Side magnesium anode M8 33x200 - OKC300/400/500 (from 2018) 83.30.31

Corrosion protection in water heaters

The M8 33x200 side magnesium anode is a key element of anti-corrosion protection in the OKC300, OKC400, and OKC500 series enameled domestic hot water heaters produced since 2018. This specialized component serves as the first line of defense against the harmful effects of electrochemical corrosion, which occurs naturally in heating systems.

Principle of operation and corrosion protection

The magnesium anode operates based on the phenomenon of galvanic protection, where magnesium acts as a more electropositive metal than the steel used to manufacture the tanks. In an aqueous environment, which acts as a natural electrolyte, various installation materials such as steel, copper, or brass create corrosive micro-cells. The magnesium anode effectively neutralizes the potential differences between metals, thereby protecting the surface of the enameled tank from corrosive processes.

In practice, this means that during the operation of the heater, it is the anode that undergoes gradual dissolution, rather than the tank walls. This preserves the structural integrity of the device and the enamel layer, which provides an additional protective barrier.

Technical specification and compatibility

The anode is characterized by a rod diameter of 33mm and a length of 200mm, ensuring an optimal contact surface with the heating medium. The M8 thread allows for secure side mounting in the designated connection points of the heaters. The dimensions have been precisely selected for the specifics of the OKC300/400/500 series, guaranteeing correct seating and operational efficiency.

The component is intended exclusively for enameled steel storage tanks and heaters of the HEWALEX brand from the OKC series (300/400/500). Each anode is dedicated to a specific device model, ensuring a perfect structural fit.

Maintenance and replacement of the component

Due to the nature of the material, the magnesium anode is a consumable component that is subject to natural wear over the device's operating time. The rate of wear is not precisely defined and depends mainly on the hardness of the domestic water and the intensity of the heating system's operation.

It is recommended to inspect the condition of the anode at least once a year, with particular attention to the periods after the heating season. Replacement becomes necessary when wear exceeding 50% of the initial volume of the component is detected, or at most every two years of operation. Regular and documented replacement of the anode may be a condition for maintaining the manufacturer's warranty on the device.

The replacement process is relatively simple and does not require specialized tools - it only requires unscrewing the worn component through the inspection opening and installing a new anode with identical technical parameters.