PLUMBING.
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9
5. Plumbing.
INSTALLATION MANUAL SOLENE
®
HOT WATER SYSTEMS
©
2014 UMA Solar
Make sure that all the components are accessible and easy to reach. Provide for clear access to the storage tank, pump, mixing
valve, differential control and other key components. If a component in the potable waterside of the system may require future
service or maintenance, make the connections with brass unions. Use only brass nipples and unions and copper and brass fittings in
plumbing the solar storage tank and expansion tank. The use of galvanized fittings or nipples, PVC pipe is prohibited.
Hard copper connections to the city cold water supply line and the home hot water feed lines are recommended. The gaskets in
standard water heater flex hose connectors can become brittle and compressed over time and begin leaking on the water heater.
If not detected in a timely manner even a small drip or leak may cause serious damage to the tank’s electrical components or, in
extreme cases, may cause the tank to leak from the outside in.
Tank plumbing is required to provide for the isolation of the solar storage tank from the city cold water supply line by means of an
isolating valve.
The circulation pump shall be pre-wired with a 6” line cord so that it can be plugged directly into the 115-volt receptacle on the
differential control. Repairs or routine system maintenance can be completed without introducing air into the system or draining
the HTF.
A high quality thermostatic mixing valve is a required component in all OG-300 certified systems and should be plumbed in line with
brass union connections for ease of future repair or replacement. The specified mixing valve shall be the Watts model 70A-075 or
equal. It should have an operating range between 95°F and 140°F. The mixing valve should be set to 120°F.
The temperatures generated by your Solene system will vary throughout the year. In the Northern Hemisphere the water temperature
will be hottest in the spring and summer months while cooler temperatures are to be expected from November through March. On
sunny days system temperatures may range from 110°F to 180°F depending upon the season and hot water demand. The mixing
valve described above blends the hot and cold water supplies to deliver hot water to your fixtures at a safe, controlled temperature.
A pressure relief valve is required on the collector loop portion of the system.
WARNING:
SCALDING CAN OCCUR WITHIN FIVE SECONDS WHEN WATER TEMPERATURES APPROACH 140°F. THE MIXING VALVE
SHOULD BE ADJUSTED BY THE INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE WATER TO DWELLING FIXTURES AT NO MORE THAN 120°F.
