CLAIM:
Using an immersion rod in a steel or iron bucket is extremely dangerous as it can cause electrocution, and placing the rod near the edges of a plastic bucket can melt the bucket and lead to a fire; therefore, only the centre of a plastic bucket is safe for heating water.
FACT:
Immersion rods are effective for heating water but can be dangerous if used improperly. Steel buckets, unattended use, or damaged rods increase the risk of electrocution, burns, and fires. Using a good quality, ISI-certified rod in a deep plastic bucket while following safety guidelines minimises these risks.
As winter sets in across India, immersion rods have quietly returned to countless households - a quick, familiar solution for heating water. But with this seasonal routine comes a surge of warnings, viral videos, and safety concerns that leave many wondering: are we using immersion rods the wrong way?
In a viral Instagram reel, content creator Nikhil Saini, who has 39 lakh followers, raises alarm about what he calls a commonly overlooked but dangerous mistake. Citing a recent incident, he claims that “a girl died due to a power cut while using a rod to heat water in Delhi,” urging viewers to rethink their everyday practice.
In the reel, Saini advises that an immersion rod should never be used in an iron or steel bucket, arguing that these materials conduct electricity rapidly, increasing the risk of electrocution. He further adds that rods should be placed only in plastic buckets, and that too in the centre, warning that keeping them near the edges could melt the bucket and potentially cause a fire. “Now that winter has come, rods are being used in every house in India. Share this video so that this accident does not happen to anyone,” he says.
The reel has gained massive traction online, prompting renewed public discussion on the safe use of immersion rods.
What is an immersion water heating rod and how does it work?
An immersion water heating rod is a simple electric appliance designed to heat water efficiently. It works by converting electrical energy into heat through its metallic heating element. When the rod is plugged into a power source and submerged in water up to the marked level, the heating coil warms up and transfers heat directly to the surrounding water. Because the coil is in direct contact with the water, heat transfer is quick and effective.
Immersion rods are available in two main types — direct and indirect heaters. Direct immersion rods are the most commonly used in Indian households; they are placed directly in the water, allowing fast heating. Indirect immersion heaters, used more in industrial settings, warm the water through radiation or convection without direct contact. In both types, the amount of water determines how long it takes to heat, while the rod’s wattage and build quality also influence efficiency and speed.
These devices are popular for their affordability, portability, and low electricity consumption. They are especially practical for students, single occupants, travellers, or people living in temporary accommodations where installing a geyser is not feasible. Their compact size makes them easy to store and carry, offering a convenient solution for quick access to warm water.
While cost-effective and energy-efficient, immersion rods must be used with caution, following proper safety instructions to avoid electric shocks or accidents. When used correctly, they provide a fast, economical, and pollution-free way to heat water.
Why steel buckets and other common habits make immersion rods unsafe?
Using an immersion rod in a steel bucket is highly dangerous because metal conducts electricity. Even a small current leak from damaged insulation, a worn-out coil, or moisture in the socket can electrify the entire bucket and shock the user. Although plastic buckets reduce this risk because they are non-conductive, they must be sturdy, deep enough, and kept at the recommended water level to prevent overheating or melting.
A major mistake people make is dipping their hands into the water while the rod is still running. This can be fatal, as even minor insulation damage or a loose socket can transmit current through the water. Another common risk is leaving the rod unattended. Immersion rods do not have an automatic switch-off, so overheating can occur quickly if the water level drops too low. This can damage the coil, deform the bucket, or spill boiling water.
Faulty or loose plug points also increase the chances of sparks, short circuits, and fire hazards, especially in older homes during winter. Proper storage is equally important. Keeping the rod in damp places increases corrosion of the copper tubing, which may expose the heating element to water. Using small containers to speed up heating is unsafe because the rod may touch the sides or operate partially submerged, increasing the risk of burns, shocks, and equipment failure.
A 2021 review conducted between 2011 and 2020 at the Department of Forensic Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi, examined electrocution deaths linked to immersion water-heating rods. The researchers noted that although the device is widely used in developing countries, literature on fatalities is “nearly absent.” The study identified six cases, all involving women in domestic settings, which the authors called a “unique epidemiology in stark contrast to the existing literature on electrocution fatalities worldwide.”
Some injuries resembled high-voltage electrocution despite the appliance being low voltage, and the study described distinctive patterns such as “joule burns,” spark burns, and scalds.
The review also explained that copper tubing in immersion rods can corrode over time, exposing the Nichrome heating element to water and increasing the risk of electrocution. Worn-out rods with damaged insulation were found to be particularly dangerous.
What is the best way to use immersion rods?
To use an immersion rod safely, always keep it fully submerged (up to the marked level indicated on the rod) before switching it on and never remove it immediately after turning it off. Once switched off, let it stay in the water for at least 10 seconds so the heat spreads evenly. Avoid using metal buckets under all circumstances. Instead, use a good-quality plastic bucket that is deep enough, preferably more than 300 mm, and maintain the correct water level as marked on the rod. Ensure that the rod never touches the container walls and is not used in very small buckets.
Also read
The device must be connected to a stable, tight socket with no frayed wires, cracked plugs, or loose pins. High-quality rods, especially those certified with the ISI mark from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), are designed to reduce the chances of electric shock. Low-quality or uncertified rods should be avoided because they are more prone to insulation failure and overheating. Proper maintenance, careful handling, and constant supervision ensure that immersion rods can be used safely without risk of burns, fires, or electrocution.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
