Final answer:
The water temperature limiting device is commonly set to a safe range to prevent scalding, typically below the boiling point of water (212°F on the Fahrenheit scale), and common settings are around 120°F to 140°F.
Step-by-step explanation:
A water temperature limiting device can be adjusted to prevent the water temperature from rising above a certain temperature, typically to prevent scalding or to comply with local building codes that dictate safe water temperatures.
This safe temperature is often set below the boiling point of water on the Fahrenheit scale, which is 212°F (100°C). On the Fahrenheit scale the temperature span between the freezing point of 32°F and the boiling point of 212°F is divided into 180 degrees.
Given that 120°F to 140°F is a common safety range for residential water heaters, a typical setting to prevent scalding would be within this range. It's important to understand that the temperature scales differ greatly—with Celsius and Kelvin being the other common scales used—and the device must be set according to the correct scale in use.
The Fahrenheit scale is one of the temperature scales in general use. It defines the freezing point of water at 32 °F and the boiling point at 212 °F. The unit of temperature on the Fahrenheit scale is the degree Fahrenheit (°F).
By adjusting the water temperature limiting device, it ensures that the water does not exceed the set limit, providing safety and preventing potential hazards due to excessively high temperatures.