Keltech’s Glossary of Terms includes the names, definitions, and descriptions of terms or products that are common throughout our tankless water heating product literature and this website.

Bimetal fuses
Bimetal fuses are mechanical safety switches used to limit heat exchanger temperatures if the primary control system fails for any reason. Keltech’s safety switches are made of a bimetal (or two metal) disc that opens current carrying contacts if a predetermined temperature is exceeded.

Camloc® type fasteners
Camloc® is a registered trademark for specialty fasteners produced by Camloc Products Division of the Fairchild Corporation and is used here to describe a type of quarter turn fastener used for quick release of components used on Keltech heaters.

CORROSIVE FLUID PROTECTION SYSTEMS
To protect the heater from corrosion, Keltech constructs its electric heating elements of electro-polished and passivated Incoloy 800 sheathing. All plugs and fittings are stainless steel. All Keltech tankless water heaters are available with an optional Teflon® like fluorocarbon protective coating on internal passageways. Fluorocarbon coatings protect the heat exchanger from corrosive environments.

Keltech’s TE2 Protection System
This system is recommended when corrosion is a concern. The fluorocarbon coating TE2 Protection System is similar to Teflon® S and protects all heat exchanger surfaces that come in contact with heated fluids. The caustic and acid resistance of TE2 is very good and the solvent resistance is excellent.

 

De-ionized Water Solutions
Keltech has developed unique and exclusive protection systems that meet the requirements for ultra pure water. Keltech’s tankless hot water heaters are A-rated for de-ionized water, chlorides, saltwater solutions, reverse osmosis water, caustic alkalis and many other applications. All Keltech tankless hot water heaters are available with an optional Teflon® like fluorocarbon protective coating on internal passageways.

Keltech’s TE3 Protection System
This system is recommended when fluid purity is critical (e.g., to heat de-ionized water or to heat reverse osmosis water). To conform to FDA regulations governing direct food contact applications, the TE3 Protection System includes a fluorocarbon coating similar to the FDA approved Teflon® PFA on all surfaces and internal passageways that come in contact with the heated media.

 

T (Delta T)
Delta T refers to temperature rise. This is the amount in degrees Fahrenheit that the heater can raise fluid temperature as it moves through the Keltech unit.

Energy Efficient
Keltech water heating solutions perform on-demand. Because they are tankless, they only draw electricity and water when needed. Since there are no utilities to pay until the heater is used, utility costs are minimized. There’s no need to keep a 300 gallon tank heated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There’s also no need for expensive re-circulation loops.

 

ETL/cETL
The registered label for ITS Corporation, an international safety testing laboratory that tests and certifies tankless water heaters to UL499 and corresponding CSA standards.

Explosion Proof Purge System
For those environments that would require explosion proof protection, Keltech’s tankless water heaters in NEMA enclosures can be equipped with a purge system. Heat, moisture, dust and corrosion are eliminated by providing the enclosure with a slow but continuous flow of inert gas or dry compressed air. This process removes flammable gases or prevents the accumulation of ignitable dusts within the protected enclosure.

The type of purge system determines the classification or division the enclosure will meet. Electrical components installed in a NEMA 4 enclosure allow the system to be pressurized by clean instrument air or inert gas. This type of system conforms to Class 1, Division 2 hazardous area standards. Other class and division ratings may be available.

 

Flow modulation
Keltech tankless water heating solutions can be spec’d to meet the demand. Keltech tankless water heaters can be modulated to meet temperature and flow requirements without a loss in water pressure or time spent waiting for the right temperature. Tanks do not have the ability to accurately control water flow or temperature. The added tankless benefit is maximum energy efficiency. With a Keltech tankless solution, there is no wasted water or unnecessary heating.

 

FREEZE PROTECTION
Keltech’s freeze protection option protects the heater and internal components in sub-zero conditions. It allows the unit to function at –23ºF with an 11 mph wind. Freeze protection is only available with NEMA 4 or NEMA 4X options.

 

GPM
This is an abbreviation for gallons per minute. GPM is very important for sizing Keltech tankless water heaters as the flow passing through a tankless type heater has a great effect on the output temperature. The flow from a typical kitchen sink is usually around 1.5 GPM while the flow from a bathtub faucet can be 3 GPM or higher.

GROUND FAULT
This safety feature detects electrical leakage from external sources to protect the equipment, electronics and the heat exchanger from being damaged in the event of a power fault.

 

High/low temperature ALARMS
For critical process applications, the high/low temperature alarm alerts you to an over or under temperature situation. The alarm feature provides confidence that your fluids are in the defined temperature range.

 

High Temperature Cut-Off
Every heater that Keltech engineers includes a separate set of circuits that monitor over temperature conditions. Should overheating occur, each sector of the heat exchanger has a dedicated thermal switch that breaks power. Normal operation cannot be resumed until the safety switch is manually reset.

 

Hz
This is an abbreviation for Hertz. Hertz is the unit of frequency in cycles per second.

Incoloy 800
This material sheaths Keltech heating elements for protection and durability. It is recognized for its high strength and resistance to scaling, oxidation, carbonization, and other harmful effects of high-temperature exposure.

the keltech energy advantage
Keltech’s on-demand tankless water heaters typically have two advantages over boilers:

1. Energy Savings

Unlike boilers, Keltech’s heaters are tankless and heat water only when it’s needed.

There’s no wasted energy. The energy savings often produces a return on investment

within a few months.

2. Volume

Unlike hot water tank storage systems, Keltech’s heaters provide continuous capacity.

The flow of hot water can be unlimited.

 

kW
This is an abbreviation for kilowatt. 1kW = 1,000 watts. This is a common unit in the industry to size tankless water heaters. The kW rating on a Keltech heater refers to the maximum amount of electrical energy that can be transferred to the fluid as it passes through the heater. Since the heater modulates to a set-point temperature, your particular application may not ever require maximum kW exertion.

LED
The abbreviation for light emitting diode, an electronic device that lights up when electricity is passed through it. Keltech uses LED devices to display images because they can be relatively small, and they do not burn out.

Modulate (modulation)
Used to describe how a Keltech heater varies its power output to maintain a set point temperature.

NEMA
NEMA enclosures are standard on Keltech heaters. The term NEMA is an abbreviation for National Electrical Manufacturers Association. This is an organization that “promotes safety in the manufacture and use of electrical products... and represents industry interests in new and developing technologies.” (as excerpted from the nema.org website)

 

NEMA 1
Though rarely discussed in our information, this type of enclosure is standard on Keltech residential and light commercial process heaters. NEMA 1 enclosures are constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection for people against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment and to provide a degree of protection for the heater against falling dirt.

 

NEMA 4
NEMA 4 enclosures are standard on Keltech safety shower and eyewash heaters. Keltech utilizes NEMA 4 enclosures for indoor and outdoor use to provide a degree of protection for people against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment. It also provides a degree of protection for the heater against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, hose-directed water, and the external formation of ice on the enclosure.

 

NEMA 4X
For even harsher environments, Keltech uses NEMA 4X enclosures. NEMA 4X water tight enclosures are constructed from stainless steel for indoor and outdoor use and provide an additional level of protection for the heater against corrosion. They also provide protection for the heater against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, hose-directed water, and the external formation of ice on the enclosure. NEMA 4X also protects people against access to hazardous parts of the equipment.

 

NEMA 12
NEMA 12 enclosures are standard on Keltech light and large industrial process heaters. NEMA 12 enclosures are constructed (without knockouts) for indoor use to provide a degree of protection for people against incidental contact with the enclosed equipment. It also provides a degree of protection for the heater against falling dirt; against circulating dust, lint, fibers, and flyings; and against dripping and light splashing of liquids.

PID
The abbreviation for Proportional Integral Derivative - a type of temperature control used by Keltech that provides three functions: proportional action dampens the system response, integral corrects for droop, and derivative prevents overshoot and undershoot. Also termed an “Anticipatory” temperature control.

 

Precise Temperature Control
Keltech’s tankless water heaters provide precise temperature control (+/- 1ºF or .56ºC) for fluid process heating applications. Designed to exacting specifications and tested to ensure precise temperature delivery and specific flow rates, Keltech tankless water heating solutions perform reliably even in the most exacting environments. Precision temperature controls make Keltech tankless water heaters the preferred choice for process heating applications or an alternative to high energy consuming boiler use.

 

PSI
Pounds per Square Inch

Redundant Safety Features
Safety is paramount. We have engineered redundant safety features into all Keltech heaters to protect people and your investment in your Keltech tankless water heating solution.

 

Reliable Performance and Minimal Maintenance
Keltech tankless water heaters are built to last. We design and manufacture each custom built heater using rugged industrial strength components made of high quality copper and brass construction to extend the life of the heat exchanger. We pressure test each unit at 300 PSI to meet your exacting requirements and the demands of any environment. And, we are committed to specing quality components like Incoloy 800 sheathed heating elements to lengthen the useful life of the heater.

 

RFI
Radio Frequency Interference

 

Safe lavatory temperature settings
Because Keltech tankless water heating solutions can provide precise temperature control, you can pre-set lavatory temperatures to a comfortable 95ºF. That also provides an additional set of benefits. You won’t need to run dual hot and cold water lines. With a Keltech tankless water heating solution, just one water line is needed when you want to precisely control the temperature. You will also save money in materials cost: You’ll need less PVC and copper piping.

 

SCR
The abbreviation for Silicone Controlled Rectifier - SCR’s are half-wave unidirectional rectifiers which are turned on when current is supplied to the gate terminal.

 

Sizing Requirements
Sizing your tankless water heater is a critical part of the purchasing process. Two factors that require careful consideration for the accurate sizing of your system are:

1. Flow rate (GPM)

2. Temperature rise (T ºF)

To determine the size and kilowatt rating you need, apply this formula:
kW = (GPM) (T ºF) (.1465)

 

Tankless
Keltech water heaters are tankless. Storage tanks consume space and energy. Because the heater is tankless, there is no power draw without water demand. Since the heater operates on-demand there are no standby losses and no recovery time is required.

 

Triacs
Triacs are full-wave bi-directional AC switches that are turned on when current is supplied to the gate terminal of the device. Triacs are also considered back-to-back SCR’s.

 

V AC
Alternating Current Voltage

V DC
Direct Current Voltage

Water-Cooled Solid-State Relay Switching
Water-cooled solid-state relay switching controls provide an infinite variable power draw. All switching is done in a zero crossing package that precisely controls output temperature to
+/- 1°F.

 

Zero Crossing temperature control
This type of switching control will only allow a Triac to be turned on or off if the voltage on the Triac is at zero volts. This type of switching can limit voltage spikes in sensitive environments.