10
FREEZE PROTECTION
The system has a level of freeze protection designed to guard the system against damage from freeze
conditions. The system must be installed with the full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes insulated and
power must be available at the solar control unit to offer protection against freeze damage (refer to
on page 38). Freeze conditions occur below 6°C.
Note:
The Rheem warranty against freeze damage applies only to systems installed in Australia.
The anti-freeze control is designed to recirculate a small amount of water from the solar storage tank through
the solar pipe work and solar collectors during periods of low temperatures. This is to prevent the water inside
the pipe work and collectors from freezing. It is essential the electrical circuit to the solar control unit is
continually turned on if there is a risk of freezing. The Rheem warranty does not cover damage caused by
freeze conditions when the electrical circuit to the solar control unit is turned off or interrupted.
A system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage when installed above 400 metres altitude or if the solar hot
and solar cold pipes are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions or if power is not available
at the solar control unit (refer to
on page 51).
Notes:
A system is not covered for freeze damage above 400 metres altitude by the Rheem warranty.
The freeze protection system will be rendered inoperable if electrical power is not available at the solar
control unit. Damage caused by freezing due to no power at the solar control unit, is not covered by the
Rheem warranty.
If it is necessary to switch the power off to the solar control unit and there is a risk of freezing, then it is
necessary to have your plumber drain the solar collectors and solar flow and return pipe work.
Refer to
on page 51.
TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER
If you plan to be away from home for a few nights, we suggest you leave the water heater switched on.
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:
Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the solar storage tank.
Switch off the electrical supply at the power outlet to the solar control unit (refer to note below).
Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
Notes:
The freeze protection system will be rendered inoperable if electrical power is not available at the solar
control unit. Damage caused by freezing due to no power at the solar control unit is not covered by the
Rheem warranty. Refer to
on page 51.
If there is a risk of freezing, the electrical supply to the solar control unit should not be switched off unless
the solar collectors and solar flow and return pipe work are drained, otherwise damage could result (refer
to
on page 10).
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
Open the cold water isolation valve fully at the inlet to the water heater.
If the solar collectors and solar hot and solar cold pipes have been drained, it will be necessary to bleed
the collector circuit (refer to
“Bleeding the Solar Collectors”
on page 11).
If the electrical supply to the water heater has been switched off:
Switch on the electrical supply at the power outlet to the solar control unit. The power outlet must be
switched on for the solar control unit to operate and solar gain to be achieved.
Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the solar storage tank.
Check and if required reset the timer, if one is installed.