What could excessive temperature in a tank-less heater with no protective valves lead to?

Excessive temperature in a tankless water heater can lead to scalding due to the unpredictable nature of water temperature output when there is no proper regulation. Tankless heaters are designed to provide an on-demand supply of hot water, and if the temperature control fails or if there are no protective valves in place to mitigate high temperatures, the water can become dangerously hot.

Scalding occurs when the skin comes into contact with water that is at a temperature high enough to cause burns. Typically, water temperatures above 140°F (60°C) can result in scalding injuries, particularly for young children and the elderly whose skin is more sensitive.

Maintaining an appropriate and safe temperature setting, often around 120°F (49°C), is crucial in preventing burns while still providing sufficient hot water. Therefore, the risk of scalding highlights the importance of safety features in tankless water heaters to control and limit water temperature effectively.