The normal position is approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit. DANGER: WARNING: Hot water can produce first degree burns in 3 seconds at 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), in 20 seconds at 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius), in 8 minutes at 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius).
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: 120 degrees Fahrenheit
Explanation:
The statement highlights the relationship between hot water temperature and the risk of burns. The “normal position” for a water heater or faucet temperature control is approximately 120°F (49°C). This is generally considered a safe temperature for domestic hot water use because it significantly reduces the risk of burns, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with reduced sensitivity.
The danger of scalding increases dramatically with temperature:
- At 140°F (60°C), it takes just 3 seconds to cause a first-degree burn.
- At 130°F (54°C), it takes 20 seconds.
- At 120°F (49°C), it takes about 8 minutes to cause similar damage.
These statistics show how a small increase in water temperature can drastically reduce the time it takes to sustain serious injury. For instance, reducing the water heater setting from 140°F to 120°F increases the safe exposure time from 3 seconds to 8 minutes, providing a much greater margin of safety.
Many health and safety organizations, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), recommend setting water heaters at 120°F to prevent accidental burns while still providing water hot enough for domestic cleaning and bathing purposes.
In addition to safety, maintaining water at 120°F helps conserve energy. Heating water above this level not only consumes more electricity or gas but also increases heat loss through pipes and tanks.
In summary, 120°F is considered a safe and energy-efficient standard for water heater settings, significantly reducing the risk of burns and supporting overall household safety.
