ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
9
FREEZE PROTECTION
This water heater is an indirect closed circuit solar hot water system with a heat exchanger in the solar
storage tank. The heat exchanger and solar collectors form a closed circuit and are filled with closed circuit
fluid. The closed circuit fluid is a solution of a blue, non-toxic food grade propylene glycol concentrate mixed
with water. The closed circuit concentrate is used to lower the freezing temperature of the closed circuit fluid
and provides protection against freezing.
During installation, the closed circuit concentrate is blended with water. The amount of closed circuit
concentrate supplied with this water heater provides protection in frost prone areas to a temperature of -8°C.
If lower temperatures are anticipated, a greater concentration of closed circuit fluid will be required.
The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if non Rheem approved closed circuit fluid has been
used or if the closed circuit fluid has been incorrectly mixed (refer to
“Terms of the Rheem Warranty”
on
page 51).
RAIN WATER TANK
If the solar water heater is installed on a section of roof which is part of a rain water runoff collection system,
then it is recommended this section of roof and its gutter be isolated from the rain water collection system.
The gutter should be isolated to a width greater than the solar water heater and pipe work and must have
suitable drainage. This is to ensure in the event of a leak from the closed circuit, a rainwater tank cannot be
contaminated with closed circuit fluid.
The closed circuit fluid contains food grade additives (rust inhibitor and anti-freeze agent), is non-toxic and is
harmless to the environment. However, if it enters a rain water tank it can cause an unpleasant odour to
develop and result in the rain water tank having to be drained and cleaned.
PRECAUTIONS
Where damage to property can occur in the event of the water heater leaking, the water heater must be
installed in a safe tray. Construction, installation and draining of a safe tray must comply with AS/NZS 3500.4
and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner‟s Guide and Installation Instructions.
Refer to
“Regular Care”
on page 11.
If this water heater is to be used where an uninterrupted hot water supply is necessary for your application or
business you should ensure that you have back up redundancy within the hot water system design. This
should ensure the continuity of hot water supply in the event that this water heater were to become
inoperable for any reason. We recommend you seek advice from your plumber or specifier about your needs
and building back up redundancy into your hot water supply system.
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.
Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
Open the cold water isolation valve fully at the inlet to the water heater.
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.
GOING ON HOLIDAYS
If you plan to be away from home, conserve energy by switching the booster switch “OFF”. Refer to
“To Turn
Off The Water Heater”
on page 9. Also if the system is not used for a period in excess of 4 weeks it is
recommended the solar collectors be covered.
