Two 15 litre geysers can be the same size, heating power and have very close designs. However, one has a pressure rating of 6 bars and the other has an 8 bar rating. Is this little distinction significant?
A lot, particularly in an apartment building with many floors.
Most homeowners don’t consider water pressure until they are looking for a new geyser. However, in Indian homes the pressure that can reach a bathroom can differ a lot depending on the plumbing system, the arrangement of the overhead tank and the booster pumps.
The difference between 6 bar and 8 bar geysers is the amount of water pressure that the appliance can endure during normal use.
A 6 bar geyser is rated to operate at 6 bar while an 8 bar geyser can operate up to 8 bar. Both are acceptable for use in the home, but it will depend on the actual water pressure in your home.
Let’s understand where that difference becomes important.
What Is the Meaning of Bar Pressure in a Geyser?
It is important to know what the number is before comparing the two ratings.
A unit of measurement for pressure is bar. It refers to the water pressure the water heater can withstand.
For reference:
- A bar is about equal to 100 kilopascals (kPa).
- The pressure of 6 bar is roughly equal to 600 kPa.
- The pressure of 8 bars is about 800 kPa.
- The 8 bar rating is about 33% more than the 6 bar rating.
Here’s an important difference.
It is not a rule that an 8 bar geyser will produce water at 8 bar pressure. The rating refers to the pressure that it can withstand, not the pressure that it produces.
The amount of pressure in your shower will depend on the building’s water supply and plumbing system.
Consider it a pressure-rated pipe. That’s not to say that a pipe that’s designed to handle more pressure generates the pressure itself. It just has a higher working range.
What’s the Difference Between 6 Bar and 8 Bar Geysers?
When you think about the circumstances under which each appliance is used, the difference becomes more apparent.
| Feature | 6 Bar Geyser | 8 Bar Geyser |
| Rated working pressure | 6 bar | 8 bar |
| Pressure handling | Suitable for installations within the specified pressure range | Suitable for installations requiring a higher pressure rating |
| High-pressure applications | Depends on the actual water pressure and appliance specifications | Can accommodate higher rated working pressure within the manufacturer’s limits |
| Heating performance | Depends on heating specifications | Not necessarily faster than a 6 bar geyser |
| Energy efficiency | Depends on the BEE star rating, insulation and heating specifications | Not necessarily more energy-efficient than a 6 bar geyser |
| Suitability | Depends on the home’s actual water pressure | Depends on whether the installation requires the additional pressure capacity |
1. Water Pressure Handling
A 6 bar geyser is used for installations with a working pressure within the specified range.
The 8 bar geyser has a greater pressure handling capacity, and can be used in installations where a higher pressure rating is needed.
This extra capacity can come in handy in buildings with pressurised water distribution systems.
Both ratings, however, should not be used as a license to disregard pressure fluctuations or installation requirements.
2. Suitability for High-Rise Apartments
Imagine two homes.
The first is an independent house with a traditional overhead water tank. The other is an apartment in a residential tower, which has a centralised pressure-boosting system.
They may have significantly varying water pressure needs.
The independent house may only require a 6 bar geyser, as long as the measured pressure is within the appliance’s specifications.
The apartment, however, might need an 8 bar geyser as the plumbing system is under high pressure.
Interestingly, the floor number of the apartment does not influence the pressure. Design of the building, pressure zones and pump settings are more important.
3. Operating Pressure Tolerances
Water pressure isn’t necessarily constant throughout the day.
Pressure changes may occur when pumps switch on, valves close or several households draw water simultaneously.
The rated working-pressure limit of an 8 bar geyser is higher than the 6 bar model.
However, pressure spikes can occur that are greater than normal operating pressures. Even with the geyser rated, appropriate pressure control and suitable safety devices are still required.
4. Heating Performance
That’s where the confusion can sometimes arise for the buyer.
A geyser with an 8 bar pressure rating does not heat water any quicker than a geyser with a lower pressure rating.
The main factors affecting the heating performance are:
- Heating element wattage
- Water storage capacity
- Incoming water temperature
- Thermostat settings
- Insulation quality
Two 15 litre, 6 bar and 8 bar geysers that have the same heating specifications can take roughly the same amount of time to heat.
The pressure rating is for a different requirement.
Why Is an 8 Bar Geyser Often Recommended for High-Rise Buildings?
Water distribution systems are increasingly used in modern residential towers in urban areas like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune.
These can vary from building to building and consist of pressure pumps, storage tanks at various levels and specific pressure areas.
These can be used to allow water to be spread over several levels but can also lead to increased pressures at some outlets.
The Function of Booster Pumps
Water pumps are used to boost the water pressure to ensure a sufficient supply throughout a building.
A residential complex, for example, can have pumps that service the apartments on multiple floors.
A geyser that is not rated to be installed in a plumbing system that is operating at a higher pressure than the geyser’s rated pressure will not work without pressure control.
This is where an 8 bar water heater comes into play.
It has a higher rated working pressure that allows it to be installed in applications that require that working pressure, but not exceeding the manufacturer’s limits.
Is It Always Pressure When You Live on a Higher Floor?
No.
A gravity-fed system may result in higher static pressure on lower floors due to the height of the water column above the lower floors.
The pressure in a pumped system is dependent on the pump operation and the configuration of the distribution system.
This means that water pressure in two different apartments of the same building can vary.
The best thing to do is to get the pressure checked rather than picking a geyser because of the floor number.
What Haier 8 Bar Water Heaters May You Take into Account?
Haier India has several 15 litre water heaters with a working pressure of 8 bar, which will be suitable for the Indian households that need water heaters with higher pressure handling capacity.
The three options that can be considered are Haier Square Spa Ivory, Haier Square Ivory and Haier PRECIS cylindrical water heaters.
All three have 15-litre storage capacity and an 8 bar pressure rating, but are designed differently and come with different extras.
Haier 15L Square Spa Ivory 5 Star Water Heater (ES15V-S1I)
Haier Square Spa Ivory is a unique square model with heating performance, protection and durability features.
It is 8 bar rated working pressure and is suitable for high-rise residential installations where this rating is necessary.
Notable features include:
- High Pressure (8 bar rated working pressure).
- Shock Proof technology to minimize electrical shock hazard in certain leakage situations.
- Overheating protection with Dual Thermal Proof technology.
- Corrosion-resistant glass-lined tank.
- Heating element of Incoloy 800 for durability.
- MUV valve with pressure relief, anti-vacuum, non-return and drainage functions.
- PUF/EPS insulation to minimize heat loss and repeated heating needs.
- 5-star energy rating.
The model also incorporates RSC U-turn Flow Technology, which promotes water flow and helps to prevent stagnant water buildup.
If a modern square water heater with no compromise on functionality is what you’re looking for, then you should consider the Square Spa Ivory.
Haier 15L Square Ivory 5 Star Water Heater (ES15V-SDI)
Others like to have more control over their water heating habits.
The Haier Square Ivory is an 8 bar rated working pressure model, with extra convenience.
Its specifications include:
- LED display for convenient operation.
- Smart Timer functionality.
- Smart Memory feature.
- Remote control support.
- Voltage fluctuation protection.
- Dual Thermal Proof technology.
- Bacteria Proof System.
- IPX4 water resistance.
- 5-star energy rating.
This model is different from the more traditional water heaters because of the Smart Timer and Smart Memory features.
These controls can simplify daily use for families that have a routine in place for the morning.
It also has a square shape, which offers a different option to the conventional cylindrical geysers.
Haier 15L PRECIS ABS 5 Star Cylindrical Water Heater (ES15V-PRECIS)
Not all bathrooms require a square appliance.
If you’re more of a traditionalist, the Haier PRECIS is an 8 bar choice.
This 15 litre water heater comes with multiple useful features and pressure rating.
These include:
- Shock Proof technology.
- Dual Thermal Proof protection.
- MUV valve.
- Glass-lined tank.
- Incoloy 800 heating element.
- Bacteria Proof System.
- U-turn Flow Technology from RSC.
- PUF/EPS insulation.
- IPX4 water resistance.
- 5-star energy rating.
The glass-lined tank is used to enhance corrosion resistance and the insulation is used to keep the temperature in the tank and to decrease the frequency of reheating.
It is cylindrical, which may be appealing to those who want a familiar water heater design in their home.
The three models all have an 8 bar rated working pressure, so appearance, controls and individual feature preferences may also be a deciding factor.
Apart From the Bar Rating, What Else Should You Check?
While pressure compatibility is essential, it’s not the only criterion to consider.
A geyser should also be appropriate for the hot water needs of your home.
Storage Capacity
If you use the water heater for bathing, a 15 litre storage water heater might be appropriate for your household needs, depending on how you use it.
But if there is a higher peak demand for hot water at the same time, a different capacity might be required.
Consider how many people use the bathroom, how frequently hot water is required and whether showers or buckets are preferred.
Safety Features
Electric water heaters use electricity and water that are in close contact.
Check for suitable safety features such as:
- Thermostat-based temperature regulation.
- Overheating protection.
- Pressure-relief arrangements.
- Electrical protection mechanisms.
- Proper earthing and suitable circuit protection.
Haier’s special models feature Shock Proof and Dual Thermal Proof technologies, and MUV valves.
The protection features are intended to support the protection systems and are not intended to replace proper installation or electrical safety practices.
Tank Construction
Indian cities have different water quality.
Mineral deposits and corrosion issues should be addressed in hard water regions.
Proper protective elements and glass-lined tanks can help ensure durability, but regular maintenance is required.
Energy Efficiency
Pressure rating and energy efficiency are two distinct factors.
The 8 bar geyser is not necessarily more electric efficient than a 6 bar geyser.
Instead, refer to the relevant BEE star rating, insulation and heating requirements.
The three Haier models mentioned above have 5-star energy ratings.
How to Know If Your Home Needs an 8 Bar or 6 Bar Geyser?
Do not guess; have the installation conditions evaluated prior to purchase.
A trained technician or plumber can determine if your home’s water is safe for the appliance you want to install.
The assessment should take into account the following:
- The amount of water pressure found at the point of installation.
- If the building has booster pumps.
- Pressure variations during operation of the pumps.
- The maximum rated working pressure of the geyser.
- The appropriateness of the pressure-relief valve and plumbing connections.
If the pressure is higher than the manufacturer’s maximum operating pressure, pressure regulation could be required.
Don’t tamper with safety valves or try to make up any plumbing changes to make the geyser more pressure-tolerant.
If the entire installation is compatible, it is beneficial to have a higher pressure rating.
Which Is Better, an 8 Bar Geyser or a 6 Bar Geyser?
Not automatically.
For installations that need the additional tolerance, an 8 bar geyser has a higher capacity of rated working pressure.
However, if your home is operating within the 6 bar model’s operating range, a 6 bar geyser may be suitable for your needs.
It’s important to select an appliance according to the actual conditions of operation, not just because the bigger the number, the better the performance.
If you are considering 8 bar water heaters for your home, Haier India’s 15-litre Square Spa Ivory, Square Ivory and PRECIS models provide various options of convenience and design.
Both offer the same stated 8 bar pressure rating, so the buyer can concentrate on features that are important to his/her home.
Select a Geyser That Is Compatible With Your Water Pressure
You don’t want to have to worry about an appliance that you expect to be working reliably every morning.
A 6 bar rating and an 8 bar rating are important to know when making a purchase, especially if the building has a pressurised water supply system.
For 8 bar water heater installation, check out Haier India’s Square Spa Ivory, Square Ivory and PRECIS models. The rated pressure, thermal protection and practical heating options provide choices for different household preferences.
Test the water pressure of your house, assess the water heater functions and select the appropriate Haier water heater for your bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I install an 8 bar geyser in a normal house?
Yes. An 8 bar geyser can be installed in an independent house, provided the water supply, electrical connections and installation conditions meet the manufacturer’s requirements.
2. Does an 8 bar geyser increase shower pressure?
No. The 8 bar rating indicates the geyser’s rated working-pressure capacity. It doesn’t mean the appliance increases incoming water pressure.
3. Is a 6 bar geyser suitable for a high-rise apartment?
It depends on the building’s actual water pressure. A 6 bar geyser may be suitable where operating pressure remains within its rated limit. Have the installation pressure assessed before purchasing.
4. Does an 8 bar geyser consume more electricity?
Not because of its pressure rating. Electricity consumption depends primarily on heating power, water usage, temperature settings, heat loss and operating duration.
5. Which Haier geysers support 8 bar pressure?
The Haier 15L Square Spa Ivory (ES15V-S1I), Haier 15L Square Ivory (ES15V-SDI) and Haier 15L PRECIS (ES15V-PRECIS) are specified with 8 bar rated working pressure.
6. What happens if water pressure exceeds the geyser’s rating?
Excessive pressure can place stress on the tank and connected components. Pressure-relief devices provide protection against excessive pressure, but they aren’t substitutes for proper pressure regulation. A qualified technician should assess the installation.