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E4
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Instruction
manual
Error codes
Error code: Heating loss
Possible cause
An E4 error code occurs when the element is switched on and heats at a tempo of less than 4° in an hour
- considerably less than what would be expected. This means that the element is not working to capacity
or a heat loss is occurring somewhere. This could lead to using a lot more electricity than would be expected.
The heat loss could occur for various reasons:
No power supply to element.
Element failure.
Leaking hot water pipe.
Pipe work not installed correctly.
The E4 error code is based on the specific heat equation. How long should it take a body of water to be
heated from one temperature to another higher temperature? For example:
If a 150 litre geyser filled with cold water (20°C, say) is switched on, how long will it take a 3kW element to
heat the water to 65°C? The basic equation is:
Q = mc(T2-T1)/3600
where:
Q = energy in KWh needed to raise water temperature from T1 to T2
m = mass of water (Kg); = 150 in this case
c = specific heat of water (4.19 KJ/Kg/ C)
Therefore Q can be calculated as 7.85kWh, and a 3kW element will take 7.85/3 = 2.6h to bring the geyser's
water up to 65°C.
In the above equation it takes a 3kW element 2.6 hours to heat 150 litre of water by 45 degrees. On average
17.4°C per hour.
Based on this equation we went to look at the requirements in the ESKOM rebate programme regarding
sizes of elements and tanks, values given below.
Recommended element ratings are as follows that are used in the programme may not exceed a power
rating of:
1kW for a system between 50 litres and 99 litres.
2kW's for a system between 100 litres and 250 litres.
3kW's for a system between 251 litres and 350 litres.
Based on the equation,
A 1kw element on 99 litres should heat at a tempo of 9° per hour.
A 2kw element on a 250 litre tank should heat at a tempo of 7° per hour.
A 3kw element on a 350 litre tank should heat at a tempo of 7° per hour.
Remedial action
Switch off mains to geyser at DB board for 3 seconds.
Switch the geyser back on at the DB board.
Press the red power button on the GeyserWise to switch on element.
You should see at least 1°C temperature rise in 20 minutes without any water withdrawals.
If you still get an E4 error code please contact our offices for further advice.
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