Apparatus and method for protecting a heating tank assembly of a hot water dispenser

A hot water dispenser, comprising:

• a plastic tank body having a main heating chamber for storing and heating chamber for storing and heating water, an expansion chamber, and an air collection chamber, wherein said main heating chamber is in fluid communication with the expansion chamber and the air collection chamber;
• an electric heating element to heat water in said main heating chamber of said tank body, said heating element extending at least partially into said heating chamber through a bushing mounted to a hole in said tank body;
• and
• a switch electrically connected to said heating element, said switch capable of determining whether little or no water is present in said tank body, said switch inhibiting the activation of said heating element if the tank body has little or no water.

A heating tank assembly for a hot water dispenser, comprising:

• a tank body having a plurality of walls and a main heating chamber for storing and heating water;
• an electric heating element mounted to said tank body, said heating element having a first portion located outside the tank body and a second portion located inside the tank body;
• and
• at least one thermal cutout device located in close proximity to the first portion of the heating element and capable of shutting off the heating element when the heating element reaches a preset temperature, said thermal cutout device wrapped in insulating tape.

A heating tank assembly for a hot water dispenser, comprising:

• a plastic tank body having a main heating chamber for storing and heating water, an expansion chamber, and an air collection chamber, wherein said main heating chamber is in fluid communication with the expansion chamber and the air collection chamber;
• an electric heating element wherein at least a portion of said heating element is located within said main heating chamber of said tank body;
• and
• a switch electrically, connected to said heating element, said switch capable of preventing said heating element from energizing when insufficient water is in said tank, said switch is mounted to said tank body without placing a hole through said tank walls.