Tecno TSH 5030R Horizontal Centralised Electric Storage Water Heater

This is the smallest capacity model from Tecno's range of horizontal storage water heater even though the manual states that there is an even smaller capacity model (25 L) as well as various other capacities. Tecno however only sells the 30 L, 50 L and 90 L models.

Although I posted about how a vertical storage heater is better than a horizontal one, this being almost similar in terms of physical size  (540 cm x 380 cm) with other similar capacity vertical models will not make much of a difference

It comes complete with all the necessary accessories including the installation brackets and mounting screws. The tank can be mounted on the left or right and on the floor or ceiling therefore placement shouldn't be a problem.

According to the manual, it is energy saving as the temperature of the heated water will be maintained up to 2 days after the heater is powered off.

I recently purchased the heater from Lazada for $178 nett after using a promo code that knocks some bucks off the actual price together with their free delivery promo on their app.

Warranty is only for 1 year for heating element but 5 years for the tank itself.

Unboxing

 The box it came with

The box includes all the necessary accessories to have it installed, including brackets, wall mounting screws etc.

The technical ratings on the control panel which is configured for right side mount. If you plan to mount on the left side, you have to rotate the control panel face plate.

The simple control panel consists of a dial for temperature settings and light indicators for heating and power.

After installation (before cleanup)

DIY

If you plan to perform a DIY installation, then the following are some tips

1. Get a 16mm drill to mount the wall mounting hooks

2. You will need a torx screwdriver if you need to rotate the control panel

3. A ratchet set will help to screw the mounting bracket to the heater

4. You may need the help of someone else to mount the heater to the wall hooks but I was able to do it on my own as it was not that heavy. Just be careful

Features

Blue Diamond enamel-coated inner tank and heavy duty anode rod protects tank against rust and corrosion;
High quality Incoloy heating element;
Thermal cutout to prevent overheating;
Glasslined coating on water inlet/outlet for better water quality;
Polyurethane insulation reduces energy loss (Energy Saving);
Multi-function safety valve;
Temperature control knob;
Water tubes whirl flow technology;
Multi-angle installation bracket.

Technical specs

Capacity - 30 Litre;
Rated voltage - 230V/50Hz;
Rated power input - 1500W;
Rated max temp - 75 Degrees Celsius
Rated pressure - 0.8 Mpa;
Water proof degree - IPX1;
Dimensions - 540 x 380 x 380 cm
Weight - 12.5 kg / 42.5 (empty / filled)

Note:

The IPX1 water proof degree means the heater can have water dripping (vertically) on it with no harmful effect when tested for 10 minutes with water equivalent to 1 mm rainfall per minute.

Incoloy is a superalloy designed for excellent corrosion resistance as well as strength at high temperatures.

Horizontal vs Vertical Storage Heater

For those planning to install a new water storage water heater, this is a good read

Geyser Mounting: Horizontal vs. Vertical

Basically, go for vertical one if possible. The reason is due to stratification.

Water stratification occurs when water masses with different properties - salinity, oxygenation, density, temperature - form layers that act as barriers to water mixing. These layers are normally arranged according to density, with the least dense water masses sitting above the more dense layers.

Hot water is less dense than cold water and as such, in a storage heater the hot water sits in layers with the hottest water being at the top of the heater.

Storage heaters installed in vertical configurations have much better stratification, and maintain this stratification better than equivalent sized horizontal heaters. Vertical storage heater stratification surface area is much smaller than that of a horizontal heaters, creating a smaller surface area for conduction between layers and less turbulence disrupting the layers when water is run through the heater.

Geyser Mounting: Horizontal vs. Vertical