INSTALLATION – SOLAR STORAGE TANK
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The installation must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4,
AS/NZS 3000, AS 5601 and all local codes and regulatory authority
requirements. In New Zealand, the installation must conform with NZS 5261
Code of Practice for Installation of Gas Burning Appliances and the New
Zealand Building Code.
The water heater must not be installed in an area with a corrosive atmosphere
where chemicals are stored or where aerosol propellants are released.
Remember the air may be safe to breathe, but when it goes through a flame,
chemical changes take place which may attack the water heater.
The solar storage tank is to be installed at ground level on a concrete or brick
plinth (fire proof base) and must stand vertically upright with the back of the
solar storage tank against an external wall or alternatively against a fireproof
screen extending at least 500 mm above, below and either side the flue
terminal. Failure to observe this precaution can cause problems in high wind
areas. A secondary flue is not required.
As a guide the following requirements extracted from the Australian Gas
Installations Standard AS 5601, must be observed:
• At least 300 mm between the top of
the solar storage tank and the
eaves.
• At least 500 mm between the solar
storage tank and the edge of any
opening into the building, measured
horizontally and vertically.
• At least 500 mm between the solar
storage tank and a return wall or
external corner, measured
horizontally along the wall.
• At least 500 mm below any
openable window.
• At least 500 mm clear of any combustibles.