Rheem Solar Thermosiphon Water Heater Owner's Manual And Installation Instructions
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Rheem Solar Thermosiphon Water Heater Owner's Manual And Installation Instructions

Rheem Solar Thermosiphon Water Heater Owner's Manual And Installation Instructions

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Installation Instructions

Solar Thermosiphon Water Heater
Stainless Steel Tanks
WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware
Use copper pipe ONLY. Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used.
It is a requirement of a solar water heater installation that all pipe work be in copper
and not plastic, due to the effects of high water temperatures.
This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with the householder or responsible officer.

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Summary of Contents for Rheem Solar Thermosiphon Water Heater

  • Page 1: Installation Instructions

    Owner’s Guide Installation Instructions Solar Thermosiphon Water Heater Stainless Steel Tanks WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware Use copper pipe ONLY. Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used. It is a requirement of a solar water heater installation that all pipe work be in copper and not plastic, due to the effects of high water temperatures.
  • Page 2 Rheem Australia Pty Ltd. TRADE MARKS ® Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd. ™ Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd. Note: Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in preparation of this publication. No liability can be accepted for any consequences, which may arise as a result of its application.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS HOUSEHOLDER – We recommend you read pages 4 to 18. The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest. About Your Water Heater ......................4 Regular Care ..........................11 Water Supplies ........................... 13 Save A Service Call ........................16 Installation ..........................

  • Page 4: About Your Water Heater

    The solar storage tank has a Colorbond jacket. The 52L tank (direct system) is suitable for installation with Rheem Australis or Titan solar collectors (RL series) and the 52H tank (indirect system) is suitable for installation with Rheem S200 (52H series), Australis or Titan solar collectors (RLX series).
  • Page 5 Refer to on page 7. Rheem recommends the thermostat is set at 60°C to maximise solar contribution. Note: AS 3498 requires that a water heater provides the means to inhibit the growth of Legionella bacteria in potable water. This water heater can satisfy this AS 3498 requirement provided the electric booster is energised for a sufficient period each day and the electric booster thermostat setting is 60°C or higher.
  • Page 6 If the electrical conduit to the solar storage tank is damaged, it must be replaced by a qualified person in order to avoid a hazard. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
  • Page 7 ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER PRECAUTIONS Where damage to property can occur in the event of the water heater leaking, the water heater must be installed in a safe tray. Construction, installation and draining of a safe tray must comply with AS/NZS 3500.4 and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
  • Page 8 ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER Programming the Timer Power must be available to the timer control switch before the booster heating unit can be activated. The timer should be programmed: to suit the hot water consumption pattern of the household, with the end of the period to coincide with the commencement of the evening hot water usage, (a second period, such as prior to the morning hot water usage, may be necessary) to enable a boosting period of not less than the recommended continuous length of time for boosting, for a period when power will be available for the booster heating unit to operate.
  • Page 9 -8°C. If lower temperatures are anticipated, a greater concentration of closed circuit fluid will be required. The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if non Rheem approved closed circuit fluid has been “Terms of the Rheem Warranty”...
  • Page 10 ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER If you plan to be away from home for a few nights, we suggest you leave the water heater switched on. If it is necessary to turn off the water heater: Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the solar storage tank.

  • Page 11: Regular Care

    Note: The five year service and routine replacement of any components, such as the relief valves, are not included in the Rheem warranty. A charge will be made for this work. Only genuine replacement parts should be used on this water heater.
  • Page 12 Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection. If the relief valve lever is not readily and safely accessible, contact Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent. Do not attempt to climb onto a non trafficable roof to operate the relief valve lever.

  • Page 13: Water Supplies

    Where the pH is less than 6.0 the Rheem warranty does not apply to a stainless steel cylinder or a heat exchanger in a 52H cylinder. Water with a pH less than 6.0 may be treated to raise the pH.
  • Page 14 A corrosion resistant heating and an indirect solar water heater must be used unit must be used for the Rheem warranty to apply to the heating unit and solar collector. This water heater is supplied fitted with a corrosion resistant heating unit.
  • Page 15 The water heater and its components are not suitable for certain water chemistries. Those chemistries are listed below. If the water heater is connected at any time to a water supply with the following water chemistry, the Rheem warranty will not cover any resultant faults on the components listed below: Water Chemistry Component Chloride >...

  • Page 16: Save A Service Call

    Warning: Hotter water increases the risk of scald injury. Water heater size Do you have the correct size water heater for your requirements? The sizing guides in the sales literature and on the Rheem website (www.rheem.com.au) suggest average sizes that may be needed.
  • Page 17 If this occurs when the water heater is being boosted by the electric booster heating unit, then the water heater must be switched off at the isolating switch or switchboard. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
  • Page 18 SAVE A SERVICE CALL COLLECTOR GLASS The Rheem warranty DOES NOT cover breakage of solar collector glass. Check your household insurance policy covers collector glass breakage. Warning: No attempt should be made to remove or replace broken collector glass. The collector glass is not offered as a replacement part. Should the solar collector require replacement, contact Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.

  • Page 19: Installation

    THIS WATER HEATER IS NOT SUITABLE FOR POOL HEATING. SOLAR COLLECTORS The 52L tank is suitable for installation with Rheem Australis or Titan solar collectors and the 52H tank is suitable for installation with Rheem S200, Australis or Titan solar collectors.
  • Page 20 The 52H and RLX series systems are suitable for installation in areas subject to frost or freeze conditions. Freeze conditions occur below 6°C. The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if non Rheem approved closed circuit fluid has been used or if the closed circuit fluid has been incorrectly mixed (refer to “Terms of the Rheem Warranty”...
  • Page 21 INSTALLATION SOLAR WATER HEATER STORAGE TANK LOCATION The solar storage tank is designed to be installed on the roof directly coupled to the solar collectors. The solar water heater should be installed close to the most frequently used outlet and its position chosen with safety and service in mind.
  • Page 22 INSTALLATION RAIN WATER TANK If a 52H or RLX series system is to be installed on a section of roof which is part of a rain water runoff collection system, then it is recommended this section of roof and its gutter be isolated from the rain water collection system.
  • Page 23 10°C. In addition, a temperature limiting device capable of receiving a hot water supply temperature of up to 99°C should be used in conjunction with a Rheem solar thermosiphon system. Refer to the specifications of the temperature limiting device.
  • Page 24 INSTALLATION If a pressure limiting valve is installed on the cold water line to the solar water heater and the cold water line to a temperature limiting device branches off before this valve or from another cold water line in the premises, then a pressure limiting valve of an equal pressure setting may be required prior to the temperature limiting device.
  • Page 25 Note: If the cylinder is damaged as a result of attaching pipe clips or saddles to the jacket, any resultant faults will not be covered by the Rheem warranty. BOOSTER HEATING UNIT The booster heating unit is for heating the water at times of low solar energy gain, such as during very cloudy “Connections –...
  • Page 26 INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA 180 System RHEEM PREMIER HILINE 52H180 WITH S200 SOLAR COLLECTOR RHEEM PREMIER HILINE 52H180 WITH S200 SOLAR COLLECTOR 300 System Direct System Data Solar Storage Tank Solar Collectors Pipe Kit System Nominal Empty Direct Full...
  • Page 27 INSTALLATION Indirect System Data Solar Storage Tank Solar Collectors Pipe Kit System Nominal Empty Indirect Full Weight Full Type Model Capacity (kg) Model Empty Full System (kg) (kg) (kg) (litres) cartoned Australis RLX11 indirect 52H180 or Titan Australis RLX32 indirect 52H300 or Titan Australis...
  • Page 28 INSTALLATION TYPICAL INSTALLATION – SOLAR THERMOSIPHON 300 TYPICAL INSTALLATION RHEEM PREMIER HILINE 52H300...
  • Page 29 INSTALLATION ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM – 52H SERIES WITHOUT OTP – CONETITE FITTING COLLECTORS Components Collector Hot Return Pipe Boiler Union ** Pressure Relief Valve HT55 TPR Valve 850 kPa Collector Rail 200 kPa M33 T Hot Outlet Tank Strap Plastic End Cover (pr) *** Collector Gland Nut Collector Flow Pipe Tank to Collector Spacer...
  • Page 30 INSTALLATION ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM – 52L, RL SERIES WITHOUT TRV – SCREWED FITTING COLLECTORS Components Collector Hot Return Pipe Assbly Brass T ** Olive Compression Self Tap Screw 8gge X ½” HT55 TPR Valve 850 kPa Nut Compression M33 T Hot Outlet Boiler Union ** Plastic End Cover (pr) *** M33 Collector Nut...
  • Page 31 INSTALLATION ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM – 52L, RL SERIES WITH TRV – SCREWED FITTING COLLECTORS Components Self Tap Screw 8 gge X ½” Collector Hot Return Pipe Assbly Plastic End Cover (Pr) *** HT55 TPR Valve 850 kPa Boiler Union ** TRV Valve M33 T Hot Outlet Collector Angle Tank to Collector Spacer...
  • Page 32 INSTALLATION ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM – RLX SERIES WITHOUT OTP – SCREWED FITTING COLLECTORS Components Self Tap Screw 8 gge X ½” Collector Hot Return Pipe Pressure Relief Valve HT55 TPR Valve 850 kPa Boiler Union ** 200 kPa M33 To ¾” Cone Adaptor M33 T Hot Outlet Collector Angle M33 Collector Nut...
  • Page 33 INSTALLATION ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM – RLX SERIES WITH OTP – SCREWED FITTING COLLECTORS Components Collector Hot Return Pipe Combination Stop, Strainer Flexi Hose 400 Long HT55 TPR Valve 850 kPa & Non-Return Valve ** Tank To Valve Pipe M33 T Hot Outlet PLV 500 kPa * OTP Valve M33 Collector Nut...

  • Page 34: Installation - Solar Collectors

    INSTALLATION – SOLAR COLLECTORS SOLAR COLLECTOR LOCATION The solar collectors must be installed in a shade free position. The surrounding vicinity should be checked for higher buildings or trees which may cause shade at other times of the year and for small trees which may grow and shade the solar collectors in the future.
  • Page 35 INSTALLATION – SOLAR COLLECTORS INCLINATION OF SOLAR COLLECTORS To help maximise system performance, solar collectors should be installed with an optimum inclination. This is equal to 90% to 100% of the local latitude angle when collectors are oriented within 60° of true north or true south, and between 10°...
  • Page 36 INSTALLATION – SOLAR COLLECTORS WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware The solar hot and solar cold pipe work between the thermosiphon solar storage tank and the solar collectors are supplied in the pipe kit. The supplied copper solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE used.

  • Page 37: System Assembly

    SYSTEM ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS AND KIT CONTENTS The thermosiphon solar water heater is supplied with a pipe kit, which contains the components required to assemble the solar storage tank and solar collectors together. The thermosiphon pipe kits are suitable for: 299247 52H180 tank with one S200 solar collector 299248 52H300 tank with two S200 solar collectors...
  • Page 38 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY 4180171-F 52H180 tank with one Australis or Titan solar collector 4305172-F 52H300 tank with two Australis solar collectors 4305172-S3OPT 52H300 tank with two Titan solar collectors 4305164-F 52H300 tank with three Australis solar collectors 4305164-S3OPT 52H300 tank with three Titan solar collectors 4180171- 4305172- 4305172-...
  • Page 39 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY 4180071-F 52L180 tank with one Australis or Titan solar collector 4305072-F 52L300 tank with two Australis solar collectors 4305072-TRV 52L300 tank with two Titan solar collectors 4305072- Part No Kit Components and Description 4180071-F 4305072-F 343066 Collector mounting angle 180 343067 Collector mounting angle 300 343064...
  • Page 40 Refer to your local Solar Distributor for details. The Rheem warranty DOES NOT cover breakage of solar collector glass. Check your insurance policy covers collector glass breakage. Warning: No attempt should be made to remove or replace broken collector glass.
  • Page 41 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY Refer to the installation instructions supplied with the RL series TRV kit or the RLX series OTP kit for additional information of the installation of the over temperature protection components. Roof Condition: Check the condition of the roof and advise the client of any broken tiles or damaged roof sheeting.
  • Page 42 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY  Correct Method of Installing Collectors  Incorrect Method of Installing Collectors  Incorrect Method of Installing Collectors  Incorrect Method of Installing Collectors...
  • Page 43 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY Solar Collectors: Position the solar collectors in the correct configuration with the lower ends seated in the collector angle / rail. Collector Mounting NOTE ON SCREWED FITTING CONNECTIONS A connection with a screwed fitting uses either an O-ring or a silicone rubber washer for sealing. Tank connection with screwed fitting –...
  • Page 44 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY Tank to Collector Spacers and Solar Storage Tank: Tile Roof: If used, fit the tank flashing sheet (not shown) under the top of the solar collectors and extend up the roof to the top of the solar storage tank location. Lift the roof tiles immediately above the solar storage tank location and secure the flashing sheet to the roofing members.
  • Page 45 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY Collector Bung / End Plugs: 52H indirect system – conetite fitting: Fit the collector bung to the top left connection of the solar collector using the collector gland nut provided. RL direct and RLX indirect system: Fit an M33 collector nut supplied to the top left and bottom right connections of the solar collectors using the O-rings or silicone rubber washers and blanking discs provided.
  • Page 46 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY Cold Water Inlet: 52L / RL direct system: Connect the copper cold supply pipe to the shoulder of the solar cold pipe using the G½ compression nut and copper olive provided. 52H / RLX indirect system: Fit the tank starter pipe assembly to the cold water inlet using the M33 female gland nut and a silicone rubber washer provided.
  • Page 47 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION CHECK LIST Once the installation is completed and before the tank is full of water and the collector circuit is full of heating fluid, it is IMPORTANT to check the following: The solar hot and solar cold pipes grade downwards with a continuous fall of not less than 10° from the solar storage tank to the solar collectors.

  • Page 48: Connections - Plumbing

    CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING All plumbing work must be carried out by a qualified person and in accordance with the requirements of the Standard AS/NZS 3500.4, and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements. In New Zealand, the installation must conform with Clause G12 of the New Zealand Building Code. Warning: Certain types of plastic pipe, such as Poly-butylene pipe, are not suitable to be used as a hot water pipe between: this water heater and a temperature limiting device, and...
  • Page 49 CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING Pipes must not be installed in direct contact with metal roofs. Where it is necessary to run piping across a metal roof, it must be fixed above the roof and surrounded with a weatherproof insulation of a minimum thickness in accordance with Clause 4.12.3 of AS/NZS 3500.4.
  • Page 50 CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE An expansion control valve is supplied in the pipe kit and must be installed. Install the expansion control valve using a brass Tee, brass union and brass nipple on the cold water line to the water heater. Local regulations may make it mandatory to install an expansion control valve (ECV) in the cold water line to the water heater.

  • Page 51: Connections - Electrical

    For reasons of safety and economy, we advise the thermostat be set at the lowest temperature that will provide sufficient hot water during periods when boosting is required. Rheem recommends the thermostat is set at 60°C to maximise solar contribution. Discuss the thermostat setting requirements with the...
  • Page 52 CONNECTIONS – ELECTRICAL BOOSTER CONTROL The isolating switch installed in the electrical meter box for the solar storage tank should be left switched on. Leaving the isolating switch switched on will also provide a sufficient period of time each day for the booster heating unit to operate, if required, to satisfy the requirements of AS 3498.
  • Page 53 CONNECTIONS – ELECTRICAL TIMER CONTROL SWITCH WIRING DIAGRAM Switchboard Switchboard Switchboard CONTINUOUS EXTENDED OFF-PEAK EXTENDED OFF-PEAK POWER SUPPLY POWER SUPPLY POWER SUPPLY (timer with rechargeable battery) Timer Timer Terminal Block Terminal Block TIMER WITHOUT CONTACTOR TIMER WITH CONTACTOR (if required) TIMER WIRING DIAGRAMS ELECTRIC BOOSTED DIRECT SOLAR WATER HEATER...

  • Page 54: Multiple Installations

    MULTIPLE INSTALLATIONS A multiple installation of Rheem thermosiphon solar water heaters on a single manifold or multiple manifolds ® is possible, using the Rheem Equa-Flow manifold system, where large volumes of hot water are required. It is recommended the electrical heating units of Rheem thermosiphon solar water heaters installed in a multiple installation, not be connected to a power supply.
  • Page 55 MULTIPLE INSTALLATIONS RHEEM COMMERCIAL SOLAR THERMOSIPHON – DOUBLE ARRAY RHEEM COMMERCIAL SOLAR HILINE DESIGN DOUBLE ARRAY TPR Valve Drain Line Common Discharge Point...

  • Page 56: Commissioning

    COMMISSIONING TO FILL AND TURN ON THE WATER HEATER The power supply to the solar storage tank must not be switched on until the water heater is filled with water and a satisfactory megger reading is obtained. Open all of the hot water taps in the house (don‟t forget the shower). Open the isolation valves fully on the cold and hot water branches to the water heater(s) in a bank.
  • Page 57 Only use approved closed circuit concentrate. If required, a Material Safety Data Sheet can be sought from Rheem. While the closed circuit fluid is non toxic to humans, it does have an adverse effect on water stored in rainwater tanks.
  • Page 58 COMMISSIONING Close the Service Valve or remove the hose and refit the screw into the Fill Plug Assembly. Insert the 200 kPa pressure relief valve into the vent socket and secure with the retaining clip. Pressurise the closed circuit system up to 170 kPa and leave for ten minutes. Check the system for leaks at all connections.

  • Page 59: Draining The Solar Storage Tank

    DRAINING THE SOLAR STORAGE TANK To drain the solar storage tank: Cover the solar collectors to prevent solar radiation gain and the transfer of heat to the solar storage tank. Failure to do so may cause a safety issue. Open a hot water tap and allow the water to run for five minutes immediately prior to draining the solar storage tank.

  • Page 60: Draining The Closed Circuit

    DRAINING THE CLOSED CIRCUIT – 52H / RLX SERIES It is recommended to drain the solar collectors and heat exchanger every five years. The closed circuit fluid should be checked and if necessary replaced. Draining the solar collectors and closed circuit should be conducted within three hours of sunrise, when the closed circuit fluid temperature inside the solar collectors is lower.

  • Page 61: Flushing The Water Heater

    FLUSHING THE WATER HEATER It may be necessary to flush the storage tank (52H or 52L tank) and solar collectors (52L) if there is sediment in the water supply. This should be conducted in the morning, within three hours of sunrise, when the water or closed circuit fluid temperature inside the solar collectors is lower.

  • Page 62: Warranty

    2.1 The decision of whether to repair or replace a faulty component is at Rheem’s sole discretion. 2.2 If you require a call out and we find that the fault is not covered by the Rheem warranty, you are responsible for our standard call out charge.
  • Page 63 3. WHAT IS COVERED BY THE RHEEM WARRANTY FOR THE WATER HEATERS DETAILED IN THIS DOCUMENT 3.1 Rheem will repair or replace a faulty component of your water heater if it fails to operate in accordance with its specifications as...
  • Page 64 6.2 The Rheem warranty (set out above) is in addition to any rights and remedies that you may have under the Australian Consumer Law.

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