News about water heater explosions and injuries is not uncommon. In fact, the government has long established relevant guidelines, implementing comprehensive monitoring and instructions for water heater production, supply chains, installation, and after-sales. Local governments also enforce strict regulations on water heater manufacturing and installation to ensure maximum protection of people's lives and property.

So, under normal circumstances, using an electric water heater is not dangerous. However, if users operate it improperly or seriously misuse it, there can still be certain risks. Therefore, it's important to pay attention to how you use an electric water heater to prevent any safety accidents.

When using an electric water heater, keep in mind:

1. Do not place flammable items near the water heater, as this could cause fire or accidents.

2. The power cord of the water heater must meet the rated current requirements of the product.

3. The water heater must have a reliable grounding wire. Indoor wiring should be properly grounded, with a ground resistance value of no more than 4Ω. The ground of the power supply must connect to the ground wire, and water pipes should never be used as grounding.

4. The power supply for the water heater should be a grounded circuit breaker. Do not use a mobile power strip. The breaker’s structure and capacity should match the water heater’s power needs, and it should be installed above the heater’s water outlet to avoid water splashing, which could cause a short circuit.

5. Check the 'test' button on the leakage protection plug weekly to ensure it works properly.

6. Never turn the power on or off with wet hands, and disconnect the power if the heater will not be used for a long time.

7. The safety valve should not be adjusted manually. If you connect a discharge pipe to the safety valve, it must point downward and remain open to the atmosphere.

8. If the power cord is damaged, use only a manufacturer-provided replacement and have a professional handle the replacement to avoid danger.

9. When cleaning and maintaining the heater, always disconnect the power first. Do not spray water directly on the heater’s surface; use a soft damp cloth, then dry with a clean cloth.

10. When using the heater for the first time or after maintenance and cleaning, fill the heater with water before turning on the power.

11. In winter, if the heater will not be used for a long time, drain the water in the tank to prevent freezing and damage. Always cut off the power before draining.

12. For non-smart thermostatic heaters with temperatures above 75°C, test the water temperature first to avoid burns.

13. Water quality and hardness vary by region, so regularly drain, clean, and descale the heater.

14. The lifespan of an electric water heater should not exceed six years. Using it beyond this period can create safety risks, so it should be replaced in time.

From the above precautions, it’s clear that when using an electric water heater, two main things should be noted: first, electrical safety; and second, regular maintenance and cleaning due to limescale buildup.