What is the maximum water outlet temperature allowable for mixing valves supplying shower heads?

The maximum water outlet temperature allowable for mixing valves supplying shower heads is 49 °C. This standard is important for preventing scalding and ensuring safety in residential and commercial plumbing installations. The limit is put in place because exposure to higher temperatures can lead to serious burns, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

In practice, the regulation helps to minimize risk by ensuring that the water temperature delivered to shower heads does not exceed a level that could be dangerously hot. A temperature of 49 °C strikes a balance between comfort for users and safety, making it the preferred standard in the National Plumbing Code of Canada.

While other temperature limits may seem reasonable, they do not align with the standards established to protect health and safety in plumbing practices. Thus, the choice of 49 °C reflects a careful consideration of these important safety concerns.