What defines a "Potable water heater"?

A "potable water heater" is defined as a device designed to heat water for human consumption, including applications such as cooking, drinking, or bathing. The defining feature in this context is that a potable water heater must meet certain operational specifications to ensure safety and effectiveness in residential and commercial settings.

The requirement that it must have a heat input exceeding 200,000 Btu/hr indicates that the heater is capable of efficiently heating a substantial volume of water quickly, making it suitable for its intended uses. This specification helps differentiate potable water heaters from other types of heating devices that may not be intended for direct human consumption or that operate at different capacities or pressures.

In many regulations and standards, the heat input rating is a crucial factor that speaks to the performance and utility of the heater in providing an adequate supply of hot water for consumption. The higher heat input allows the unit to maintain consistent temperatures and supply demands, which is essential in both residential and commercial applications.

While other features, such as capacity or operating pressure, may apply to various aspects of water heaters, the criterion of heat input is specifically aligned with the functionality and definition of a potable water heater in this context.