In South Australia, there are rules regarding the types of water heaters that can be installed into new homes, alterations or additions. The requirements vary depending on:
- the type of home being built or renovated
- when the application for building rules consent is lodged.
These requirements only apply where building work requires development approval. In most cases a conventional electric water heater can't be installed.
If replacing or installing a water heater in established homes, different requirements apply. See
Replacing or installing water heaters in established homes.
The easiest way to find out which systems you can install is to complete the
step-by-step guide to determine your water heater options.
There are some situations when a
water heater installation is exempt from the requirements.
If you lodged plans for building rules consent before May 2009
If you lodged your plans for building rules consent before May 2009 the requirements may be different to the ones listed below. Check with your with the builder, local council or the Department of Planning and Local Government’s building policy branch.
If you lodged plans for building rules consent after May 2009
The types of water heater that can be installed depend on the type of home. These are classified in the Building Code of Australia:
- Class 1a - Detached and semi-detached houses, row houses, townhouses, maisonettes, single storey units and flats (including granny flats). Need to comply with the full standard.
- Class 1b - Small hostels (not exceeding 300m2 and no more than twelve people reside) Need to comply with the full standard.
- Class 2 - Apartments and flats where one dwelling is above another. Need to comply with the reduced standard.
The following classes do not need to meet the water heater requirements:
- Classes 3-9 - A wide range of commercial, public and industrial buildings, and some special residential buildings, including: hotels, backpacker accommodation, large hostels and boarding schools, manager’s flat in a commercial building, nursing homes.
- Class 10 - Other buildings and structures, including non-habitable buildings on residential properties, such as sheds and garages.
It is the responsibility of the builder and the home owner to ensure the water heater installation complies with the residential water heater requirements for new homes, alterations and additions.
More information
On this site
Replacing or installing water heaters in established homes
Residential water heater requirements - information for plumbers