Me and my girlfriend got into a little argument about whether gas water heaters use electricity. I think natural gas water heaters use a little electricity and my girlfriend thinks they don’t. On our natural gas water heater there are little wires that lead to a turn-able nob that can turn the water heater on and off. I think this is where the electricity is used and she thinks gas runs through them.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, you are right and wrong. A matter of semantics,There is a little tube that is above the pilot. The heat from the pilot heats this tube (thermocouple) and it produces millivolts. The millivolts energize a small magnetic valve within the gas valve ( behind the knob you spoke about earlier) The magnetic valve is the safety device that allows the main gas valve to operate.If the pilot goes out the thermocouple cools and stops producing millivolts and deactivates the magnetic valve. Yes, there is electricity, but not wired to the main house system. It produces it’s own power. The house could blow away and the tank will still produce hot water..It could be embarrassing to bath without the house, but it could be done..You girl is right in as much it is not reliant on the power company to operate. Now, be nice to each other. You are both right. Although I’m on her side…
No. That’s why they are called gas water heaters. There are electric water heaters and there are gas water heaters.
Yes some gas heaters use electricity for starting the burner and for the thermostat the tells the heater when to turn on,
Your girlfriend is right. Gas water heaters use no electric. I’ve had mine for years and there is no electric running to it. You may be thinking gas dryers. I have one of those to and it does have an electric plug.
Sorry to break the news but, you’re all wrong! At the same time you all could be right!
I think that BuzzWaltz gives a very good explanation in his answer, but there is an exception to the rule.
There are gas burning (Power Vent) water heaters; they are generally more efficient, as well as more expensive than a standard water heater. Most of these units use a 110 volt blower system to vent the water heater and supply power to an electronic ignition system
With that being said, and given the description in the question, I would agree with BuzzWaltz and say that this is a standard standing pilot water heater.
The wires that you see are actually creating a circuit through two safety devices, namely the thermocouple, and the high limit cut-off. (Normally 200 degrees). Both devices have the ability to shut the system down in the event of a failure. If the pilot goes out, the power (in millivoltage) stops and the main burner will not open for ignition. In the event of an overheating above 200 degrees the high limit breaks the circuit through the wires that you see, not allowing the main burner valve to open.
Here is another suggestion, stand in front of the water heater and look at it. Do you see any wires coming out of it connecting to an external power source??? …… NO…. Sounds like your girlfriend may have already done this. Now go tell her she has a right to tease you about it.