Vulcan 160L Electric Storage Hot Water System
The Vulcan 160L Electric Water Heater is a mains-pressure electric storage system designed for smaller households, units, townhouses and homes where a compact cylinder is preferred over a larger 250L, 315L or 400L electric system.
The current product belongs to Vulcan's 681160 single-element family. Vulcan lists 2.4kW and 3.6kW element options, with 681160G7 confirmed as the 3.6kW variant.
The system provides 160 litres of hot-water delivery, uses left-hand plumbing and TPR-valve connections, and is suitable for indoor or outdoor installation where the site meets the manufacturer's requirements.
Vulcan currently lists the 160L for up to four people under its stated sizing assumptions. Actual suitability depends on shower duration, outlet flow, baths, household routines and the availability of continuous electricity for reheating.
Installed Today can offer the Vulcan 160L as supply only or through eligible supplied-and-installed pathways in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas, subject to product availability, plumbing, electrical supply, drainage, access and installation conditions.
What Is the Current Vulcan 160L?
The current standard model is part of the 681160 Series.
It is a single-element electric storage water heater designed as a conventional mains-pressure replacement product.
2.4kW Variant
Vulcan's current product page lists a 2.4kW single-element option within the 681160 family.
681160G7
The G7 variant uses a 3.6kW single heating element.
How Many People Does the Vulcan 160L Suit?
Vulcan currently gives the 160L a maximum guide of four people under its published sizing assumptions.
The manufacturer bases its sizing guidance on factors including shower duration, mixed-water temperature and climate. Household behaviour can therefore produce very different results from one property to another.
Units & Townhouses
The narrow cylinder can suit properties where installation space is more restricted than for larger electric storage systems.
Smaller Households
The 160L can suit moderate daily hot-water demand where continuous reheating power is available.
Like-for-Like Replacement
It is particularly relevant where an existing 160L electric cylinder already occupies a suitable installation position.
Four people is a manufacturer sizing guide, not a guaranteed household capacity. Long showers, large baths and concentrated demand can justify a larger system.
Vulcan 160L at a Glance
Vulcan 160L Electric Water Heater Specifications
| Specification | Current Manufacturer Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Vulcan |
| Series | 681160 |
| System Type | Mains-pressure electric storage water heater |
| Hot-Water Delivery | 160L |
| Element Arrangement | Single element |
| Element Options | 2.4kW and 3.6kW manufacturer-listed variants |
| Confirmed 3.6kW Model | 681160G7 |
| Electrical Supply | 220–240V AC, 50Hz |
| Tariff | Continuous electricity supply |
| Installation | Indoor or outdoor |
| Connection Orientation | Left-hand |
| Hot & Cold Water Connections | Rp 3/4 |
| Relief-Valve Connection | Rp 1/2 |
| TPR Valve Setting | 1000kPa |
| ECV Setting | 850kPa where fitted |
| Maximum Mains Pressure With ECV | 680kPa |
| Maximum Mains Pressure Without ECV | 800kPa |
| Height | 1550mm |
| Main Body Width | Approximately 480mm |
| Maximum Depth | Approximately 494mm |
| Empty Weight | Approximately 52kg |
| Shipped Weight | Approximately 56kg |
| Manufacturer Household Guide | Up to 4 people under stated conditions |
Does the Vulcan 160L Need Continuous Power?
Yes. Vulcan's current product information specifies the 160L for connection to a continuous electricity supply.
This differs from larger storage systems that can be selected specifically around restricted overnight off-peak heating periods.
The smaller storage volume relies on electricity being available as required so the thermostat can reheat the water after hot water is used.
How Is the Vulcan 160L Electrically Connected?
Vulcan specifies permanent connection to a 220–240V AC, 50Hz mains supply.
The electrical circuit, cable, isolation and protective-device arrangement must suit the actual element fitted to the water heater and the existing installation.
The 3.6kW G7 model places a different load on the circuit from the lower-power 2.4kW variant, so the appliance code and element rating should be confirmed before electrical connection.
How Does the Vulcan 160L Heat Water?
The water heater uses a single electric immersion element near the lower section of the storage cylinder.
The thermostat automatically switches the heating element on when stored-water temperature falls and switches it off once the thermostat setting is reached.
This is a conventional electric-storage arrangement without a separate upper booster element.
Can the Vulcan 160L Be Installed Inside or Outside?
Yes. Vulcan specifies the 681 Series 160L for either indoor or outdoor installation.
The cylinder must stand vertically on a stable supporting surface and remain accessible for plumbing, electrical connection, maintenance and eventual replacement.
Outdoor positions need to remain suitable for the appliance and its electrical and plumbing connections, while indoor positions require appropriate consideration of drainage and possible water damage.
When Does the Vulcan 160L Need a Safe Tray?
Vulcan requires the water heater to be installed in a suitable safe tray where leakage could cause property damage.
This is especially relevant for internal laundries, cupboards, apartments and other positions where escaping water could damage floors, cabinetry, walls or surrounding finishes.
The safe tray requires its own suitable drain arrangement.
How Large Is the Vulcan 160L?
The current manufacturer installation drawing lists an overall height of approximately 1550mm, a main body width of approximately 480mm and a maximum depth of approximately 494mm.
The empty water heater weighs approximately 52kg.
Its narrow cabinet makes it considerably easier to accommodate than many larger family storage cylinders, but the complete delivery route and installation position still need to be checked.
- Check door and gate widths
- Check cupboard dimensions
- Check stairs or raised access
- Allow room for valves and pipework
- Allow access to the electrical service cover
- Maintain future service access
- Confirm the old water heater can be safely removed
Where Are the Plumbing Connections?
Vulcan specifies left-hand water and TPR-valve connections only for the 681 Series 160L.
The hot and cold water connections are Rp 3/4, while the TPR-valve connection is Rp 1/2.
Connection orientation matters on replacement work because existing pipework may require alteration if the old cylinder uses a different connection layout.
What Water Pressure Limits Apply?
The Vulcan 160L is listed with a 1000kPa temperature and pressure relief valve.
Where an expansion control valve is fitted, Vulcan lists an 850kPa ECV.
| Cold-Water Arrangement | Maximum Mains Supply Pressure |
|---|---|
| With Expansion Control Valve | 680kPa |
| Without Expansion Control Valve | 800kPa |
Where incoming mains pressure exceeds the applicable maximum, an appropriate pressure-limiting arrangement is required.
Does Every Vulcan 160L Need an ECV?
No. Vulcan identifies the ECV rating for installations where an expansion control valve is required, rather than stating that one must be installed in every property.
Where fitted, the expansion control valve provides a lower-pressure relief point on the cold-water side as stored water expands during heating.
The final valve arrangement depends on the property, water conditions and installation requirements.
Does the Vulcan 160L Need Drainage?
Yes. The TPR valve and any installed expansion control valve require appropriate drain lines.
Relief-valve discharge needs to remain open to atmosphere, visible and arranged so that hot water cannot cause injury, property damage or nuisance.
Where the existing drain arrangement is unsuitable for the replacement heater, additional plumbing work can be required.
How Hot Does the Vulcan 160L Store Water?
Vulcan's current owner guide states that the 80L to 160L electric models can heat stored water to approximately 60°C to 70°C, depending on thermostat setting.
Stored water at these temperatures can cause serious scalding.
The completed installation therefore needs the appropriate downstream temperature-control arrangement for personal-hygiene fixtures where delivery-temperature limitation is required.
How Is the Vulcan 160L Cylinder Protected?
The water heater stores water inside a vitreous-enamel-lined steel cylinder.
The enamel lining works together with sacrificial anode protection to protect the steel storage vessel.
Water chemistry affects the appropriate anode specification and can influence cylinder life and warranty coverage.
What Maintenance Does Vulcan Recommend?
Vulcan recommends minor maintenance every six months together with a professional major service in the fifth year after installation.
Every Six Months
Gently operate the TPR-valve easing lever, operate the ECV lever where one is fitted and check the safe-tray drain where applicable.
Fifth-Year Major Service
The manufacturer's service schedule includes inspection of valves, anode protection, the electric heating unit, drainage and the overall condition of the water heater and connections.
Vulcan 160L Warranty
Vulcan's current detailed warranty for the 681 Series provides:
| Period | Component | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | All components | Repair or replacement of the faulty component, including labour, subject to warranty terms |
| Years 2–10 | Cylinder in a single-family domestic dwelling | Replacement cylinder supplied; installation and repair labour is the owner's responsibility |
| Years 2–3 | Cylinder where not installed in a single-family domestic dwelling | Replacement cylinder supplied; installation and repair labour is the owner's responsibility |
This is commonly marketed as a 10-year cylinder warranty for qualifying domestic installations, but the detailed conditions distinguish between parts and labour during the extended period.
When Is a 160L System the Better Fit?
The Vulcan 160L can suit a property where daily hot-water demand is moderate and continuous electricity is available to reheat the cylinder throughout the day.
Its narrower footprint can also make it practical in locations that cannot readily accommodate a larger 250L-class cylinder.
A larger electric storage system may be more appropriate where:
- Several long showers occur close together
- The household regularly runs out of hot water
- Bath use is frequent
- There are more occupants or high-flow fixtures
- Hot-water demand is heavily concentrated into short periods
How Does the Vulcan 160L Compare With a Heat Pump?
The Vulcan uses a conventional resistive electric element to heat stored water.
A heat-pump water heater instead transfers heat from surrounding air into the storage cylinder using a refrigeration cycle and can use less electrical energy under suitable conditions.
The Vulcan can provide a straightforward replacement where an existing electric storage installation is already suitable.
A heat-pump conversion introduces different requirements including airflow, condensate drainage, outdoor space, compressor sound and appliance-specific clearances.
Buy the Vulcan 160L Supply Only
Choose supply only where appropriately licensed plumbing and electrical trades are already arranged.
The unit-only price does not automatically include:
- Plumbing installation
- Electrical disconnect or reconnect
- Electrical alterations or circuit changes
- Valve kit
- Temperature-control components
- Pressure-control components
- Additional pipework
- Relief-drain alterations
- Safe tray where required
- New support base
- Old-system disposal
- Difficult-access handling
Vulcan 160L Supplied & Installed
Eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast customers can select a supplied-and-installed pathway where the property and existing services suit the selected Vulcan 160L.
Plumbing Check
Water pressure, valves, temperature control, pipework and relief drainage need to suit the replacement heater.
Electrical Check
The existing supply needs to provide the required continuous power and suit the actual 2.4kW or 3.6kW element being installed.
Location Check
The cylinder needs suitable access, a stable support position and appropriate drainage for an indoor or outdoor installation.
Vulcan 160L Installation in Brisbane & Gold Coast
Installed Today can provide supplied-and-installed pathways across eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where the selected Vulcan model and required installation scope are available.
Additional work can apply where the property requires new valves, electrical alterations, additional plumbing, pressure control, safe-tray work, drainage changes, relocation, base work, difficult-access handling or off-site disposal.
Why Choose the Vulcan 160L?
The Vulcan 160L provides a relatively narrow electric-storage option for smaller households and replacement installations where a larger cylinder is unnecessary.
Its current manufacturer specifications include 160L hot-water delivery, single-element heating, 2.4kW and 3.6kW options, continuous electricity supply, indoor or outdoor installation, left-hand Rp 3/4 connections and extended domestic cylinder warranty coverage.
It is particularly relevant where an existing 160L electric water heater is being replaced and the property already has a suitable continuous electrical supply, plumbing position and drainage arrangement.
Questions About the Vulcan 160L Electric Water Heater
Is the Vulcan 160L Still a Current Product?
Yes. Vulcan currently lists the 160L within its active electric vitreous-enamel water-heater range.
What Is the Current Model Family?
The current standard model family is 681160.
What Is the 3.6kW Model Code?
The current manufacturer listing identifies the 3.6kW variant as 681160G7.
Is There a 2.4kW Version?
Yes. Vulcan's current product specification table lists a 2.4kW variant. The same webpage currently contains inconsistent G4 and G5 suffix references for that lower-power version, so the exact purchase SKU should be confirmed before ordering.
How Much Hot Water Does It Deliver?
Vulcan lists 160 litres of hot-water delivery.
How Many People Does Vulcan List It For?
The current manufacturer guide lists up to four people under its stated sizing assumptions.
Is It Single Element?
Yes. The standard 681160 is a single-element electric storage system.
Does It Need Continuous Electricity?
Yes. Vulcan's current product page specifies connection to a continuous electricity supply.
Is the Vulcan 160L an Off-Peak Water Heater?
Vulcan currently positions the 160L on continuous electricity rather than as a standard restricted overnight off-peak model.
Can It Be Installed Indoors?
Yes, where the location satisfies the manufacturer's support, access, plumbing, electrical and drainage requirements.
Can It Be Installed Outdoors?
Yes. Vulcan's current installation guide identifies the 681160 as suitable for indoor or outdoor installation.
What Are the Dimensions?
Approximately 1550mm high x 480mm wide x 494mm maximum depth.
How Much Does It Weigh?
The current installation guide lists approximately 52kg empty. Vulcan's product page lists approximately 56kg shipped.
Are the Plumbing Connections Left-Handed?
Yes. The current 681 Series 160L uses left-hand water and TPR-valve connections.
What Size Are the Water Connections?
The hot and cold water connections are Rp 3/4.
What Size Is the TPR Connection?
The current installation guide lists Rp 1/2.
What Is the TPR Valve Setting?
1000kPa.
What Is the ECV Setting?
Where an expansion control valve is fitted, Vulcan lists 850kPa.
What Is the Maximum Water Pressure With an ECV?
680kPa.
What Is the Maximum Water Pressure Without an ECV?
800kPa.
Does Every Installation Need an ECV?
No. Whether an ECV is required depends on the applicable installation and water conditions.
How Hot Does It Store Water?
Vulcan's current owner guide states approximately 60°C to 70°C, depending on thermostat setting.
Does It Need a Temperature-Control Device?
The stored water can be substantially hotter than normal shower temperature, so the completed plumbing installation needs the appropriate temperature-control arrangement for fixtures where delivery-temperature limitation applies.
Does It Need a Safe Tray Indoors?
Where leakage could cause property damage, Vulcan requires a suitable safe tray and drain arrangement.
Does It Need Servicing?
Yes. Vulcan recommends six-monthly minor maintenance and a professional major service in the fifth year after installation.
What Is the Warranty?
Year 1 covers all components including labour. For a qualifying single-family domestic dwelling, replacement-cylinder parts coverage continues through years 2–10, while installation and repair labour during that extended period is the owner's responsibility.
Is the Warranty the Same for Every Installation?
No. Where the water heater is not installed in a single-family domestic dwelling, Vulcan's current detailed warranty limits the extended cylinder replacement period to years 2 and 3 after the initial one-year all-component warranty.
Can I Buy the Vulcan 160L Supply Only?
Yes. Supply-only ordering suits customers who already have appropriately licensed plumbing and electrical trades arranged.
Can Installed Today Install It?
Eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast properties can select a supplied-and-installed pathway where the plumbing, continuous electricity supply, drainage, access and installation position are suitable.
Is the Vulcan 160L Right for Your Home?
The Vulcan 681160 is primarily suited to smaller households wanting a conventional mains-pressure electric storage water heater with a relatively narrow footprint.
Current manufacturer information provides 160L hot-water delivery, single-element heating, 2.4kW and 3.6kW options, continuous electricity supply, indoor or outdoor installation and left-hand connections.
Before ordering, check household hot-water demand, exact element variant, continuous electrical supply, existing circuit, water pressure, valve condition, temperature control, relief drainage, access, support surface and whether a safe tray is required.
For supply only, arrange appropriately licensed installation trades. For eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast properties, select the matching supplied-and-installed pathway and any required valve, electrical, drainage, base, disposal or difficult-access add-ons before checkout.
Tempering Valve and Element Information
*Element size information:
All electric hot water units are supplied as standard with a 3.6kW element unless otherwise stated on the product page, invoice, or order confirmation.
If a different element configuration is requested, such as 1.8kW or 2.4kW, the hot water unit may still arrive with the standard 3.6kW element fitted from the manufacturer. The requested 1.8kW or 2.4kW element will be supplied separately with the order for installation by a suitably licensed electrical contractor or licensed electrical licence holder.
Any element changeover, electrical connection, disconnection, wiring, testing, or modification must be carried out by a licensed electrical contractor or licensed electrical licence holder. Elements must not be changed, connected, modified, or tested by an unlicensed person.
Alternative elements supplied for non-standard configurations may be generic replacement elements and may not be the same brand as the hot water unit unless specifically stated. Generic elements are supplied to suit the requested element size and electrical configuration, but final suitability must be checked by the licensed installer before installation.
1.8kW and 2.4kW elements supplied separately with a hot water unit include a 12-month supply-only parts warranty from the date of purchase, provided the element has been correctly installed by a licensed electrical contractor or licensed electrical licence holder and used under normal operating conditions.
This element warranty covers the replacement supply of the element only. It does not include labour, call-out fees, electrical work, plumbing work, fault finding, removal, reinstallation, testing, travel, downtime, damage caused by incorrect installation, or any other associated costs. Warranty may be declined where the element has been incorrectly installed, dry-fired, modified, damaged, connected to incorrect voltage or wiring, affected by power issues, used in unsuitable water conditions, or installed by an unlicensed person.
Proof of purchase, installer details, electrical licence details, photos, and/or return of the faulty element may be required before a warranty claim is approved.
**Tempering valve information:
Where a hot water system is capable of delivering water above 50°C, a compliant tempering valve must be installed to control the temperature delivered to personal hygiene fixtures such as showers, baths, basins, and bathroom outlets. This helps reduce the risk of scalding and assists with meeting plumbing compliance requirements.
A tempering valve blends hot and cold water to deliver a safer controlled outlet temperature to required fixtures. The hot water unit itself may store water at a higher temperature, but the water delivered to personal hygiene outlets must be controlled where required by plumbing regulations.
If your property already has a suitable, compliant tempering valve installed, your licensed plumber can assess whether it is appropriate for use with the new hot water system. Existing valves may not always be suitable due to age, condition, compliance requirements, valve type, location, or system compatibility.
If a compliant tempering valve is not already installed, or if the existing valve is unsuitable, one must be supplied and installed by a licensed plumber as part of the hot water installation.
Tempering valves are not automatically included with every supply-only hot water unit unless specifically selected, listed as included, or purchased as part of a suitable valve kit. If a tempering valve is required, please purchase the appropriate valve kit with your order or arrange for your licensed installer to supply and install the correct tempering valve on site.
It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the installation is completed by appropriately licensed trades and that all required valves, fittings, electrical work, plumbing work, and compliance requirements are allowed for as part of the installation.
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Important Installation Note
Installation availability, inclusions and add-ons vary by product type, service area, site access, existing services, selected options and property requirements.
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Same day delivery may be available for selected hot water systems in Brisbane and Gold Coast metro areas when ordered before 7:00am.
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