an electric steam humidifier of the type which includes electrodes immersed in a tank containing water includes an upper portion consisting of a housing closed by a cover , a lower portion consisting of a housing placed on a base , with the housings and being identical and positioned symmetrically in relation to a horizontal plane . the housings are joined to a structural element made of aluminum and approximately u - shaped , with the arms of the u forming a space for receiving the tank . the housing contains a compartment into which water is supplied and which includes an aperture for evacuation of steam and an aperture which is fitted to a filling aperture on the upper surface of the tank . the tank includes on one of its side surfaces below the medial plane of the tank but above its bottom with a drainage aperture . the drainage aperture is extended outwardly by a well which is connected to a solenoid drainage valve housed within a space which forms an extension of the tank receiving space .