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 10). Freeze conditions occur below 6°C.
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 Solahart 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
“Terms of the Solahart Warranty”
on page 53).
Note:
The Solahart
warranty against freeze damage applies only to systems installed in Australia.
Notes:
A system is not covered for freeze damage above 400 metres altitude by the Solahart 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
Solahart 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
“Terms of the Solahart Warranty”
on page 53.
PIPE WORK AND INSULATION
The solar hot and solar cold pipe work between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors and between
the solar storage tank and in-series booster (if one is installed)
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 temperature of the water 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.
Note: Failure of these requirements to be observed increases the risk of freeze damage.
Uninsulated pipe work, including concealed in cavities and roof spaces or where it may be in contact with a
metal roof, may lead to freeze damage. There is NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if the solar hot and
solar cold pipes are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions.
Note:
Any exposed pipe work or fittings in the solar circuit should be attended to and covered with insulation.
Phone your nearest Solahart Dealer to arrange for an inspection.
The insulation is essential to assist in providing freeze protection, 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 water can flow from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank and also reduce pipe
heat losses.
Plastic pipe
MUST NOT
be used, as it will not withstand the temperature and pressure of the water
