What component do electric water heaters use to heat water in the storage tank?

Electric water heaters utilize immersion elements to heat water in the storage tank. These immersion elements are metal rods that are directly submerged in the water within the tank. When electricity flows through these rods, they generate heat, which is transferred to the surrounding water, thus raising its temperature.

This design is highly effective for heating water because the elements are strategically positioned to maximize surface area contact with the water, ensuring efficient heating. Immersion elements can operate at various power levels depending on the size and requirements of the water heater.

While thermal coils are indeed used in different heating applications, they are not the standard component for electric water heaters. Gas burners are specific to gas-powered water heaters, and heating pads are typically not used in water heating systems as they are more common in other heating applications, such as heating pads for therapeutic purposes. Understanding these details helps clarify the unique role of immersion elements in electric water heating systems.