NSW Department of Fair Trading stated:
The design, construction, installation, replacement repair, alteration and maintenance of a heated water service must be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.4.
Therefore, when replacing an existing hot water heater (like for like), the sanitary fixture delivery temperature shall comply with AS/NZS3500.4:2003 Heated Water Services, Clause 1.9.2 Sanitary Fixtures delivery temperature. (A temperature control device must be installed)
Examples of when temperature control devices MUST BE installed are:
- Replacing a hot water heater – regardless of the type of heater or location of the heater.
- When doing new hot water pipe work on an extension, all NEW work is required to be tempered. NOTE: All existing hot water pipe work can remain unchanged.
- When temperature touch pads are being installed, (Touch pads are not an approved temperature control device).
Examples of when a temperature control device is NOT required:
- When there is a factory pre-set hot water unit being installed that supplies ablution areas (eg: bathrooms). This excludes healthcare and aged care buildings, early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools and nursing homes or similar facilities for the aged, the sick, children or people with disabilities etc. Refer to AS/NZS3500.4:2003 1.9.2 Sanitary fixtures delivery temperature
- When doing maintenance only on the valves to a heater (eg: replacing duo valve, control vales and the like, or TPR valves etc). Note: In all other areas other than ablutions, there are no temperature requirements, but it is highly recommended you discuss any requirements with your customer, BEFORE any installation work takes place
Reference:
AS NZS 3500.1:2003 Plumbing and Drainage, Part 4 Heated Water Services
Plumbing Code of Australia 2013 Part B2
To help clarify when a temperature control device is require to be installed refer to the following chart
Heated water supply
replacement/additions scenario
Note: Applies to bathroom renovation including the replacement and or repositioning of fixtures and fittings