In article , says...
In message , Will burbled:
The replacement heaters that I have installed since the new type
stats were introduced have all been set to the maximum temperature
available, a number of people have noted that the water is not hot
enough. Nothing that can be readily done about it...
=20
So you're saying that recent (?) changes have introduced new, lower=20
temperature thermostats for efficiency/health and safety concerns, and th=
at=20
I'm unlikely ever to get my hot water above 56=B0C ?

=09In my experience, when the "new" type 'stats came into use, the=20
maximum settable temperature was significantly reduced. I have also=20
noted that the "new" type 'stats no longer have temperatures marked=20
thereon, replaced with a "+" and "-".

=09I have perused large amounts of "official" and "non-official"=20
websites trying to find a definitive statement regarding the allowable=20
settings on the 'stats, but have only found numerous recommendations=20
that the temperature be set to "about 60=B0C"

=09It occurred to me that since your thermostat probably switches=20
your immersion off at 2.30am or thereabouts, heat losses from the tank=20
may also account for the lower temperatures you are getting at the time=20
of usage.

=09I eventually found the following site, which ought to be of some=20
help in your situation...

http://www.sunvic.co.uk/rt.html

=09The VKL3201, which includes the over-temp. cutout, has a max.=20
setting of 70=B0C

=09The VKL2201, which it replaces, has a max. temp. setting 10=B0C=20
higher.

=09Any contractor fitting an old type 'stat is liable to prosecution=20
in the event of an accident or incident involving it. It is possible=20
that anyone fitting one themselves may be in the same position,=20
particularly if a third party is injured...

=20
If so I shall go back to the plumber and demand back the money for the ti=
me=20
he spent aimlessly flushing non-existent scale out of the hot water pipes=
..=20
Any plumber worth his salt should've known that new thermostats are coole=
r=20
than old ones.
=20
At the time I told him we didn't need new theermostats - I want the old o=
ne=20
back!
=20
=20

=09See above.

--=20
Regards,

Will.