Rheem 511161 Owner's Manual And Installation Instructions page 41


The solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collector(s) MUST BE
of copper. All compression fittings must use brass or copper olives.

The full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE insulated.
The insulation must:

be of a closed cell type or equivalent, suitable for a solar water heating application and capable
of withstanding the temperature of the water generated by the solar collector(s) under stagnation
conditions
The specification of the chosen insulation material should be checked with the insulation
manufacturer prior to installation as different materials may vary in temperature tolerance.

be at least 13 mm thick, however thicker insulation may be required to comply with the
requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4

be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed

extend through any penetrations in the eaves, ceiling and roof

cover valves and fittings in the solar pipe work

be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collector(s).
Note: Failure to observe these requirements also increases the risk of freeze damage.
Uninsulated pipe work, including concealed in cavities and roof spaces or where it may be in contact
with a metal roof, may lead to freeze damage. The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if
the solar hot and solar cold pipes are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions.
The insulation is essential to assist in providing freeze protection, will offer protection to a metal roof
against corrosion due to water running off the copper pipes, assist in avoiding accidental contact with
the solar pipe work as very high temperature water can flow from the solar collectors to the solar
storage tank, and also reduce pipe heat losses.

The insulated copper pipe work:

should be fixed at suitable locations to prevent or reduce the possibility of noise from water
hammer and vibration from occurring

is not to be placed or installed in contact with plastic pipe work.
Likewise, plastic pipe work is not to be placed or installed in contact with the insulated copper
pipe work after the collector circuit is installed.

Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature and pressure of the water
generated by the solar collector(s) under stagnation conditions. Extremely high water temperatures of
up to 150°C for non-selective surface collector(s) and greater than 200°C for selective surface
collector(s) and high water pressures exceeding 1000 kPa can be generated under these conditions.
Plastic pipe cannot withstand these temperatures and pressures and MUST NOT be used. Failure of
plastic pipe can lead to the release of high temperature water and cause severe water damage and
flooding.

The solar hot outlet and hot sensor connection is to be the highest point of the system. The highest
point of the solar hot and solar cold pipes must be where they connect to the solar collector(s), to
avoid the possibility of air locks occurring in the system. There MUST BE a continuous fall in the
pipe work from the solar collector(s) to the solar storage tank. Horizontal runs of pipe work are
acceptable and may be installed as part of an open circuit system.

A non-return valve MUST BE installed on the cold water line to the solar storage tank AFTER the cold
water branch to a temperature limiting device.

The pressure applied to the collector circuit and solar collector(s) during a pressure test of an open
circuit system MUST NOT exceed 1000 kPa, otherwise damage may result. Refer to
Testing"
on page 42.
WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware
41
INSTALLATION – SOLAR COLLECTOR(S)
"Pressure