ESP Varimax I ASHP User manual

ESP VARIMAX I ASHP
Installation and
Operation Manual

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WARNING!
READ THIS BEFORE
INSTALLING THE UNIT.
The installation of all un-vented water heating systems above 15 litres
(this includes ESP Hot Water ASHP’s) MUST comply with local area
Building Regulations. It is a legal requirement that the local Building
Control Officer be notified of any proposed installation.
UK regulations require an appropriately sized expansion vessel
(internal or external) to be incorporated, safety devices to prevent the
stored water exceeding 100°C, and pipe work to convey discharged hot
water safely away from the safety devices.
Furthermore, the installation must be carried out by an engineer who
has successfully completed a recognised course in the installation of
un-vented heating systems such as CITB. Failure to fit the unit
correctly and in accordance with regulations may affect its safety,
efficiency and WILL invalidate any guarantee.
THE UNIT MUST BE INSTALLED, COMMISSIONED AND MAINTAINED BY A
COMPETENT INSTALLER IN ACCORDANCE WITH BUILDING REGULATION
G3 (ENGLAND AND WALES), TECHNICAL STANDARD P3 (SCOTLAND) OR
BUILDING REGULATION P5 (NORTHERN IRELAND) AND THE WATER
FITTING REGULATIONS (ENGLAND AND WALES) OR WATER BYELAWS
(SCOTLAND). FOLLOWING INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING, THE
OPERATION OF THE UNIT SHOULD BE EXPLAINED TO THE USER AND
THESE INSTRUCTIONS LEFT WITH THEM FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

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Contents:
1.0 Preface
1.1 Varimax I ASHP Units features
2.0 Safety Precautions
3.0 Varimax I Unit Specifications
3.1 Appearance of the Unit
3.2 Unit Dimensions
4.0 Choosing the right heat pump
4.1 Heat Load Calculation
4.2 Varimax Output Rating
4.3 Emitter systems
5.0 Installation
5.1 Where to use and Where to Site the unit
5.2 Location of the Unit
5.3 Transporting the Unit
5.4 Plumbing Considerations
6.0 Hydraulic Connection
6.1. Expansion vessels
6.2 Flow Switch
6.3 . Flexi Hoses
6.4 Automatic bleed valves
6.5 Transit Bung
6.6 Y-Strainer
6.7 TRVs
6.8 Distribution Water Pump
6.9 Glycol
7.0 Electrical Connection
7.1 Warning Notes
7.2 MCB
7.3 Isolation Switch
7.4 Cable Routing
7.5 Before You Start
7.6 Wiring-in The Unit
8.0 Unit Specifications
9.0 Commissioning

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9.1 Pre-Start Checks
9.2 Switching on the Unit
10.0 UNIT CONTROLLER
10.1 main Interface
10.2 Basic Operation
10.3 Main Menu
10.4 Frequency Control
11.0 Maintenance
11.1 Essential Checks
11.2 Advisory Checks
12.0 Trouble Shooting
12.1 Error Codes
12.2 Simple Faultfinding
13.0 Wiring Diagram
14.0 Guarantee
14.1 Guarantee Terms
15.0 Environmental Information
16.0 Adding a Remote Wired Controller
17.0 Weather Compensation
18.0 Performance
19.0 Parameter List

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1.0 Preface:
This manual includes all the necessary information about installation and
maintenance of the ESP Varimax I inverter driven air source heat pump
(ASHP) unit. Please read this manual carefully before carrying out any
installation or maintenance works on the unit. Please note that, failure to
observe the provisions in this manual will invalidate any warranty on the
unit and may lead to loss and/or damage to people and/or property that
ESP will not be liable.
All ESP ASHPs are covered by the warranty contained in the ESP Terms and
conditions of Business a copy of which will have been provided to you prior
to your purchase.
The Varimax I must only be installed by suitably qualified personnel.
The Varimax I air source water heat pump is a high efficiency, energy
saving and environmentally friendly unit that should be used primarily for
space heating. It can work with any kind of heat emitter unit such fan coil,
radiator, or under floor heating. The Varimax I can also be used to
generate domestic hot water (DHW) for sanitary purpose although ESP
recommend that space heating is achieved with an ASHP and the DHW
requirement be met by an ESP Ecocent unit. PLEASE NOTE that operating
conditions, such as ambient air temperature, required water flow
temperatures, target room temperatures and humidity will influence the
operating efficiency of the unit.
1.1 Features of the Varimax I ASHP:
1. Advanced controls
All user set parameters can be controlled via A PC based controller
that can control several units simultaneously.
2. Attractive appearance
The Varimax I is designed to be attractive and
discrete.
3. Compact design
Our Varimax I units have a built-in water pump
and is a stand-alone unit to make installation
simple and quick.
4. Quiet running
High quality and efficient compressors, fans, water pumps and

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sound insulation combines to ensure a very low running noise of 59
dBa.
5. Heat Exchanger
The Varimax I unit is equipped with a very high efficiency heat
exchanger to deliver exceptional efficiency.
6. Wide operating temperature capability
The Varimax I unit is designed to work effectively and efficiently
down to -15°C ambient air temperature.
2.0 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please note the following important installation and operating
information: Failure to observe these points could lead to loss or
damage to property and/or injury/death of installers/operators and
will invalidate the warranty.
 The unit must only be installed, moved and/or repaired by a
suitably qualified and experienced engineer. If you are in
doubt about who is qualified carry out works on the Varimax
I unit, please call ESP.
 The Unit MUST be properly earthed.
 Do not put fingers or other objects in to the grille covering
the fan and make sure that children do not play close to the
unit. The grills are there for a good reason.
 If you hear abnormal noises, or smell strange odours, coming
from the unit, switch it off immediately and call your installer
or ESP.
 Do NOT install the unit close to any gas fired appliance,
heater or fire.
 Ensure that the base on which the unit is secured is both
large and strong enough to take the weight of the unit
comfortably and will not subside. The base should also be at
least 150mm above the surrounding ground level and you

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should check the base periodically to ensure that there is no
subsidence of the base. In areas prone to flooding, care
should be taken to ensure that the unit is elevated to avoid
flood damage.
 Ensure that you use a suitably rated circuit breaker. If in
doubt, have your electrician call ESP Technical Support.
 Switch off the power before carrying out any cleaning and/or
maintenance.
3.0 VARIMAX I UNIT SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 APPEARANCE OF THE UNIT
W
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Unit
controller
The maximum length of cable for the unit controller is 200 metres
from the heat pump

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3.2 UNIT DIMENSIONS
4.0 Choosing the right heat pump
4.1 Heat Load Calculation
Based on the local climatic conditions, construction features and
insulation levels, your system designer will calculate the heat load
and, therefore, the appropriate unit size for your building. ESP can
provide a heat load calculation that conforms to MIS 3005. For new
builds, the requirements of Part L of The Building Regulations (or
better) for insulation will help ensure that the heat load of the
dwelling is kept to a minimum. For existing buildings, insulation
should be improved as much as possible to minimise the heat load.
4.2 Varimax Output Rating
The Varimax I operating capability rating has been based upon the
test conditions set out in BS EN 14511 and you should choose your
unit according to the rated output. Please NOTE that BS EN 14511
rates unit output based upon 6/7°C ambient air temperature and
you must ensure that you size your unit based upon the conditions
stated in MIS 3005. Performance graphs are included in section 18.

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Make sure that your supplier/installer is familiar with the
requirements of MIS 3005.
The Varimax I unit is MCS Accredited and, if you wish to take
advantage of certain funding that may be available, your unit MUST
BE INSTALLED BY AN MCS ACCREDITED INSTALLER –please consult
your supplier or ESP should you require further clarification.
4.3 Emitter system.
The Heat pump must be matched to a suitable emitter system.
Guidance on choosing a suitable system can be found at
www.microgenerationcertification.org\admin\documents\MIS
3005 Supplementary Information 2 - Heat Emitter Guide v2.0.pdf
where guidance on pipe spacing for UFH systems and sizing
consideration for fan coil units such as the ESP Thermovec and
traditional wet radiators can be found.
5.0 Installation
5.1 Where to use and Where to Site the unit
The Varimax I can be used for domestic or commercial premises
and you should consider the following when choosing an
installation site:
 The unit must be installed in an outdoor location on a
solid base that can carry the weight of the unit. This can be
on the ground, a roof or balcony. If it is to be installed on a
roof or balcony, a steel frame must be used. Please contact
ESP for further details.
 The must be well ventilated but NOT windy.
 The site should be away from direct sunlight and sources
of high heat.
 The unit must be sited 500mm from any obstacles to the
rear and sides. Further information is included in the section
below entitled “Location of Unit”.

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 The unit generates condensate and this should be piped
away from the unit and in to a suitable drain to prevent ice
forming on the area around the unit. This applies to the
water resulting from a defrost cycle.
 There must be enough space around the unit for
plumbing and maintenance works as detailed in the diagram
below.
 The unit MUST be firmly fixed to a secure base using the
rubber anti-vibration feet using suitable fixings. Failure to
secure the unit properly using the rubber feet will mean that
it will fail accreditation.
 To allow precipitation to run off the unit and to ensure
that any water entering the unit can drain through the holes
in the bottom of the unit, allow a 3mm fall left to right as you
look at the fan.
5.2 Location of the Unit
Rear of Unit