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10: Troubleshooting

The Solar Water Heating System is designed to operate trouble-free for many years. 

Use the table below to troubleshoot unexpected problems.

1) Confirm that the system is not activating:

•  Place your hand on the ICM.  You should feel a slight vibration and hear a slight hum. 

Caution! Some surfaces may be hot!   

2) If the system is not activating:

•  Confirm that the power cord is plugged into a working 120 VAC outlet.

•  Confirm that the power cord is firmly plugged into the controller power jack. Display 

should show water temperature in water heater/water storage tank.

•  Verify all sensor wires are firmly attached and functioning properly, if not the controller 

display flashes SE-U, SE-L, SE-r for upper tank, lower tank or roof sensor respectively.

•  Verify pumps are turning on by placing your hand on each of the pumps. You should feel 

heat, feel a slight vibration and/or hear a slight hum.

•  Verify heat transfer fluid is flowing.  The controller continuously monitors for water tem-

perature increase in the water heater while the pumps are operating.  If after 4 hours of 

operation, the controller senses the water in the water heater is not heating, the controller 

display flashes FLO. After system repair, system operation is restored by moving solar 

switch to OFF, then back to AUTO.

•  Verify that the roof temperature is at least 10 hotter than the lower tank temperature.

•  Verify that the upper tank temperature is less than the selected Max Water Temp.

   PROBLEM 

                                                                WHAT TO DO

•  If the leak is coming from a fitting, tighten the fitting or push the tube fully into the fitting. 

Refer to the section in this manual on the proper procedure for installing tube fittings.

•  If the leak is coming from inside the ICM, contact FAFCO for further instruction.

•  If the leak is coming from the solar collector panel body, a tube repair kit may be used to 

plug one or more tubes.

•  If the leak is coming from the solar collector header, contact FAFCO for further instruc-

tion.

•  If the leak is coming from the reservoir, other than the reservoir’s relief valve, contact 

FAFCO for further instruction..

 

System 

Doesn’t

 Turn On

Leaks

If the problem persists, visit www.

FAFCO.com

 for further information.

Maintenance

Ensure that the homeowner is provided with an Owner’s 

Manual.  Refer to the Owner’s Manual for system main-

tenance.  System  components  are  designed  to  be  low 

maintenance with estimated replacement life beyond 20 

years. FAFCO HTF is designed to last for the life of the 

system.  However, the chemical composition of the HTF 

may change over time. To check fluid, with tubing cool to 

the touch, take a very small fluid sample from the fill or 

drain valve.  Fluid that is dark, dirty or has an acidic smell 

should be replaced.

DRAIN AND REPLACE FLUID

1.  Insert  tubes  into  fill  and  drain  ports  and  place  free 

ends into a bucket

2.  Open  fill  and  drain  ports  to  drain  glycol. The  glycol 

will drain freely at first and then it will start to drain more 

slowly.

3.  Make sure both tubes are above glycol level in bucket 

and wait a few minutes.

4.  If glycol does not flow freely after five minutes.  Go 

onto roof and remove tubing from upper header connec-

tion to break vacuum in the collector loop.

5.  Refer to System Fill Procedure on page 21. 

1) If the system has two tanks or an on-demand heater, refer to the water heater         
     manufacturer’s operation manual to troubleshoot.
2) If the system has one electric water heater tank:
  •  Suggest to the homeowner reducing or spacing out their hot water usage.
  •   Consider installing low flow shower heads and other low flow hot water fixtures. 
  •   Consider upgrading to a larger water heater tank. 
  •   Raise water heater thermostat setting, although this may decrease energy savings.  

Low on 

Hot Water

Содержание 500 Series

Страница 1: ...s a detailed step by step procedure for installing the Solar Water Heating System The directions should be followed properly and only recommended components and hardware should be used This will ensur...

Страница 2: ...ter heater by various household fixtures and appliances such as a clothes washer dishwasher bath shower and other fixtures System performance is affected by available solar energy the solar collectors...

Страница 3: ...set point is 120 F There is a scald potential if the temperature control valve is set too high Hot water can produce first degree burns within 120 F 49 C more than 5 minutes 130 F 54 C at 20 seconds 1...

Страница 4: ...irements All brand and product names appearing in this manual are registered trademarks of their respective companies Expected operating conditions Temperature Pressure Flowrate MEASUREMENT SYSTEM ACC...

Страница 5: ...M 1 Heat Transfer Fluid 3 gallons 1 08890 MODEL FAFCO FAFCO Solar collector 2 x12 08840 08790 FAFCO Pump 08783 FAFCO Heat exchanger 08782 FAFCO 08795 FAFCO 1 PV Panel Kit For PV System Only 08844 FAFC...

Страница 6: ...tallation Manual PN 08905 Cold Water Valve Position Label PN 08371 Freeze Protection And Fluid Safety Label PN 08904 Label attachment zip ties PN 08307 Collector Add On Kit Tile Roof Installation Kit...

Страница 7: ...ic Single tank electric Single tank with on demand gas heater Components vary based on configuration Refer to the schematics on the following pages for further details Two 2 x 12 Solar Collectors Dual...

Страница 8: ...olar storage tank to the electric or gas water heater Temperature control valve Water heater Storage Tank Integrated Circulation Module ICM Bypass valves Expansion reservoir Self Cleaning Filter From...

Страница 9: ...ooms in a home For single element water heaters that don t have published First Hour Ratings GAMA AHRI recommends using 0 75 times the water volume which would require that an 80 gallon tank be used i...

Страница 10: ...ter the valve placement may vary Refer to the manufacturer s instructions for compatibility with solar water heating systems and proper placement of the temperature control valve SYSTEM OVERVIEW ON DE...

Страница 11: ...o lar loop fluid The heat exchanger transfers the solar heat to the potable water Integrated Circulation Module ICM cover removed SYSTEM OVERVIEW ON DEMAND FOR GAS OR ELECTRIC COMPONENT OVERVIEW Black...

Страница 12: ...e increase in fluid volume On the hottest day at maximum fluid thermal expansion the bladder will be fully deflated and any excess fluid will expel through the one way air vent pressure relief valve A...

Страница 13: ...nector bodies Make certain to push the tubing Figure 2 Insertion Depth completely into the fitting until it comes into contact with the internal tubing stop See Figure 2 To disconnect ensure the syste...

Страница 14: ...LATION PROCESS 1 SITE SELECTION AND PLANNING 2 ROOF MOUNTING 3 TANK PLUMBING 4 ICM INSTALLATION 5 TUBING SENSOR INSTALLATION BELOW ROOF 6 TUBING SENSOR INSTALLATION ROOF 7 SYSTEM FILL 8 SYSTEM START U...

Страница 15: ...e solar collectors are flexible and must be installed on a smooth flat surface Any uneven or very rough roof surface will require a flat support surface underneath the solar collectors Composition asp...

Страница 16: ...ealant at the penetration to ensure a good seal in a manner acceptable to the metal roof manufacturer Fasten down stringers and substrate to support the collectors Other roof types e g membrane foam t...

Страница 17: ...roceeding with this step Chalk mark the location of the upper roof jack hole Break the glue line between the shingles by sliding a large putty knife between the shingles Loosen just enough to fit the...

Страница 18: ...pressure relief valve on the side or top of the heater When heater is empty remove hose close drain bibb and relief valve 17 STEP 7 INSTALL BODY STRAPS Apply roof sealant at lag screw location 1 from...

Страница 19: ...x 1 2 reducer Apply thread sealant to reducer and install into the side of 3 4 tee as shown STEP 4 CONNECT 3 4 TEE Apply thread sealant and using a 3 4 nipple connect another 3 4 tee in the upright po...

Страница 20: ...tricity or gas supply be certain that the tank is full of water Do not use thread sealant on flexible hose connections STEP 3 FILL TANK ACTIVATE ELECTRICAL GAS SUPPLY With the system in normal operati...

Страница 21: ...does not require thread sealant All interconnecting hot wa ter piping shall be insulated with R 2 6 or greater insulation 5 Tubing Sensor Installation Below Roof STEP 1 DRILL HOLES IN CEILING AND PUL...

Страница 22: ...ter or solar storage tank In both locations securely insert a sensor behind the in sulation against the inner tank wall Replace both covers with the sen sor leads protruding Use caution not to cut the...

Страница 23: ...ill port using garden hose adapter Attach piece of solar tub ing to solar system drain port and put end of tubing into an appropriate location to drain Open drain and fill ports Turn on garden hose to...

Страница 24: ...all sensor and power wires through the opening on the left side of the cover behind the flexible hose Push the cover on until the four side tabs engage Move the SOLAR switch to the TEST position to t...

Страница 25: ...r to set a maximum storage tank water temperature This will depend on household requirements or safety concerns If the water reaches the set maximum temperature during solar operation the solar system...

Страница 26: ...ction If the leak is coming from the solar collector panel body a tube repair kit may be used to plug one or more tubes If the leak is coming from the solar collector header contact FAFCO for further...

Страница 27: ...eel with copper brazed plates 3 Maximum Testing Pressure 290 psi 4 Maximum Operating Temperature 437 F 5 Single Wall Construction 6 Overall Dimensions 7 51 X 2 87 X 1 94 7 Weight 1 48 Lbs FLEXIBLE HOS...

Страница 28: ...27 Required Labels...

Страница 29: ...28 Optional Kits Instructions PV Panel Kit 29 Collector Add On Kit 33 Coaxial Adapter Kit 34 Tile Roof Installation Kit TRIK 36...

Страница 30: ...Tilt mount angles can be 20 30 or 45 degrees Optimum tilt is equal to the site latitude in degrees For example Phoenix AZ latitude is 33 degrees Parts List 2 5 1 3 4 6 7 8 Item No FAFCO PN QTY Descri...

Страница 31: ...enough to allow the PV panel wires to reach under the roof jack into the attic If the panel is to be tilted don t shade the solar collectors Mark the location of each mounting hole and move the angle...

Страница 32: ...Asphalt Composition Roof Installation Continued Tile Roof Installation Hold one angle mount in place against the upper end of the panel and place panel vertically in chosen position as shown Mark the...

Страница 33: ...e against lower end of panel and lay panel in place against upper angle mount Lay panel inside an gles with wire protrud ing toward upper roof jack Attach with 4 14 x 1 self tapping screws Repeat proc...

Страница 34: ...Description Part number Qty 1 Two Collectors 2 x 12 08842 1 2 Base Tie Down 06918 10 3 Cap Tie Down 06919 10 4 Collet Lock 08819 8 5 Connector PP Tube 08883 4 6 Strap 5 8 X 40 Long 08907 1 7 FAFCO He...

Страница 35: ...Long Lead Free 08854 1 5 Hose Corrugated ST ST 1 2 X 1 2 X 36 Long 08834 1 6 Filter Coaxial Tube 08855 1 7 Diptube 08777 1 Coaxial Adapter Conversion Kit PN 776 Kit Components STEP 1 INSTALL BRASS CRO...

Страница 36: ...provided in the solar water heating system kit to make a 6 finished hose Attach the 6 flexible hose to the nipple Attach the other end of the flexible hose to the threaded fitting on top of the ICM b...

Страница 37: ...rilling of tiles Item Description Part number Qty 1 Channel TRIK 3 Collectors 08899 1 2 Clip tile channel rack 08734 10 3 14 X 3 4 self tapping screw 08752 10 4 Screw phillips self tapping 6 x 1 2 L 0...

Страница 38: ...the header straps All body channels get bases with slots aligned horizontally for the body straps Snap a vertical chalk line down the roof for aligning the channel ends Each channel gets 3 tile clips...

Страница 39: ...total length of 94 for 8 col lectors or 142 for 12 collectors and secure together with a 6 screw Slide sheet until the ends hang over equally above and below the channels B Center sheet equally side t...

Страница 40: ...Visit www FAFCO com for current technical bulletins and other updates 435 Otterson Drive Chico CA 95928 8207 800 994 7652 PN 08913A 10 10...

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