AS 3498-2003 specifies basic safety and public health related requirements for water heaters and hot-water storage tanks that are intended for connection to a potable water supply.

This Standard specifies basic safety and public health related requirements for water heaters and hot-water storage tanks that are intended for connection to a potable water supply, such as water heaters designed for connection to cold-water supply mains, including-(a) storage water heaters; (b) heat-exchange water heaters; (c) hot-water storage tanks with an external energy source;(d) instantaneous water heaters; and(e) boiling-water dispensers. The Standard applies to water heaters using any type of heating, irrespective of the source of the heat energy imparted to the water, including electric resistance, gas, liquid or solid fuels, heat pumps, waste-heat recovery systems, solar energy or any other means of heating potable water. In addition to the requirements of this Standard, additional requirements may be applicable for early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools and nursing homes or similar facilities for young, aged, sick or disabled persons, as described in AS/NZS 3500.4.2. The Standard does not include requirements affecting the durability of water heaters, except those applying to safety devices. It does not apply to steam generators, sterilizers, washing machines, wash boilers, urns, kettles, or hot-water supply systems intended solely for space heating, swimming pools, spa pools or industrial processes. NOTE: The installation of water heaters and hot-water supply systems is covered by AS 3500.4.1, AS/NZS 3500.4.2 and AS/NZS 3500.5.

First published as AS 3888(Int)-1991.Revised and redesignated AS 3498(Int)-1993.Revised and designated AS 3498-1995.Third edition 2003. First published as AS 3888(Int)-1991. Revised and redesignated AS 3498(Int)-1993. Revised and designated AS 3498-1995. Third edition 2003.