The normal order of priorities in engineering product design are enumerated in Plate 9. The basic design is the responsibility of the original
manufacturer and the design normally should not to be changed. Exception is the additions
of protective measures such as heater lockdown, which in effect would be guarding.
This is exceptionally important in apartment complexes where often anyone can get to,
see, and adjust the hot water heater temperature. Better that the heater be installed so
that the casual passerby cannot easily vary the thermostat setting.
The warnings on hot water heaters are usually inadequate. See Plate
10. The manufacturers should make the warnings more conspicuous, robust, harsh, and
less in number.
Burns
