Local Installation Regulations - Rheem Solaraide Series Use & Care Manual

The location chosen for the water heater must take into considera-
tion 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 de-
mand. 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 re-
moved to permit inspection and servicing such as removal of ele-
ments 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.
1. INSPECT SHIPMENT — Inspect water heater for possible dam-
age. 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 pres-
sure 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 pres-
sure increase in the water heater and system piping. This rapid
pressure increase can quickly reach the safety setting of the re-
lief valve, causing it to operate during each heating cycle. Ther-
mal 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 pos-
sibly 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
Introduction
!
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.
A —Diameter of water
heater plus 2" min.
B — Maximum 2"
Figure 1. — Auxiliary Catch Pan
Catch Pan Kits are available from the distributor or store where
the water heater was purchased.
Installation
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 elimi-
nating the repeated operation of the relief valve. Other methods of
controlling thermal expansion are also available. Contact your in-
stalling contractor, water supplier, or plumbing inspector for additional
information regarding this subject.
3. WATER SUPPLY CONNECTIONS — Refer to Fig. 2 for suggested
typical installation. The installation of unions or flexible copper
connectors is recommended on the hot and cold water connec-
tions so that the water heater may be easily disconnected for ser-
vicing if necessary. The HOT and COLD water connections are
clearly marked and are 3/4" NPT on all models. Install a shut-off
valve in the cold water line near the water heater.
IMPORTANT!! Do not apply heat to the hot or cold water connections.
If sweat connections are used, sweat tubing to adapter before fitting
adapter to hot or cold water connections on heater. Any heat applied
to the hot or cold water supply fittings will permanently damage them.
4. RELIEF VALVE — A new combination temperature and pressure
relief valve, complying with the Standard for Relief Valves and
Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems,
ANSI Z21.22, must be installed in the opening provided and
marked for the purpose on the water heater. (Refer to Fig. 2.) No
valve of any type should be installed between the relief valve and
the tank. Local codes shall govern the installation of relief valves.
The pressure rating of the relief valve must not exceed 150 PSI,
the maximum working pressure of the water heater as marked on
the rating plate. The BTUH Rating of the relief valve must not be
less than the input rating of the water heater as indicated on the
3
B
A
To open drain, line
should be at least
3 / " ID and pitched
4
for proper drainage.