Rheem Solaraide HE Use and Care Manual - Page 3

Introduction The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the following: LOCAL INSTALLATION REGULATIONS Solar storage or solar electric storage water heaters must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility company requirements or, in the absence of local codes, the latest edition of the National Electrical Code. It is available from some local libraries or can be purchased from the National Fire Prevention Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet ANSI/NFPA 70. LOCATION Locate the water heater or storage tank as determined by the type of solar system that is being installed. The area should be clean, dry and as near as practical to the area of greatest heated water demand. The piping should be insulated. Long uninsulated hot water lines can waste energy and water. Place the water heater in such a manner that the thermostat and element access panels can be removed to permit inspection and servicing such as removal of elements or checking controls. The water heater and water lines should be protected from freezing temperatures. Do not install the water heater in outdoor, unprotected areas. ! CAUTION The water heater should not be located in an area where leakage of the tank or connections will result in damage to the area adjacent to it or to lower floors of the structure. Where such areas cannot be avoided, it is recommended that a suitable catch pan, adequately drained, be installed under the water heater. NOTE: Auxiliary catch pan installation MUST conform to local codes. B A -Diameter of water heater plus 2" min. B - Maximum 2" To open drain, line A should be at least 3/4" ID and pitched for proper drainage. Figure 1. - Auxiliary Catch Pan Catch Pan Kits are available from the distributor or store where the water heater was purchased. Installation This product is for the use in indirect domestic solar water heating systems - other applications, made without written factory approval, will void the warranty. The design and installation of solar water heating systems should only be undertaken by qualified individuals, as such systems involve components and operating principles not found in standard household plumbing installations. Often high-temperature or toxic fluids are an integral part of solar systems -failure to understand good design and installation practices can affect the health and safety of the system user. Solar storage and solar electric storage water heaters must be installed in accordance with federal and local codes. The location chosen for the water heater or storage tank should be as close as possible to the hot water faucet(s) that are most frequently used, and the piping should be insulated. 1. INSPECT SHIPMENT - Inspect water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating plate of the water heater to be certain the power supply (Solar Electric Only) corresponds to that for which the water heater is equipped. 2. THERMAL EXPANSION - Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet water line. It may have been installed in the cold water line as a separate back flow preventer, or it may be part of a pressure reducing valve, water meter or water softener. A check valve located in the cold water inlet line can cause what is referred to as a "closed water system". A cold water inlet line with no check valve or back flow prevention device is referred to as an "open" water system. As water is heated, it expands in volume and creates an increase in the pressure within the water system. This action is referred to as "thermal expansion". In an "open" water system, expanding water which exceeds the capacity of the water heater flows back into the city main where the pressure is easily dissipated. A "closed water system", however, prevents the expanding water from flowing back into the main supply line, and the result of "thermal expansion" can create a rapid, and dangerous pressure increase in the water heater and system piping. This rapid pressure increase can quickly reach the safety setting of the relief valve, causing it to operate during each heating cycle. Thermal expansion, and the resulting rapid, and repeated expansion and contraction of components in the water heater and piping system can cause premature failure of the relief valve, and possibly the heater itself. Replacing the relief valve will not correct the problem! The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an expansion tank in the cold water line between the water heater and the check valve. (refer to Figure 2.) The expansion tank is designed with an air cushion built in that compresses as the system pressure increases, thereby relieving the over pressure condition and eliminating the repeated operation of the relief valve. Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also available. Contact your installing contractor, water supplier, or plumbing inspector for additional information regarding this subject. 3