Total dissolved solids
< 600mg/litre or ppm
Total hardness
< 200mg/litre or ppm
Chloride
<250mg/litre or ppm
Sodium
<150mg/litre or ppm
Magnesium
<10mg/litre or ppm
Dissolved CO2
<18mg/litre or ppm
Saturation Index (Langelier)
< +0.4 at 65°c
pH level
6.5 to 8.5
Table 1 - Water Quality Limits
present in swimming pool and spa water will result in
corrosion and will void the warranty.
Freeze Protection
The solar collector is protected from damage during
freezing weather conditions by automatically circulating
water from the hot water storage tank.
If the solar collector temperature falls below 10°C, the
circulation pump is activated periodically for brief intervals
(indoor controller only). If the solar collector temperature
falls below 5°C, the circulation pump is activated
continuously.
The collectors have been tested and met the requirements
of AS2712-2007 “Test for Protection against Freezing
- Method B, Level 2”. The collectors lowest working
temperature is -20°C.
It is critical that the automatic freeze protection function
in the indoor controller is active by ensuring the freeze
protection function “AF” is set to “1”. This is the default
setting in the electronic controller. De-activating the freeze
protection function “AF” by setting it to “0” is likely to result
in damage to the solar collector during freezing weather
conditions and will void the warranty.
Stagnation & Overheating
Stagnation occurs when water stops flowing through the
solar collector due to power failure, or when the circulation
pump is switched off. This results in the solar collector
temperature increasing during solar heating conditions,
until the P&TR valve activates and releases hot water or
steam from the system. This is normal and protects the
storage tank from overheating.
The circulation pump is switched off automatically by the
electronic controller if the water temperature exceeds 65°C
in the hot water storage tank or 130°C in the solar collector.
This also results in the solar collector temperature
increasing until the P&TR valve activates and releases hot
water or steam from the system. This is normal during
extended periods of very hot, sunny weather or low hot
water usage, and protects the solar hot water storage tank
from overheating.
The circulation pump is switched on again when the water
temperature falls below 80°C in the solar collector and
below 65°C in the hot water storage tank.
During extended absences in summer it is advisable to
cover the solar collector to avoid overheating the system
and excessive dumping of hot water from the P&TR valve.
Hydrogen Gas Warning
(For vitreous enamel hot
water storage tanks with protective anode):
If the hot water system is not used for two weeks or
more, a quantity of highly flammable Hydrogen gas may
accumulate in the hot water storage tank.
To dissipate this gas safely, it is recommended that a hot
tap is turned on for several minutes or until discharge of
gas ceases. Use a sink, basin or bath outlet but not a dish
washer, clothes washer or other appliance.
Occupational Health & Safety
Solar collectors are large, bulky items that are generally
installed on the roof of a building. Installers must be
adequately trained and aware of their responsibilities
regarding manual handling and working at heights under
local OH&S regulations.
The installer must take care to warn/protect the building
occupants and public from personal injury which may
result from:
•
Falling tools or materials.
•
Work site hazards.
•
Scalding from hot pipes and fittings or escaping hot
water or steam.
Qualified Installers
The Stratco Solarcore
TM
hot water system must be installed
by licensed plumbing, gas fitting and electrical professionals
that have been trained and authorised by Stratco.
Safety Devices
The hot water system is fitted with the following safety
devices to comply with regulations and ensure ongoing
safe operation.
•
Pressure and temperature relief valve
•
Expansion control valve
•
Pressure limiting valve
•
Non-return valves
•
Tempering valve
It is important that these devices are maintained and
tested/replaced at regular intervals by an Authorised
Stratco installer, as outlined in the “Maintenance” section
of these instructions. Drain lines from the pressure
& temperature relief valve and expansion control valve
should be kept free of blockages.
Water Quality
The water quality from metropolitan water supplies is
generally suitable for the Stratco Solarcore
TM
hot water
heating system. The water quality from bore water
supplies is generally not suitable for the hot water system.
The water quality must meet the limits shown in Table 1
“Water Quality Limits”. Water quality outside of these limits
may cause early failure of the hot water system and will
void the warranty. Please contact the relevant water supply
authority or have the water tested if uncertain about the
water supply quality.
Corrosion
The hot water system must not be used to heat a chlorinated
swimming pool or spa water. The high levels of chloride
