Nibe VPB Series Use and care manual

User and Installer
manual
LEK
VPB/VPBS
UK
Indirect heated storage water
heater
CHB GB 1720-1
431308

Table of Contents
41 Important information
72 For the User
83 For the Installer
214 Technical data
3Table of Contents |VPB/VPBS

Safety information
This manual describes installation and service procedures
for implementation by specialists.
This appliance can be used by children
aged from 8 years and above and per-
sons with reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities or lack of experience
and knowledge if they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use
of the appliance in a safe way and under-
stand the hazards involved. Children shall
not play with the appliance. Cleaning
and user maintenance shall not be made
by children without supervision.
Rights to make any design or technical
modifications are reserved.
©NIBE 2017.
Symbols
NOTE
This symbol indicates danger to person or ma-
chine .
Caution
This symbol indicates important information
about what you should observe when maintain-
ing your installation.
TIP
This symbol indicates tips on how to facilitate
using the product.
General
Serial number
The serial number can be found at the bottom right of
the front cover.
Caution
Always give the product's serial number when
reporting a fault.
Recovery
Leave the disposal of the packaging to the in-
staller who installed the product or to special
waste stations.
Do not dispose of used products with normal
household waste. It must be disposed of at a
special waste station or dealer who provides this type of
service.
Improper disposal of the product by the user results in
administrative penalties in accordance with current legis-
lation.
Country specific information
User and Installer manual
This user and installer manual must be left with the cus-
tomer.
Great Britain
This installation is subject to building regulation approval,
notify the local Authority of intention to install.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended replacement
parts.
Benchmark places responsibilities on both manufacturers
and installers. The purpose is to ensure that customers
are provided with the correct equipment for their needs,
that it is installed, commissioned and serviced in accord-
ance with the manufacturers instructions by competent
persons and that it meets the requirements of the appro-
priate Building Regulations. The Benchmark Checklist
can be used to demonstrate compliance with Building
Regulations and should be provided to the customer for
future reference.
Installers are required to carry out the installation, com-
missioning and servicing work in accordance with the
Benchmark Code of practice which is available from the
Heating and Hotwater Industry Council who manage
and promote the Scheme. Visit www.centralheat-
ing.co.uk for information.
VPB/VPBSChapter 1 | Important information4
1 Important information

Warranty and insurance information
Thank you for installing a new NIBE water heater in your
home.
NIBE water heaters are manufactured in Sweden to the
very highest standard so we are pleased to offer our
customers a comprehensive guarantee.
The product is guaranteed for 24 months for parts and
labour from the date of installation or 33 months from
the date of manufacture, whichever is the shorter.
The NIBE guarantee is based on the unit being installed
and commissioned by a NIBE accredited installer, serviced
every year and the Benchmark documents completed.
Where this condition is not met, any chargeable spare
parts or components issued within the applicable guar-
antee period still benefit from a 12 month warranty from
the date of issue by the manufacturer.
We recommend the installer completes and returns as
soon as possible, your guarantee registration card or
completes the guarantee form on the NIBE website
www.nibe.co.uk.
Please ensure that the installer has fully completed the
Benchmark Checklist in the end of the Installation Instruc-
tions supplied with the product and that you have signed
to say that you have received a full and clear explanation
of its operation. The installer is legally required to com-
plete a commissioning checklist as a means of complying
with the appropriate Building Regulations (England and
Wales).
All installations must be notified to Local Area Building
Control either directly or through a Competent Persons
Scheme. A Building Regulations Compliance Certificate
will then be issued to the customer who should, on re-
ceipt, write the Notification Number on the Benchmark
Checklist.
This product should be serviced regularly to optimise its
safety, efficiency and performance. The service engineer
should complete the relevant Service Record on the
Benchmark Checklist after each service.
The Benchmark Checklist may be required in the event
of any warranty work and as supporting documentation
relating to home improvements in the optional docu-
ments section of the Home Information Pack.
5Chapter 1 | Important informationVPB/VPBS

Inspection of the installation
Current regulations require the heating installation to be inspected before it is commissioned. The inspection must
be carried out by a suitably qualified person.
DateSignatureNotesDescription
✔
Heat pump (page 12)
Shut off valves
Venting valve
Shut off valve
Hot water (page 12)
Shut off valves
Mixing valve
Expansion vessel
T&P valve
Tundish
Cold water (page 12)
Shut off valves
Non-return valve
Safety valve
Tundish
Electricity (page 18)
Connected supply
Sensors
Temperature limiter
Miscellaneous
Benchmark checklist
VPB/VPBSChapter 1 | Important information6

Maintenance
Safety valve
The water heater's safety valve sometimes releases a
little water after hot water usage. This is because the
cold water, which enters the water heater, expands when
heated causing the pressure to rise and the safety valve
to open.
The function of the safety valves must be regularly
checked, about four times a year, to prevent clogging.
To inspect the valve, open the safety valve manually and
check that water flows through the overflow pipe. If this
does not happen then the safety valve is defective and
must be replaced.
Emptying
Water heater
Draining is performed through the siphon (using hose)
in the cold water connection (XL3).
Charge coil
Draining is performed through the siphon (using hose)
in the docking connection, return to heat pump (XL9).
Solar coil
Draining is performed through the siphon (using hose)
in the connection, return to solar heating system (XL14).
LEK
XL3 XL9
VPB 300
LEK
XL3 XL9 XL14
XL4
VPBS 300
Service
For service, contact the installer. Serial number (PF3) (14
digits) and installation date should always be stated.
Only replacement parts supplied by NIBE may be used.
7Chapter 2 | For the UserVPB/VPBS
2 For the User

General
VPB/VPBS is a series water heater, which is suitable for
connection to an external heat source.
The water tank in VPB 300 has internal stainless steel
corrosion protection, VPBS 300 has internal copper cor-
rosion protection. The water heater is equipped with a
charge coil that heats the domestic water, resulting in
excellent properties for hot water charging.
VPBS 300 can be docked to thermal solar panels.
VPB/VPBS is designed and manufactured for a maximum
cut-off pressure of 6 bar in the water tank. Maximum
pressure in the coil is 3 bar. Maximum permitted temper-
ature is 85 °C.
VPBS 300 is equipped with a copper finned tube for
connection of up to 6 m² of thermal solar panels.
The insulation is Neopor, which provides excellent heat
insulation. The outer shell of VPB/VPBS is powder-coated,
white steel.
VPB/VPBS is equipped with a submerged tube for the
sensors for external control and display of hot water
heating.
VPBS 300 can be supplemented with a third sensor for
solar control.
Transport
VPB/VPBS should be transported and stored vertically in
a dry place. The VPB/VPBS may, however, be carefully
laid on its back when being moved into a building.
R
0
+2
0
-2
1
R
0
HMflow 49(50)°C
Hotwater
51°C
+2
0
-2
1
R
0
HMflow
49(50)°C
Hotwater
51°C
R
0
R
0
+2
0
-2
1
R
0
HMflow 49(50)°C
Hotwater
51°C
+2
0
-2
1
R
0
HMflow
49(50)°C
Hotwater
51°C
R
0
Assembly
The water heater is only designed for upright installation.
The water heater’s installation area should always have
a temperature of at least 10 °C (to prevent the risk of
damage from frost).
Position VPB/VPBS on a firm base that can take the
weight, preferably on a concrete floor or foundation.
Use the product's adjustable feet to obtain a horizontal
and stable set-up.
30 - 50 mm
30 - 50 mm
15 - 40 mm
20-55 mm
Supplied components
LEK
Tundish
LEK
Pressure reduction valve
LEK
LEK
LEK
Shut off valve
LEK
Armoured hose (expansion
vessel)
LEK
Cold water inlet and expan-
sion relief valve, water
heater
LEK
Expansion vessel with
holder
Gasket
LEK
Temperature limiter
VPB/VPBSChapter 3 | For the Installer8
3 For the Installer

Component positions
LEK
LEK
LEK
XL8 XL4 XL3 XL9 XL5
UA1
FR1
UA2
XL8 XL4 XL3 XL9
UA1
Sv PDB
UA2
PF3
VPB 300 VPBS 300
XL5XL9XL3XL4XL8
UL
PF1
UA2
XL29
FL5
UA1
QM22
UA5
UA4
XL5FQ10XL14XL9XL3XL4XL8XL13
XL29
FL5
UA5
UA4
UA1
QM22
UL
PF1
UA2
UA3
UA3
FQ10
9Chapter 3 | For the InstallerVPB/VPBS

Explanation
Pipe connections
Connection, cold waterXL3
Connection, hot waterXL4
Connection, hot water circulationXL5
Docking connection, supply line (from heat
pump*)
XL8
Docking connection, return line (to heat pump*)XL9
Connection, supply line (from solar heating sys-
tem) (Only VPBS 300)
XL13
Connection, return line (to solar heating system)
(Only VPBS 300)
XL14
Connection, T&P valveXL29
HVAC components
T&P valve Ø 15 mmFL5
Venting, charge coilQM22
Submerged tube for hot water sensor (display)
BT7
UA1
Submerged tube for hot water sensor (control)
BT6
UA2
Submerged tube for solar sensor (control)UA3
Submerged tube for temperature limiterUA4
Submerged tube for temperature limiterUA5
Electrical components
Temperature limiterFQ10
Miscellaneous
Serial number platePF3
Adjustable feetUL
Designations in component locations according to
standard IEC 81346-1 and 81346-2.
*or another external heat source
VPB/VPBSChapter 3 | For the Installer10

Installation
Removing the covers
Front cover
1
2
LEK
LEK
1. Remove the screws from the lower edge of the front
cover.
2. Lift the cover out at the bottom edge and up.
Side panels
LEK
LEK
LEK
1. Remove the screws from the upper and lower edges.
2. Twist the cover slightly outward.
3. Move the hatch backwards and slightly to the side.
4. Pull the cover to one side.
5. Pull the hatch forwards.
11Chapter 3 | For the InstallerVPB/VPBS

Pipe installation
General
NOTE
Pipe installation must be carried out in accord-
ance with current norms and directives
NOTE
This installation is subject to building regulation
approval, notify the local Authority of intention
to install.
NOTE
Use only manufacturer’s recommended replace-
ment parts.
Overflow water from the safety valves goes via non-
pressurised collecting pipes to a drain so that hot water
splashes cannot cause injury. These non-pressurised
collecting pipes shall not be used for anything else. A
discharge pipe from the tundish connected to the expan-
sion relief valve (safety valve) shall also be connected to
a drain in the same way.
Please note that the connection of the T&P-valve should
not be used for any other purpose.
Valves may not be positioned between the expansion
valve and the vessel.
Overflow pipes from tundish must be routed with a fall
and at least 300 mm long, before bends or angles in the
pipework (see image).
The tundish should be installed away from electrical
components.
600 mm maximum
Tundish
Metal discharge pipe from
temperature relief valve to tundish.
Safety device
(e.g. temperature
relief valve).
300 mm
minimum
Metal discharge pipe from tundish,
with continous fall.
Possible wall
Discharge below
fixed grating.
Trapped gulley
Fixed grating
NOTE
The expansion vessel accomodates expansion
that results from heating the water inside the
unit. The expansion vessel must be connected
between the expansion valve and the cylinder.
The location of the expansion vessel should al-
low access to recharge the pressure as and when
necessary.
Resistance created by
each elbow or bend
Maximum resistance
allowed, expressed
as a lenght of
straight pipe (i.e. no
elbows or bends)
Minimum size of dis-
charge pipe from
tundish
Minimum size of dis-
charge pipe
Valve outlet size
0.8 mmup to 9 m22 mm15 mmG1/2
1.0 mmup to 18 m28 mm15 mmG1/2
1.4 mmup to 27 m35 mm15 mmG1/2
1.0 mmup to 9 m28 mm22 mmG3/4
1.4 mmup to 18 m35 mm22 mmG3/4
1.7 mmup to 27 m42 mm22 mmG3/4
1.4 mmup to 9 m35 mm28 mmG1
1.7 mmup to 18 m42 mm28 mmG1
2.3 mmup to 27 m54 mm28 mmG1
The tables shows the dimension of the copper overflow pipe for common safety valve connection size.
VPB/VPBSChapter 3 | For the Installer12

Pipe connections
VPB 300
XL9XL3XL4XL8 XL5
XL29
VPBS 300
430
75
XL13 XL8 XL4 XL3 XL9 XL14
XL5
XL29
Connection
22mmXL3 Cold water Ø
22mmXL4 Hot water Ø
15mmXL5 Hot water circulation Ø
22mmXL8 Docking connection, supply line Ø
22mmXL9 Docking connection, return line Ø
22mmXL13 Solar supply line Ø
22mmXL14 Solar return line Ø
15mmXL29 T&P valve Ø
13Chapter 3 | For the InstallerVPB/VPBS

T&P valve
Install the pipe for the T&P valve as illustrated below.
LEK
LEK
LEK
XL8 XL4 XL3 XL9 XL5
UA1
FR1
UA2
XL8 XL4 XL3 XL9
UA1
Sv PDB
UA2
Heat pump
The heat pump’s supply and return are connected to
XL8 and XL9 on VPB/VPBS.
Sun
The solar heating system’s supply and return are connec-
ted to XL13 and XL14 on VPBS 300.
Cold and hot water
Cold and hot water are connected to XL3 and XL4 on
VPB/VPBS. There must be a mixer valve if the temperat-
ure can exceed 60°C.
Connecting hot water circulation
VPB/VPBS have a connection that allows hot water circu-
lation, and are connected to XL5 and XL4.
To reduce the risk of bacterial growth in systems with
hot water circulation, the temperature of the circulating
water should not fall below 50 °C. There should not be
any non-circulatory hot water pipes either. Adjust the
hot water system so that the temperature does not fall
below 50 °C in the periphery of the system.
Installation alternative
VPB/VPBS can be connected in several different ways,
one of which is shown here.
Further option information is available at
www.nibe.co.uk and in the respective assembly instruc-
tions for the heat pumps used.
To ground heat
VPB/VPBS can be docked with another heat source, for
example NIBE F1155.
VPB/VPBSChapter 3 | For the Installer14

T
T
To solar heating system
VPBS 300 can be docked to solar heating system.
T
P
Symbol key
MeaningSymbol
Venting valve
Shut-off valve
Mixing valve
Safety valve
T&Pvalve
Tundish
Temperature sensor
Expansion vessel
Circulation pump
Particle filter
15Chapter 3 | For the InstallerVPB/VPBS

Filling
NOTE
At the time of commissioning, complete all rel-
evant sections of the Benchmark Checklist loc-
ated at the back of this document.
Completion of the Benchmark Checklist is a
condition of warranty. For full terms and condi-
tions of warranty, please see our website
www.nibe.co.uk.
Filling and venting
Filling the hot water heater
1. Open a hot water tap in the house.
2. Fill the hot water heater through the cold water
connection (XL3).
3. When the water that comes out of the hot water
tap is no longer mixed with air, the water heater is
full and the tap can be closed.
Filling and venting the charge coil
Filling
1. Open the filling valve (external, not included with
the product). Fill the coil in the hot water heater and
the rest of the climate system with water.
2. Open the vent valve (QM22).
3. When the water that exits the vent valve (QM22) is
not mixed with air, close the valve. After a while the
pressure starts to rise.
4. Close the filling valve when the correct pressure is
obtained.
Venting
1. Vent the coil via the vent valve (QM22) and the rest
of the climate system via the relevant vent valves.
2. Keep topping up and venting until all air has been
removed and the pressure is correct.
QM22
XL3
The figure shows VPBS 300.
VPB/VPBSChapter 3 | For the Installer16

Start-up and inspection
Pressure drop diagram, charge coil
Docking connection, supply line (XL8) and docking con-
nection, return line (XL9).
VPB 300 / VPBS 300
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
0 0,05 0,1 0,15 0,2 0,25 0,3 0,35 0,4 0,45 0,5
Flöde (l/s)
Tryckfall
(kPa)
Cu
R
E
Pressure
drop
(kPa)
Flow (l/s)
Pressure drop diagram, solar coil
Connection, supply line solar heating system (XL13) and
connection, return line solar heating system (XL14).
VPBS 300
0,02 0,04 0,06 0,08 0,1 0,12 0,14 0,16 0,18 0,2
0
1,0
2,0
3,0
4,0
5,0
0
E
Cu
Pressure
drop
(kPa)
Flow (l/s)
17Chapter 3 | For the InstallerVPB/VPBS

Electrical installation
NOTE
Electrical installation and service must be carried
out under the supervision of a qualified electri-
cian, and in accordance with applicable electrical
safety regulations.
Sensors
VPB 300 can be supplemented with up to two hot water
sensors, one for display and one for control. The display
sensor is positioned in the submerged tube for the dis-
play sensor (UA1) and the control sensor is positioned
in the submerged tube for the control sensor UA2. In
cases where it is only possible to connect one sensor, use
the submerged tube for the control sensor (UA2).
VPBS 300 can also be supplemented with a solar sensor.
This is placed in a submerged tube for the solar sensor
(UA3).
Use the sensors provided with the heat pump/control
module. When no heat sensors have been provided these
must be ordered from the manufacturer of the heat
pump/control module.
UA1
UA2
UA5
UA4
UA3
The figure shows VPBS 300.
VPB/VPBSChapter 3 | For the Installer18

Temperature limiter
Power supply to temperature limiter (FQ10) is 230 V.
Temperature limiter (FQ10) is connected electrically to
the solenoids, one for each heat source.
LEK
FQ10
Temp. limiter
Terminal block
Cable from
solenoid valve
Supply cable
230 V
Temperature limiter wiring diagram
19Chapter 3 | For the InstallerVPB/VPBS

Service and maintenance
NOTE
After servicing, complete the relevant Service
Interval Record section of the Benchmark
Checklist located at the back of this document.
Completion of the Service Interval Record is a
condition of warranty. For full terms and condi-
tions of warranty, please see our website
www.nibe.co.uk.
NOTE
Any servicing must be carried out by a compet-
ent person.
Maintenance
General inspection
Check the following:
1. Condition of casing.
2. Electrical connections.
3. Pipe connections.
Correct any fault before continuing.
Water heater
Check the following:
1. Pressure controlled bypass valve.
2. T&P valve.
3. Overflow pipe.
4. Pressure expansion vessel.
Correct any fault before continuing.
Service actions
Safety valves
The function of the safety valves must be checked regu-
larly. Perform checks as follows:
1. Open the valve by turning the knob anti-clockwise
carefully.
2. Check that water flows through the valve.
3. Close the valve by releasing it. If it does not close
automatically when released, turn it anti-clockwise
slightly.
NOTE
Do not remove or adjust any components that
are part of this pressurised water heater. Contact
your installer!
NOTE
If this pressurised water heater develops a fault,
e.g. a flow of hot water from the overflow pipe,
turn the heat pump off and contact your in-
staller.
Cleaning
Inspect and clean the water heater by using a suitable
instrument such as an endoscope. The hot water connec-
tion (XL4) must be removed to facilitate access.
When the water heater and the climate system have
been filled with water, VPB/VPBS must operate at max-
imum normal temperature for at least one hour. There-
after the system must be drained of water and refilled.
Emptying the system by
1. Open external filler valve and external drain valve.
2. Flush the system for some minute. Watch out for
water splashes from the safety valve.
3. Close the valves and check the stainer.
Emptying
The water heater is emptied through the siphon (with
hose) in the cold water connection (XL3).
Drain the coil section through the siphon (with hose) on
the docking connection, return to heat pump (XL9).
Drain the solar coil through the siphon (using hose) on
the connection, return to solar heating system (XL14).
LEK
XL3 XL9
VPB 300
LEK
XL3 XL9 XL14
XL4
VPBS 300
VPB/VPBSChapter 3 | For the Installer20