6
Installation Manual
PART 2: GENERAL INFORMATION
(CONT’D)
joints must be sealed with contact adhesive. The use of rigid polyethylene pipe insulation is prohib-
ited. The temperatures generated by your collector in the summer months or under stagnation con-
ditions can melt this type of material.
Any above ground exterior pipe insulation is subject to UV degradation and must be wrapped with
foil tape or painted with two coats of high quality water-based acrylic resin coating as supplied by the
insulation manufacturer. Rubatex UV Protective Coating or equal is the required coating material.
COLLECTOR PIPING
Collector piping requires the use of all copper and brass fittings in the collector loop. Cast iron is also
acceptable because it is a glycol loop. Couplings, rather than unions should be used to join the col-
lectors to avoid leaks and fluid loss. Use only lead-free solder. Engelhard Silvabrite 100 or equal is
required. Use of 50/50 lead solder is expressly prohibited. Use of galvanized steel, CPVC, PVC or any
other type of plastic pipe is prohibited.
Piping in new solar installations may have dirt, grease, solder flux or other impurities that over time
affect the quality of the glycol HTF. A thorough cleaning is required before charging the system with
glycol.
All vertical piping between the storage tank and the collector shall be supported at each story or at
maximum intervals of ten feet (10'). Copper plumbers tape or tube strap is required. The pipe insu-
lation may not be compressed or crimped by the strapping material.
The installation of all horizontal and vertical pip-
ing may not reduce the performance or rating of
any structural member or fire rated assembly.
Adhere to all applicable local codes and ordi-
nances.
COLLECTOR SENSOR PLACEMENT
The collector sensor must be located on the hot
water return line as close to the collector as pos-
sible. Some collectors have insertion areas to
measure temperatures more accurately at the
collector manifold.
Sensors are typically accurate to +/– 1/2°F if
properly installed and weatherized. To maximize
sensor accuracy, attach the flanged portion of
the sensor to the collector header pipe with a
stainless steel hose clamp. Wire nuts used to
connect the sensor and low voltage wiring shall
be all plastic, sealed with silicone and thorough-
ly wrapped in electrician's tape.
The low voltage wiring used to connect the sensors to the controller should be a minimum 18 AWG.
The wiring should be bare or tinned copper, two conductor, PVC insulated, with a PVC UV rated gray
jacket suitable for exterior use. Use Eastman Wire & Cable no. 5704, Beldon Wire and Cable no. 8461
or equal.
The sensor "bundle" must be placed under the rubber pipe insulation covering the collector header.
Thoroughly wrap and weatherize the insulation with electrician's tape or insulation tape as provided
by the manufacturer. (Rubatex Insul-Tape or equal).
HOT WATER
RETURN LINE
FOAM PIPE
INSULATION
LP-199-O
REV. 8/21/07
Fig. 2-2
