Rheem Premier Hiline Technical Document

This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with the householder or responsible officer.
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Premier Hiline
Solar Water Heater
WARNING: Plumber –Be Aware
Use copper pipe ONLY. Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used.
It is a requirement of a solar water heater installation that all pipe work be in copper
and not plastic, due to the effects of high water temperatures.

PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs in the name of
Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
TRADE MARKS
®Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
™ Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
Note: Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in preparation of this publication.
No liability can be accepted for any consequences, which may arise as a result of its application.
WARNING: Plumber –Be Aware
The solar hot and solar cold pipe work between the solar Premier Hiline storage tank and the solar
collectors are supplied in the pipe kit. The supplied copper solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE
used.
If the solar water heater is installed either on a metal roof or in a trafficable area, such as on an
accessible roof, then the solar hot and solar cold pipes must be insulated. The solar hot and solar
cold pipes may be required to be insulated to comply with local regulations.
If insulation is required, the full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE insulated.
The insulation must:
be of a closed cell type or equivalent, suitable for a solar water heating application and capable
of withstanding the temperature of the closed circuit fluid generated by the solar collectors under
stagnation conditions
The specification of the chosen insulation material should be checked with the insulation
manufacturer prior to installation as different materials may vary in temperature tolerance.
be at least 13 mm thick, however thicker insulation may be required to comply with the
requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4
be weatherproof and UV resistant
be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.
The insulation will offer corrosion protection to a metal roof against water runoff over the copper
pipe, assist in avoiding accidental contact with the solar pipe work as high temperature closed circuit
fluid can flow from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank and also reduce pipe heat losses.
Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature of the closed circuit fluid
generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions. The solar collectors can generate
extremely high closed circuit fluid temperatures up to 150°C. Plastic pipe cannot withstand these
temperatures and MUST NOT be used. Failure of plastic pipe can lead to the release of high
temperature closed circuit fluid and cause damage.
There must be a continuous fall of a minimum 10° in the pipe work from the solar Premier Hiline
storage tank to the solar collectors. The highest point of the solar cold pipe and solar hot pipe must
be where they connect to the solar Premier Hiline storage tank, otherwise thermosiphoning will not
occur.
The solar water heater is to be isolated during the testing and commissioning of the heated water
reticulation system in a building, in accordance with Clause 11.1 and 11.3 (a) of AS/NZS 3500.4.

3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER –We recommend you read pages 4 to 17.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
About Your Water Heater............................................................................................................ 4
Regular Care .............................................................................................................................. 11
Water Supplies........................................................................................................................... 13
Save A Service Call ................................................................................................................... 15
Installation.................................................................................................................................. 18
Installation –Solar Collectors.................................................................................................. 28
System Assembly...................................................................................................................... 31
Connection Details.................................................................................................................... 35
Connections –Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 37
Connections –Electrical........................................................................................................... 40
Multiple Installations................................................................................................................. 43
Commissioning.......................................................................................................................... 45
Draining The Solar Storage Tank............................................................................................. 48
Draining The Closed Circuit ..................................................................................................... 49
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................... 51

4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
WATER HEATER APPLICATION
This water heater is designed for use in a single family domestic dwelling for the purpose of heating potable
water. Its use in an application other than this may shorten its life.
MODEL TYPE
Your Rheem®solar Premier™Hiline™water heater is designed for both the solar collectors and the solar
storage tank to be roof mounted. The solar storage tank has a Colorbond jacket and is suitable for
installation with Rheem S200 solar collectors.
The system is suitable for installation in areas subject to frost or freeze conditions. Freeze conditions occur
below 6°C.
This water heater is designed to be installed as an electric boosted solar water heater with its booster
heating unit connected to a power supply, however it may be installed with an in-series continuous flow or
storage booster.
If this water heater is installed with an in-series booster, then the electric booster heating unit will not be
connected to a power supply and the references to the electric booster heating unit, thermostat and boosting
controls in this Guide will not be applicable to the installation. For information relating to the function and
operation of the in-series booster, refer to the Owners Guide and Installation Instructions supplied with the
booster water heater.
SOLAR OPERATION
The Rheem solar Premier Hiline system has its stainless steel solar storage tank installed on the roof directly
coupled to the solar collectors. This water heater is an indirect closed circuit solar hot water system with a
heat exchanger in the solar storage tank.
The heat exchanger and solar collectors are connected by copper
pipe work and form a closed circuit which is filled with closed
circuit fluid. The closed circuit fluid is a solution of a blue, non-
toxic food grade propylene glycol concentrate mixed with water.
The closed circuit concentrate is used to lower the freezing
temperature of the closed circuit fluid and provides protection
against freezing. The closed circuit also provides protection to the
solar collectors and solar pipe work against harsh water
chemistry.
It works on the simple scientific fact that hot fluid rises. As the sun
heats the closed circuit fluid in the solar collectors, the increase in
temperature causes the fluid to rise through a copper pipe into
the heat exchanger where it transfers its heat into the water in the
solar storage tank. This allows cooler fluid from the heat
exchanger to flow into the solar collectors to be heated by the
sun‟s energy. This process continues while solar energy is
available.
Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide safe and efficient operation.
ELECTRIC BOOSTING
Water stored in the solar storage tank can be heated by an electric booster heating unit. The booster heating
unit is for heating the water at times of low solar energy gain, such as during very cloudy or rainy weather, or
during the colder months. The solar Premier Hiline water heater is suitable for the heating unit to be
connected to either a continuous, or a time of use, or an extended Off-Peak (overnight and day) or an Off-
Peak (overnight) electricity supply.
The booster heating unit is controlled by an electric thermostat. The thermostat and its over temperature
energy cut out are mounted on the solar storage tank behind the side cover. The water temperature is
automatically controlled to the thermostat setting when the booster heating unit is energised.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
5
MAINS PRESSURE
The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting directly to the mains water supply.
If the mains supply pressure in your area exceeds that shown on page 20, a pressure limiting valve must be
fitted. The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The temperature the system will operate at under solar radiation will
depend upon the level of solar radiation available, orientation and
inclination of the solar collectors, incoming cold water temperature
and volume of hot water used.
Under normal household use, the system may achieve a water
temperature of approximately twice the maximum daily outside air
temperature. During periods high solar radiation conditions and low
hot water consumption, the water temperature could exceed 85°C.
During periods of low solar energy gain, the water temperature can
be boosted by the thermostatically controlled electric booster
heating unit. Refer to “Booster Control” on page 7.
Rheem recommends the thermostat is set at 60°C to maximise solar
contribution.
Note: AS 3498 requires that a water heater provides the means to inhibit the growth of Legionella bacteria in
potable water. This water heater can satisfy this AS 3498 requirement provided the electric booster is
energised for a sufficient period each day and the electric booster thermostat setting is 60°C or higher.
If this water heater is installed with an in-series continuous flow gas booster, then this requirement of
AS 3498 can be satisfied provided the booster is energised, its preset outlet temperature setting is 70°C or
higher and a remote temperature controller is not used.
If this water heater is installed with an in-series storage booster, then this requirement of AS 3498 can be
satisfied provided the storage booster is energised and its thermostat setting is 60°C or higher.
HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY
This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can cause scalding. Check the water temperature
before use, such as when entering a shower or filling a bath or basin, to ensure it is suitable for the
application and will not cause scald injury.
We recommend and it may also be required by regulations that an approved temperature limiting device be
fitted into the hot water pipe work to the bathroom and ensuite when this water heater is installed. This will
keep the water temperature below 50°C at the bathroom and ensuite. The risk of scald injury will be reduced
and still allow hotter water to the kitchen and laundry.
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
The water heater features a tradesperson adjustable thermostat. This requires a licensed tradesperson to
make any temperature adjustments. The thermostat has a maximum temperature setting of 70°C and a
minimum temperature setting of 60°C.
We advise you have your electrician adjust the thermostat to the lowest setting which meets your needs,
especially if there are young children or elderly people in the home. Refer to “Hotter Water Increases the
Risk of Scald Injury” on page 5.
maximum booster setting
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
minimum booster setting

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
6
WARNING
This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons who have the experience or the knowledge and
the capabilities to do so. This water heater is not intended to be operated by persons with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities i.e. the infirm, or by children. Children should be supervised to ensure they do
not interfere with the water heater.
This water heater uses 240 V AC power for the electrically operated components. The removal of the side
cover will expose 240 V wiring. It must only be removed by a qualified person.
Care should be taken not to touch the pipe work connecting the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.
Very high temperature closed circuit fluid can be generated by the solar collectors and flow through the pipe
work from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank.
Should the water from the water heater appear blue or if blue closed circuit fluid is noticed around the base
of the water heater or solar collectors, this indicates a leak of the closed circuit fluid from the heat exchanger
or the solar collectors. The closed circuit fluid is non-toxic and not hazardous to health. Phone Rheem
Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
SAFETY
This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over-temperature cut-out, and a combination temperature
pressure relief valve. These devices must not be tampered with or removed. The water heater must not be
operated unless each of these devices is fitted and is in working order.
The operation of the over-temperature cut-out on the thermostat indicates a possibly dangerous situation. If
the over-temperature cut-out operates, it must not be reset and the water heater must be serviced by a
qualified person.
If the electrical conduit to the solar storage tank is damaged, it must be replaced by a qualified person in
order to avoid a hazard. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an
inspection.
Warning: For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and maintained in
accordance with the Owner‟s Guide and Installation Instructions.
The Rheem warranty may not cover faults if relief valves or other safety devices are tampered with or
if the installation is not in accordance with these instructions.
TEMPERATURE RUN DOWN
Temperature run down is the reduction in water temperature as the hotter water at the top of the storage
cylinder transfers some of its heat to the cooler water in the lower section of the cylinder.
This effect is often perceived as heat loss, but is actually the redistribution of stored heat more evenly over
the entire contents of the storage tank. This heat is not lost to the system.
Temperature run down is more noticeable the more hot water is used the night before and particularly if the
booster heating unit and / or timer has been left off overnight. If higher temperature water is required,
particularly in the morning, then use of the booster heating unit is necessary to raise the temperature of the
water in the top section of the cylinder. Refer to “Booster Control” on page 7.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
7
BOOSTER CONTROL
An isolating switch is installed in the electrical meter box for the solar storage tank. This should be left
switched on to allow the booster heating unit to operate if required. The booster heating unit is for heating
the water at times of low solar energy gain, such as during very cloudy or rainy weather, or during the colder
months.
The booster heating unit will only activate if heating is required and power is available from the switchboard.
When the water is below the thermostat setting, the booster heating unit will turn on and heat the water. The
booster heating unit will automatically turn off when the temperature of the water reaches the thermostat
setting.
Leaving the isolating switch switched on will also provide a sufficient period of time each day for the booster
heating unit to operate, if required, to satisfy the requirements of AS 3498.
The amount of water heated by the raised booster heating unit of the solar Premier Hiline storage tank will be
150 litres (300 litre model), or 90 litres (180 litre model).
Timer Control Switch
A suitably rated timer control switch can be installed and will help maximise energy savings with an
electrically boosted solar water heater connected to a continuous, time of use or extended Off-Peak
(overnight and day) electricity supply.
If used with an extended Off-Peak (overnight and day) electricity supply, the timer switch should:
be operated by a continuous power supply on its own circuit from the switchboard with the booster
heating unit operated by the Off-Peak power supply.
A double pole isolating switch is required to be installed at the switchboard to simultaneously isolate
both circuits.
or
be of a type which has an internal rechargeable battery to keep time when the power supply is not
available to the timer.
Programming the Timer
Power must be available to the timer control switch before the booster heating unit can be activated.
The timer should be programmed:
to suit the hot water consumption pattern of the household,
with the end of the period to coincide with the commencement of the evening hot water usage,
to enable a boosting period of not less than the recommended continuous length of time for boosting,
and
for a period when power will be available for the booster heating unit to operate.
It may be necessary to program a second period into the timer, such as prior to the morning hot water usage.
Note: When daylight saving time applies, you may consider resetting the timer accordingly.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
8
The recommended continuous length of time for boosting is:
Booster heating unit size
Model
Minimum winter
cold water temperature
Temperature
rise
2.4 kW
3.6 kW
4.8 kW
180
Cool / temperate climate
10°C
50°C
2 ¼ hours
1 ½ hours
1 ¼ hours
Temperate / sub tropical climate
15°C
45°C
2 hours
1 ½ hours
1 hour
Tropical climate
20°C
40°C
1 ¾ hours
1 ¼ hours
1 hour
300
Cool / temperate climate
10°C
50°C
3 ¾ hours
2 ½ hours
2 hours
Temperate / sub tropical climate
15°C
45°C
3 ½ hours
2 ¼ hours
1 ¾ hours
Tropical climate
20°C
40°C
3 hours
2 hours
1 ½ hours
The recommended boosting periods are sufficient to allow the booster heating unit to heat up the boost
volume of the solar storage tank to 60°C where the winter cold water temperatures do not fall below those
shown. This may be necessary during periods of very low solar energy gain through the solar collectors,
such as during constant rain or extremely cloudy weather, particularly in winter when the incoming cold water
temperature is lower. The period will also provide a sufficient heat up time for the electric booster to operate,
if required, to satisfy the requirements of AS 3498.
The booster heating unit will only activate if heating is required and power is available from the timer. When
the water is below the thermostat setting, the booster heating unit will turn on and heat the water. The
booster heating unit will automatically turn off either when the temperature of the water reaches the
thermostat setting or at the end of the timer period, whichever comes first.
PIPE WORK AND INSULATION
The solar hot and solar cold pipe work between the solar Premier Hiline storage tank and the solar collectors
are supplied in the pipe kit. The supplied copper solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE used.
If the solar water heater is installed either on a metal roof or in a trafficable area, such as on an accessible
roof, then the solar hot and solar cold pipes must be insulated. The solar hot and solar cold pipes may be
required to be insulated to comply with local regulations.
If insulation is required, the full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE insulated.
The insulation must:
be of a closed cell type or equivalent, suitable for a solar water heating application and capable of
withstanding the temperature of the water generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions
The specification of the chosen insulation material should be checked with the insulation manufacturer
prior to installation as different materials may vary in temperature tolerance.
be at least 13 mm thick, however thicker insulation may be required to comply with the requirements of
AS/NZS 3500.4
be weatherproof and UV resistant
be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.
The insulation will offer corrosion protection to a metal roof against water runoff over the copper pipe, assist
in avoiding accidental contact with the solar pipe work as high temperature closed circuit fluid can flow from
the solar collectors to the solar storage tank and also reduce pipe heat losses.
Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature and pressure of the closed circuit
fluid generated by the solar collectors under certain conditions (refer to Warning on page 30).
The pipe work between the solar storage tank and in-series booster (if one is installed) MUST BE of copper
and fully insulated with a closed cell type insulation or equivalent (minimum thickness 13 mm).

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
9
FREEZE PROTECTION
This water heater is an indirect closed circuit solar hot water system with a heat exchanger in the solar
storage tank. The heat exchanger and solar collectors form a closed circuit and are filled with closed circuit
fluid. The closed circuit fluid is a solution of a blue, non-toxic food grade propylene glycol concentrate mixed
with water. The closed circuit concentrate is used to lower the freezing temperature of the closed circuit fluid
and provides protection against freezing.
During installation, the closed circuit concentrate is blended with water. The amount of closed circuit
concentrate supplied with this water heater provides protection in frost prone areas to a temperature of -8°C.
If lower temperatures are anticipated, a greater concentration of closed circuit fluid will be required.
The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if non Rheem approved closed circuit fluid has been
used or if the closed circuit fluid has been incorrectly mixed (refer to “Terms of the Rheem Warranty” on
page 51).
RAIN WATER TANK
If the solar water heater is installed on a section of roof which is part of a rain water runoff collection system,
then it is recommended this section of roof and its gutter be isolated from the rain water collection system.
The gutter should be isolated to a width greater than the solar water heater and pipe work and must have
suitable drainage. This is to ensure in the event of a leak from the closed circuit, a rainwater tank cannot be
contaminated with closed circuit fluid.
The closed circuit fluid contains food grade additives (rust inhibitor and anti-freeze agent), is non-toxic and is
harmless to the environment. However, if it enters a rain water tank it can cause an unpleasant odour to
develop and result in the rain water tank having to be drained and cleaned.
PRECAUTIONS
Where damage to property can occur in the event of the water heater leaking, the water heater must be
installed in a safe tray. Construction, installation and draining of a safe tray must comply with AS/NZS 3500.4
and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner‟s Guide and Installation Instructions.
Refer to “Regular Care” on page 11.
If this water heater is to be used where an uninterrupted hot water supply is necessary for your application or
business you should ensure that you have back up redundancy within the hot water system design. This
should ensure the continuity of hot water supply in the event that this water heater were to become
inoperable for any reason. We recommend you seek advice from your plumber or specifier about your needs
and building back up redundancy into your hot water supply system.
TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER
If you plan to be away from home for a few nights, we suggest you leave the water heater switched on.
If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:
Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the solar storage tank.
Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
Open the cold water isolation valve fully at the inlet to the water heater.
Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the solar storage tank.
Check and if required reset the timer, if one is installed.
GOING ON HOLIDAYS
If you plan to be away from home, conserve energy by switching the booster switch “OFF”. Refer to “To Turn
Off The Water Heater” on page 9. Also if the system is not used for a period in excess of 4 weeks it is
recommended the solar collectors be covered.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
10
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on pages 26 to 27, 43 and 44. The water heater must be installed:
by a qualified person, and
in accordance with the installation instructions, and
in compliance with Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000 and all local codes and regulatory authority
requirements.
In New Zealand, the installation must also conform with Clause G12 of the New Zealand Building Code.
VICTORIAN CUSTOMERS
Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission. This water heater must be
installed by a licensed person as required by the Victorian Building Act 1993.
Only a licensed person will give you a Compliance Certificate, showing that the work complies with all the
relevant Standards. Only a licensed person will have insurance protecting their workmanship for 6 years.
Make sure you use a licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your Compliance Certificate.
DOES THE WATER CHEMISTRY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?
The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some water chemistries may have
detrimental effects on the water heater, its components and fittings. Refer to “Water Supplies” on page 13.
If you are in a known harsh water area or you are not sure of your water chemistry, have your water checked
against the conditions described on pages 13 to 14.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer‟s warranty (refer to page 51). There are a number of
factors that will affect the length of service the water heater will provide. These include but are not limited to
the water chemistry, the water pressure, the water temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage
pattern. Refer to “Precautions” on page 9.