Safety - FAFCO 500 Series Installation Manual

Dangerous Heights
Solar collector(s) are often installed on the roof of a building. Unless you're familiar with working on roofs and
have the proper ladders and safety equipment for such work, you should hire someone with the necessary
experience to do the installation. Failure to observe safe practices on a roof or other elevated structures may
result in falling and serious injury. Working alone increases the chance of an accident happening. Be sure to
have help or someone nearby to assist you.
High Voltage
Some aspects of installation involve working around and with high voltage. Electrical connections to the hot water
heater (if electric) are typically 240 VAC and CAN KILL YOU. Use precautions and ensure that all electricity is
shut off to the area in which you're working. Use the breaker box and remove the breaker if you have to. Check
with a voltmeter to verify the voltage is off before contacting any electrical connections. Consult with a licensed
electrician if you have any doubts about the process. Check your local building codes.
High Water Pressure and Temperature
Electric and gas water heaters operate at high water pressure and temperature. Be sure to turn off your water
supply and open drain valves to depressurize the system before unthreading or cutting into any part of the water
heater plumbing. Consult a licensed plumber if you have any doubts. Check your local building codes.
WATER TEMPERATURE REGULATION
Hot water is dangerous. Water temperature to the home
can be regulated by adjusting the temperature control
valve. The recommended 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
• 140° F (60°C) at 3 seconds
• 150° F (66°C) at 1-1/2 seconds
• 160° F (71°C) at less than 1 second
HEAT TRANSFER FLUID AND FREEZE PROTECTION
Page 21 of this manual contains instructions to mix a minimum 35% FAFCO HTF with potable water. Use of any other
heat-transfer fluid will void warranty, and may result in poor performance and/or equipment damage. This mixture is suf-
ficient for any freezing conditions per Section 21.5 of the ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals which states, "If the fluid is
being used to prevent equipment damage during idle periods in cold weather, such as winterizing coils in an HVAC system,
35% propylene glycol is sufficient. These concentrations will allow the fluid to freeze. As the fluid freezes, it forms a slush
that expands and flows into any available space. Expansion volume must be included with this type of protection. If the
application requires that the fluid remain entirely liquid, use a concentration with a freezing point 5
pected temperature. Avoid excessive glycol concentration because it increases initial cost and adversely affects the fluid's
physical properties." Freeze protection is conservatively estimated down to -20
upon an assumed set of environmental conditions. MSDS is available at www.fafco.com for information on disposal
and First Aid. FAFCO system is overheat protected and has little metal in contact with fluid. It therefore does not promote
deposits, corrosion, or degradation of fluid mixture.
WARNING
! !
F below the lowest ex-
o
F. Freeze tolerance limits are based
o

Safety

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