American Water Heater 318281-000 Introduction, System Description, Preparing For The Installation

INTRODUCTION

Thank You for purchasing this water heating system. Properly installed and maintained, it should give you years of trouble free service.

Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:

•ANSI - American National Standards Institute

•ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers

•GAMA - Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association

•NEC - National Electrical Code

•NFPA - National Fire Protection Association

•UL - Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

This Solar Water Heating System consists of four main parts — the solar collectors, the solar pump station, the solar storage tank, and the plumbing for the heat transfer fluid.

The solar pump station uses a pump to circulate a heat- transfer fluid through the “collector loop”. This collector loop includes the solar collectors, the fluid lines or “line- set” and a heat exchanger. The collector loop is a “closed loop”, meaning there is no contact of the heat transfer fluid with your potable water or with the atmosphere. The collector loop contains only a small volume of heat-trans- fer fluid which is non-toxic and freeze-protected to -30°F (Freeze tolerance limits are based upon an assumed set of environmental conditions). Though freeze protec- tion may not be necessary in all areas, the heat-transfer fluid also contains corrosion inhibitors which protect the system components, has an elevated boiling point, and is suitable throughout North America.

When exposed to sunlight, the solar collectors get hot. As the heat-transfer fluid passes through the collectors, it absorbs the heat and then travels down the line-set to the tank. The hot fluid passes through the heat exchanger and heat is transferred to the potable water. After giving up its heat to the potable water, the cool heat-transfer fluid is pumped back to the solar collectors to be heated again. Hot potable water is stored in the solar storage tank.

The auxiliary or back-up electric-heating guarantees hot water even under poor solar conditions (at night or when very cloudy). The minimum acceptable temperature set- point is specified in local plumbing codes.

You can save the most money on your water-heating bills by using the backup heater on your system as little as possible. If the sun shines brightly between 10 am and 3 pm, enough heat will normally be generated to keep the water hot throughout the rest of the day and night.

However, on days when the sky is cloudy or when large quantities of hot water are being used, we recommend leaving the backup heater turned on and set to 120° F to provide adequate hot water.

PREPARING FOR THE INSTALLATION

1.Read the “General Safety” section of this manual first and then the entire manual carefully. If you don’t follow the safety rules, the water heater will not operate properly. It could cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

This manual contains instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the solar water heater. It also contains warnings throughout the manual that you must read and understand. All warnings and all instructions are essential to the proper operation of the water heater and your safety. READ THE ENTIRE

MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL OR OPERATE THE WATER HEATER.

2.The installation must conform with these instructions and the local code authority having jurisdiction and the requirements of the power company. In the absence of local code requirements follow NFPA-70, the National Electrical Code (current edition), which may be ordered from: National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.

3.If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not understand any portion of the instructions, call the local utility or the manufacturer whose name appears on the rating plate.

4.Carefully plan your intended placement of the water heater and collectors. INSTALLATION OR SERVICE OF THIS WATER HEATER REQUIRES ABILITY EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF A LICENSED TRADESMAN IN THE FIELD INVOLVED. PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL WORK ARE REQUIRED.

Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with the “Facts to Consider About the Location” section in this manual.

5.For California installation this water heater must be braced, anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving during an earthquake. See instructions for correct installation procedures. Instructions may be obtained from California Office of the State Architect, 400 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

6.Massachusetts Code requires this water heater to be installed in accordance with Massachusetts 248-CMR 2.00: State Plumbing Code and 248-CMR 5.00.

4