WARNING
INSTALLATION IN RESIDENTIAL GARAGES: The solar water heater must be located and/or protected so it is not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
FILLING THE SOLAR WATER
HEATER WITH WATER
1.Close the solar water heater drain valve. The drain valve is on the lower front of the solar water heater.
2.Open the cold water supply to the solar water heater. NOTE:
THIS VALVE MUST BE LEFT OPEN WHEN THE SOLAR WATER HEATER IS IN USE.
3.Fill the solar water heater until water runs out an opened hot water faucet. This will let out air in the solar water heater and the piping. Close the faucet after the water comes out. You must not turn the electricity on until the solar water heater is full of water. IF ANY AIR IS LEFT IN THE TOP OF THE SOLAR WATER HEATER, THE TOP HEATING ELEMENT WILL BURN OUT RIGHTAWAY.
4.Check all the new water piping for leaks. Fix as needed.
WIRING OF ELEMENT
Determine voltage and wattage from the rating plate attached to the solar water heater. All external wiring, connection, and overcurrent protective devices must be provided and installed in accordance with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code, local codes, and local utility requirements. The solar water heater must be electrically “grounded” by the installer. A green ground screw has been provided on the solar water heater’s junction box.
The grounding electrode conductor shall be of copper, aluminum, or copperclad aluminum. The material shall be resistant to corrosion, and shall be of one continuous length without a splice or joint.
Rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or electrical metallic tubing may be used for the grounding means if conduit or tubing is terminated in fittings approved for grounding.
FIGURE 5
Flexible metal conduit or flexible metallic tubing shall be permitted for grounding if all the following conditions are met:
1.The length in any ground return path does not exceed 6 feet.
2.The circuit conductors contained therein are protected by overcurrent devices rated at 20 amperes or less.
3.The conduit or tubing is terminated in fittings approved for grounding.
WARNING
Never use this solar water heater unless it is completely full of water.
WARNING
SOLAR WATER HEATERS EQUIPPED FOR ONE TYPE VOLTAGE ONLY. This solar water heater is equipped for one type of voltage only. Check the rating plate near the bottom access panel for the correct voltage. DO NOT USE THIS SOLAR WATER HEATER WITH ANY VOLTAGE OTHER THAN THE ONE SHOWN ON THE MODEL RATING PLATE. Failure to use the correct voltage can cause problems which can result in DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. If you have any questions or doubts consult your electric company.
CAUTION
If wiring from the fuse box or circuit breaker box was aluminum for the old tank, replace it with copper wire. If you wish to reuse the existing aluminum wire, have the connection at the solar water heater made by a competent electrician. Contact your local utility to arrange for a professional electrician.
FIGURE 6
THERMOSTAT
Each thermostat is factory preset at 120°F to reduce the risk of scald injury. This setting has proven by experience to be most satisfactory from the standpoint of operational costs and household needs.
Solar water heaters installed in Florida require the thermostat(s) to be set at 125°F. If you wish to adjust the settings, see the “Temperature Adjustment” section of this installation manual on page 6.
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