Elgena Nautic Compact water heater, 6 l, 12 V / 200 W - pressure-resistant boiler for motorhomes, caravans and boats
- Pressure-resistant Elgena Nautic Compact, 6 l, 12 V / 200 W water heater for motorhomes, caravans and boats. V4A stainless steel tank, 0-3 bar working pressure, for pressure, submersible, foot or hand pumps.
The Elgena Nautic Compact, 6 l, 12 V / 200 W is a pressure-resistant water heater with a capacity of 6 litres, designed for motor and sailing yachts, motorhomes, caravans and food trucks. Unlike small low-pressure heaters it withstands a working pressure of up to 3 bar, so you can connect it to a submersible, foot or hand pump as well as to a pressure pump, with several taps. The tank is made of acid-resistant V4A stainless steel and fully insulated, so the water stays warm for a long time. You set the temperature steplessly with the knob: F is frost protection, I about 35 °C, II about 50 °C, III about 80 °C. The indicator lamp lights up while heating. The heater is made in Germany by Elgena of Munich.
Key features
- capacity 6 l, dimensions 39 x 22 x 23 cm
- electric element with thermostat, power supply 12 V / 200 W
- thermostat with stepless control and frost protection (F)
- working pressure 0-3 bar, for pressure and submersible pumps
- V4A stainless steel tank, fully insulated
- Ø 10 mm connections for pressure hose
Power supply and heat-up time
The 12 V / 200 W heating element is designed for the battery system of a motorhome, caravan or boat. The manufacturer states a current draw of about 16 A, so the 12 V wiring and fuse must be sized for this load. The heater has a 1 m cable, 2.5 mm². While driving you can use surplus power from the alternator. The manufacturer states about 22 min to 55 °C with the 660 W element. The 200 W element has less power, so heating takes correspondingly longer.
How to connect the water
The heater is pressure-resistant and can be fitted as original equipment or added later to any cold water system with hoses. Use 10 mm pressure hoses suitable for drinking water and secure them with stainless steel hose clamps. If the system pressure exceeds 2 bar, fit a pressure reducer set to max. 2 bar between the pump and the heater. With a pressure pump the original Elgena 3 bar safety valve, fitted to the water drain, is mandatory. The valve outlet must never be blocked, and you can connect a hose to it that leads outside or to a tank. For the version with an electric element (type E) the manufacturer includes the safety valve set with winter drain. Insulating the hot water line further reduces heat loss.
Installation and first start
The heater must be mounted horizontally only, never vertically, on the floor. A storage box, the space under a seat or a locker are good places, as close as possible to the taps to limit heat loss in the hoses. After making all connections, switch on the pump and open the hot tap. The heater is full only when water flows from the hot tap. Only then connect the power.
Everyday use
- set the required temperature with the knob, the thermostat switches the element on and off by itself
- the indicator lamp lights up while heating
- thanks to its design the tank stays full even when the water tank is empty, so the element does not run dry in normal use
- fully heated and mixed with cold water at the tap, you get two to three times more warm water than the tank holds
In winter: frost protection
You have two options. First: leave the heater connected and turn the knob to F. The thermostat keeps the water above freezing and uses very little power. Second: drain the heater through the drain valve of the safety valve set: turn the red cap to the left, in the middle detent position the valve stays open. If the water does not run out, open the taps so that air can enter the lines. Always disconnect the power before draining, because an element switched on without water will blow the temperature fuse.
Overheating protection
The element has a temperature fuse that disconnects it if it is switched on without water. The fuse must then be replaced with an original Elgena fuse. So always fill the heater first and only then connect the power.
Related Elgena products
- Elgena Nautic Compact, 6 l, 230 V / 330 W - pressure-resistant heater, same series
- Elgena Nautic Compact, 10 l, 12 V / 200 W - pressure-resistant heater, same series
- Elgena Nautic Compact, 10 l, 230 V / 330 W - pressure-resistant heater, same series
- Elgena Nautic Therm, 15 l, 230 V / 330 W - larger 15 l tank
- Elgena 3 bar safety valve set - 3 bar valve, T-piece and drain valve, mandatory with a pressure pump
- Elgena temperature fuse - spare part after dry running
Technical data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Elgena |
| Model | Nautic Compact |
| Type | pressure-resistant water heater |
| Capacity | 6 l |
| Power supply / output | 12 V / 200 W (approx. 16 A) |
| Power cable | 1 m, 2.5 mm² |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 39 x 22 x 23 cm |
| Weight | approx. 2.8 kg |
| Mounting | horizontal, on the floor |
| Working pressure | 0-3 bar |
| Pressure reducer | required above 2 bar |
| Water temperature | 30-80 °C, stepless (I approx. 35 °C, II approx. 50 °C, III approx. 80 °C) |
| Frost protection | thermostat position F |
| Heat-up time | longer than the approx. 22 min to 55 °C stated for the 660 W element |
| Heating element | V4A stainless steel / Incoloy |
| Tank | V4A stainless steel |
| Insulation | EVP |
| Safety valve | 3 bar, mandatory with a pressure pump |
| Water connections | Ø 10 mm for pressure hose |
| Drain | manual drain valve |
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect the heater to a pressure pump?
Yes. The heater withstands a working pressure of up to 3 bar. With a pressure pump the original Elgena 3 bar safety valve on the water drain is mandatory.
Do I need a pressure reducer?
Yes, if the system pressure exceeds 2 bar, for example when connected to the mains in a marina or on a campsite.
Is the safety valve set included?
For the version with an electric element (type E) the manufacturer includes the safety valve set with winter drain.
How hot does the water get?
You set the temperature steplessly between 30 and 80 °C.
What should I do with the heater in winter?
Leave it connected with the knob on F, or disconnect the power and drain it through the drain valve.
Manufacturer
Elgena, Margaretenplatz 2a, 81373 München, Germany.