9
SECTION III
GENERAL INFORMATION
FEATURES
This water heater contains the following features:
HEAT EXCHANGER
–
The heat exchanger (coil) is made of porcelain coated carbon steel tubing and female
fittings. If a confirmed leak occurs, contact the plumbing professional who installed the water heater or the
manufacturer listed on the rating plate, for additional guidance.
DOUBLE-WALL HEAT EXCHANGER MODELS –
Water heaters that have a double-wall heat exchanger have a
slight gap between the two tubes that makes up the heat exchanger coil. The ¾” female fitting provides an
atmospheric vent for any fluid that enters the gap between the tubes.
SINGLE-WALL HEAT EXCHANGER MODELS –
Water heaters that have a single-wall heat exchanger have a
solid tube that makes up the exchanger coil with a 1” female fitting. Water heaters with single-wall heat exchangers
meets the Uniform Plumbing Code for installation in all potable water systems provided that:
•
The heat transfer medium (including additives) is practically non-toxic, having toxicity rating of class of 1 as listed in
Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products.
•
The heat transfer medium pressure is limited to maximum 30 psig by approved relief valve.
•
The heat transfer medium is potable water or contains only substances that are recognized as safe by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA).
•
The pressure of the heat transfer medium is maintained less than the normal minimum operating pressure of the
potable water system.
•
The equipment is permanently labeled to indicate that only additives recognized as safe by the FDA shall be used
in the heat transfer medium.
BACKUP HEATING ELEMENT(S) WITH ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTATS –
The water temperature may be
adjusted from approximately 100°F to approximately 180°F. The thermostats are factory set at 120°F. It is
recommended that lower temperatures be used to avoid the risk of scalding. Refer to the “Warnings” in the section
on SCALDING in Section VII, OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS. It is further recommended, in all cases, that the
water temperature be set for the lowest temperature that satisfies your hot water needs. This will also provide the
most energy efficient operation of the solar water heater and minimizes scale formation. In dual element models, a
thermostat under the middle cover controls the lower heating element. This ensures that only when the solar heating
system cannot satisfy user demand that the lower heating element is energized.
Setting the water heater temperature at 120°F will reduce the risk of scalds. Some states require settings to specific
lower temperatures.
SENSOR WIRES FOR SOLAR THERMISTOR CONNECTIONS –
Twisted wires are provided under the lower
and upper covers. These wires have been provided as a means for connecting thermistors to a solar controller.
NOTICE: Neither the solar controller nor the thermistors are provided with the solar water heater and must
be purchased separately.
The lower thermistor wires connect a thermistor for use in comparison to the solar
collector temperature to determine if an appropriate temperature difference for heat transfer is available. A bracket
to fix the thermistor against the tank wall is supplied. Refer to Section VI, ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, for
instructions in placing the thermistor against the tank wall. The upper thermistor wires are an optional second
thermistor connection to monitor the upper tank temperature. Some solar controllers provide this option.
SACRIFICIAL ANODES —
Two sacrificial anode rods have been installed in the tank head to extend tank life.
The anode rods should be inspected annually to determine the amount of sacrificial decay and replaced when
necessary to prolong tank life. The permanent removal of these anodes, for any reason, will nullify the warranty.
Water conditions in your area will influence the time interval for inspection and replacement of the anode rod. The
use of a water softener may increase the speed of anode consumption. More frequent inspection of the anode is
needed when using softened (or phosphate treated) water. Contact the plumbing professional who installed the water
heater or the manufacturer listed on the rating plate, for anode replacement information.
