BE A USEABLE
TEMPERATURE. 42

ASSE 1017 Thermostatic
Mixing Valve
120 F
125 -155 F HW
34 - 85 F
125 F to 155 F
155 F = OFF
140 F Set Pt
125 F = ON
HW CIRC
PUMP
107-1100 F
43

ASSE 1017/
CSA B125
Thermostatic
Mixing Valve
TW 120 F
CW
TAFR VA.
ASSE 1062
155 F
120 F
SHOWER VA.
ASSE 1016 /
CSA B125
40 F
Graphic By: Ron George, President, Ron George Design & Consulting Services.
www.rongeorgedesign.com
44
A cheap solution for

non-compensating valves.
Temperature Actuated Flow Reduction Valve (TAFR)
ASSE-1062
The Device installed here or in

tub spout shuts-off the flow of
water to a drip when the
temperature exceeds 115 to
117 Degrees F (46C to 47C)
Available at:
http://www.cashacme.com/prod_thermostatics_HG_TAFR.php
or www.pppinc.net
45

non-compensating shower valves.
ASSE-1062
The Device installed here or in

a tub spout shuts-off the flow of
water to a drip when the
temperature exceeds 115 to
117 Degrees F (46C to 47C)
Available at:
http://www.cashacme.com/prod_thermostatics_HG_TAFR.php
or www.pppinc.net
46

non-compensating shower valves.
ASSE-1062
ASSE 1062 Temperature

Actuated Flow Reduction
Device
0.5 GPM ULF
Shower Head
CAUTION:
Some Ultra Low Flow shower
heads still have a full spray
pattern when the ASSE 1062
Device activates and reduces
the flow to approx 0.5 GPM.
Ultra Low Flow (ULF) Shower Heads Can

Cause Safety Devices to Not Work Properly!
47
Plumbing Engineers recommend

135 F - 140F storage temperatures
140F Water Storage Temperatures Kill
Bacteria and Pathogens in the hot water
such as Legionellae.
140 Deg F Storage Temp
48
Legionellae and Temperature
Below 68F Legionellae can survive but are dormant

Legionellae growth range (68F - 122F)
Ideal growth range (95F - 115F)
Above 122F Legionellae can survive but do not
multiply
At 130F Legionellae die within 5 to 6 hours
At 140F Legionellae die within 32 minutes
At 150F Legionellae die within 2 minutes
Disinfection range (158F - 176F)
49
Why use Thermostatic Mixing Valves?

Safety: Accurately and Safely deliver
water to points of use when the water
storage temperatures have been
increased to:
A) Store Hot water above 135 degrees F to
Eliminate Legionellae growth in hot water
tanks.
B) Prevent flue gases from condensing in gas
fired water heaters that are not designed for
condensing operation.
50
Green Initiatives: LEED and WaterSense

We need to develop water conservation products
and programs to reduce the water demands for
future generations.
Manufacturers, engineers, Inspectors and
plumbers need to develop water and energy
conservation products that not only address water
conservation, but also address:
- Safety (no scalding or thermal shock)
- System performance (Proper shower flow and
drain-line carry)
- User satisfaction. (Enough flow from fixtures to
satisfy the users without wasting their time.)
51
Quotes
Protection of the Publics Health and Safety is Nonnegotiable!
Source:
Undersecretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, (DENR)
Brigadier General, Francisco Bravo (Philippines)
Former President, Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers
Water Conservation is important, but not more

important than bather safety!
Ron George, CPD, President
www.rongeorgedesign.com
52
Summary:
Facts About Water Use in the United States
Non-Residential Water Use:
Agricultural, Industrial,
Commercial, Etc. = 87%
5%
87%
5.6%
2.4%
8%
NonHousehold
Irrigation = 5%
Uses
Outdoor
Drinking, Bathing, Household
Washing = 5.6% Uses
Toilet Use
Toilet = 2.4%
Residential
Indoor Household Use = 8%
8% of Water Use is Residential
Drinking,
Bathing, Etc..
Source: US Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency
Keep focus on where the real potential is for water savings.

53
The End
Questions?
By: Ron George, CIPE, CPD
3525 N. Dixie Hwy
Monroe, MI 48162
(734) 755-1908 cell
(734) 322-0225 Office
Web Site: www.rongeorgedesign.com
Graphics By: Ron George, President, Ron George Design & Consulting Services. www.rongeorgedesign.com
54

AntiScald RonGeorge

Transféré par

Informations du document

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

AntiScald RonGeorge

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Scalding Issues Associated

with Low Flow Fixtures

Low Flow Showers

Facts About Water Use in the United States

Indoor Household Use = 8%

8% of all Water Use is Residential

Source: US Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency

New Low Flow Products:

Flow vs Temperature control

Thermal Shock & Scalding Concerns

Thermal shock and scalding is a health and safety issue related

Thermal Shock - Definition

Temperature/Time Burn Chart

Time for 2nd deg. burn

Time for 3rd Deg. burn

(Source: Report prepared by Dr. Moritz and Dr. Henriques at

Two-Handled Shower Valves

It is estimated that close to

Two-Handled Shower Valves

When an existing shower

In many Areas Water Utilities and

Low Flow Shower Head Issues:

Water droplet size - spray mist Legionellae Issues

Ineffective Anti-Scald Devices with LF Showerheads

Wind chill factor Higher usage temperatures

Low Flow Shower Head Issues:

Temperature from top to bottom of shower area w/ fine droplets

Additional Time Required in the Shower

Time vs Temperature control delays

Preliminary testing shows fine mist shower sprays cause higher

shampoo rinse, time in shower

Low Flow Shower Heads

Two-Handle Faucet or Non-Compensating

Mixed Flow to shower head

A two-handled nonsafety shower valve.

HW Flow only can

A two-handled nonsafety shower valve.

No Flow hot water in

A two-handled nonsafety shower valve.

A two-handled nonsafety shower valve.

Illustration of A nonsafety shower valve

Mixed Flow With Pressure

Animation of A noncompensating faucet

Mixed Flow Returned to

Pressure Balancing Valve

Pressure Balancing Valve

Pressure Balancing Valve

Pressure Balancing Valve

Pressure Balancing Valve

Pressure Balancing Valve

Pressure Balancing Valve

The Thermostatic Shower Valves

2. Liquid Parafin Wax Filled

Thermostatic Valves with Parafin Wax

Shower Flow Study Testing

A Recent Report at an ASME low flow Showerhead task force

WARNING Labels and Education are needed

Local Jurisdictions Ignore Safety

Some Water Utilities are Passing out 1.5 GPM

The Stacking Effect in

HOT WATER RISES TO

THE TOP PORTION

T-Stat Set at 125 F