ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
8
PIPE WORK AND INSULATION
The solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors
MUST BE
of
copper.
The full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes
MUST BE
insulated. The insulation must:
be of a closed cell type or equivalent, suitable for a solar water heating application and capable of
withstanding the temperatures of the fluid generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions
be at least 13 mm thick, however thicker insulation may be required to comply with the requirements of
AS/NZS 3500.4
be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed
extend through any penetrations in the eaves, ceiling and roof
cover valves and fittings in the solar hot and solar cold pipe work
be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.
The insulation will offer corrosion protection to a metal roof against water runoff over the copper pipe, assist
in avoiding accidental contact with the solar pipe work as high temperature closed circuit fluid can flow from
the solar collectors to the solar storage tank and also reduce pipe heat losses.
There must be a continuous fall in the pipe work from the solar collector to the solar storage tank. The
continuous fall is essential to assist in the drain back function of the solar system.
Plastic pipe
MUST NOT
be used, as it will not withstand the temperature of the closed circuit fluid generated
by the solar collector under certain conditions
(refer to Warning on page
29
)
.
FREEZE PROTECTION
The solar circuit must be installed with a continuous fall of a minimum 5° (1 in 10 grade) in the pipe work
from the solar collector to the solar storage tank, with the full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes
insulated and the system charged with correctly mixed closed circuit fluid to offer protection against freeze
damage. The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if there is not a continuous fall in the solar hot
and solar cold pipes, or they are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions, or the closed
circuit fluid has been incorrectly mixed (refer to
“Terms of the Rheem Warranty”
on page 59 and to
“Pipe
Work and Insulation”
on page 8).
The anti freeze control of the solar circuit is designed so there is no closed circuit fluid in the solar collector or
solar cold and solar hot pipes when the pump is off.
Notes:
Pipe work to and from the water heater must be adequately insulated to prevent freezing.
The water heater is not suitable for installation in areas where the ambient temperature falls below
-20°C.
Refer to
“Terms of the Rheem Warranty”
on page 59.
RAIN WATER TANK
If the solar collectors and solar pipe work are 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 collectors and pipe work
and must have suitable drainage. This is to ensure in the event of a leak from the solar collectors or pipe
work, 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 kill off microscopic algae which
are typically present in the water causing an unpleasant odour to develop and resulting in the rain water tank
having to be drained and cleaned.
