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WARNING
Never operate the electrical heating element without being certain
the solar water heater is completely filled with water. If any air is
left in the top of the tank, the heating element will burn out.
LOCAL CODES
The installation of solar water heater must be in accordance with
these instructions and all applicable local codes and electric utility
requirements. In the absence of local codes, install in accordance
with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA-70).
TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
WARNING
For protection against excessive pressures and temperatures in
this water heater, install temperature-pressure protective
equipment required by local codes, but not less than a
combination temperature-pressure relief valve certified by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains periodic
inspection of production of listed equipment or materials, as
meeting the requirements for Relief Valves for Hot Water Supply
Systems, the latest edition of ANSI Z21.22. This valve must be
marked with a maximum set pressure not to exceed the marked
hydrostatic working pressure of the water heater (150 lbs./sq. in.).
Install the temperature-pressure relief valve directly into the fitting
of the water heater. Position the valve downward and provide
tubing so that any discharge will exit only within 6 inches above, or
at any distance below the structural floor. Be certain that no contact
is made with any live electrical part. The discharge opening must
not be blocked or reduced in size under any circumstances.
Excessive length, over 15 feet, or use of more than two elbows can
cause restriction and reduce the discharge capacity of the valve.
No valve or other obstruction is to be placed between the
temperature-pressure relief valve and the tank. Do not connect
tubing directly to discharge drain unless a 6” air gap is provided.
To prevent bodily injury, hazard to life or damage to property, the
temperature-pressure relief valve must be allowed to discharge
water in quantities should circumstances demand. If the
discharge pipe is not connected to a drain or other suitable
means, the water flow may cause property damage.
The Discharge Pipe:
• Shall not be smaller in size than the outlet pipe size of the
temperature-pressure relief valve, or have any reducing
couplings or other restrictions.
• Shall not be plugged or blocked.
• Shall be of material listed for hot water distribution.
• Shall be installed so as to allow complete drainage of both
the temperature-pressure relief valve, and the discharge pipe.
• Must terminate a maximum of six inches above a floor drain
or external to the building. In cold climates, it is recommended
that the discharge pipe be terminated at an adequate drain
inside the building.
• Shall not have any valve between the relief valve and tank.
When installing the temperature-pressure relief valve, use two
or three turns of teflon tape or other suitable thread sealer around
the threaded end of the valve.
FIGURE 2
WARNING
The temperature-pressure relief valve should be manually
opened once a year. Caution should be taken to ensure that
(1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-
pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) the water manually
discharged will not cause any bodily injury or property damage
because the water may be extremely hot.
If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset
and continues to release water, immediately close the cold water
inlet to the water heater, follow the draining instructions, and
replace the temperature-pressure relief valve with a new one.
WARNING
If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps
this may be due to thermal expansion. The water supply serving
this solar water heater may have a check valve installed. Contact
the water supplier or local plumbing contractor on how to control
this situation. Do not plug the temperature-pressure relief valve.
CLOSED SYSTEM
CAUTION
A closed system will exist if a check valve (without bypass),
pressure reducing valve (without bypass), or a water meter
(without bypass) is installed in the cold water line between the
water heater and street main (or well).
Excessive pressure may develop causing premature tank failure
or intermittent relief valve operation. This type of failure is not
covered by the limited warranty. An expansion tank or a similar
device may be required in the inlet supply line between the
appliance and the meter or valve to compensate for the thermal
expansion of water under supply pressure.
If a water heater is installed in a closed water system, check
local codes or contact the water supplier or local plumbing
inspector on how to control this situation.
LOCATING THE SOLAR WATER HEATER
If you have a choice of where to install the solar water heater,
these ideas may help you decide.
1. Put the solar water heater indoors as close as possible to
where you use the most hot water. This water heater is not
intended for outdoor installation.
2. It is handy to have a floor drain, tub or sink nearby. That will
make it easy to drain water from the water heater. It is also a
good place to end the drain line of the temperature-pressure
relief (T & P) valve.
3. The solar water heater or the pipes and the connections
may, in time, leak. Put the solar water heater in a place
where a water leak will not damage anything.
4. You must not put the water heater in an area where it might
freeze You must turn off the electricity to the water heater
before you drain it, to protect the heating elements.
5. Make sure that you are able to reach the drain valve and all
access panels when the water heater is in place. This will
make it easy to service the water heater.
6. The water heater must be level before you begin the piping.
CAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK. The installation of the water
heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank or
any connections should leak, the flow of water will not cause
INSTALLATION