Rheem Solar Hiline 52D Series Technical Document

This water heater must be installed and serviced by a qualified person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Solar Hiline®Water Heater
52D Series Open Circuit
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 and pressures.

An electronic copy of these Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions can be downloaded from rheem.com.au.
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.
Colorbond®is a registered trademark of BlueScope Steel Limited.
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 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
◼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 protection to a metal roof against corrosion due to water running off the copper
pipes, assist in avoiding accidental contact with the solar pipe work as very high temperature water
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 water
generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions. Extremely high water temperatures and
extremely high water pressures can be generated under these conditions. Plastic pipe cannot
withstand these temperatures and pressures and MUST NOT be used. Failure of plastic pipe can lead
to the release of high temperature water and cause severe water damage and flooding.
•There MUST BE a continuous fall of a minimum 10° in the pipe work from the solar 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 Hiline storage tank, otherwise thermosiphoning will not occur.
•A non-return valve MUST BE installed on the cold water line to the solar storage tank AFTER the cold
water branch to a temperature limiting device.
•The solar water heater, including the collector circuit, is to be isolated during the testing and
commissioning of the heated water reticulation system in a building in accordance with Clause 9.3 (a)
of AS/NZS 3500.4:2018. The collector circuit includes the solar hot and solar cold pipes and solar
collectors.

3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER
This booklet contains important information about your
new water heater, including terms of the Rheem warranty.
We recommend you read pages 7 to 21,
and the terms of the Rheem warranty on pages 4 to 6.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
Warranty....................................................................................................................................... 4
Safety, Warnings, Installation Notes......................................................................................... 7
About Your Water Heater.......................................................................................................... 10
Maintenance Requirements...................................................................................................... 14
Water Supplies........................................................................................................................... 16
Save A Service Call................................................................................................................... 19
Installation –Solar Storage Tank............................................................................................. 22
Installation –Solar Collectors.................................................................................................. 32
System Assembly...................................................................................................................... 35
Connections –Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 47
Connections –Electrical........................................................................................................... 50
Multiple Installations................................................................................................................. 52
Commissioning.......................................................................................................................... 54
Draining And Flushing The Water Heater............................................................................... 56
Installation Report..................................................................................................................... 61
RHEEM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, A.B.N. 21 098 823 511, www.rheem.com.au
For Service Telephone 131 031 AUSTRALIA

4
RHEEM SOLAR HILINE WATER HEATER WARRANTY
–AUSTRALIA ONLY –
SOLAR HILINE WATER HEATER MODELS 52D180, 52D300
1. THE RHEEM WARRANTY –GENERAL
1.1 This warranty is given by Rheem Australia Pty Limited ABN 21 098 823 511 of 1 Alan Street, Rydalmere
New South Wales.
1.2 Rheem offer a trained and qualified national service network who will repair or replace components at
the address of the water heater subject to the terms of the Rheem warranty. Rheem Service, in addition
can provide preventative maintenance and advice on the operation of your water heater. The Rheem
Service contact number is 131031, with Contact Centre personnel available 24 hours, 7 days a week to
take your call and if necessary to arrange a service call for during normal working hours Monday to
Friday (hours subject to change).
1.3 For details about this warranty, you can contact us on 131031 or by email at
[e-mail] (not for service bookings).
1.4 The terms of this warranty and what is covered by it are set out in sections 2 and 3 and apply to water
heaters manufactured from 1st October 2019.
1.5 If a subsequent version of this warranty is published, the terms of that warranty and what is covered by
it will apply to water heaters manufactured after the date specified in the subsequent version.
2. TERMS OF THE RHEEM WARRANTY AND EXCLUSIONS TO IT
2.1 The decision of whether to repair or replace a faulty component is at Rheem’s sole discretion.
2.2 If you require a call out and we find that the fault is not covered by the Rheem warranty, you are
responsible for our standard call out charge. If you wish to have the relevant component repaired or
replaced by Rheem, that service will be at your cost.
2.3 Where a failed component or cylinder is replaced under this warranty, the balance of the original
warranty period will remain effective. The replacement does not carry a new Rheem warranty.
2.4 Where the water heater is installed outside the boundaries of a metropolitan area as defined by Rheem
or further than 25 km from either a regional Rheem branch office or an Accredited Rheem Service
Agent's office, the cost of transport, insurance and travelling between the nearest branch office or
Rheem Accredited Service Agent’s office and the installed site shall be the owner’s responsibility.
2.5 Where the water heater is installed in a position that does not allow safe or ready access, the cost of
that access, including the cost of additional materials handling and/or safety equipment, shall be the
owner’s responsibility. In other words, the cost of dismantling or removing cupboards, doors or walls
and the cost of any special equipment to bring the water heater to floor or ground level or to a serviceable
position is not covered by this warranty.
2.6 This warranty only applies to the original and genuine Rheem water heater in its original installed location
and any genuine Rheem replacement parts.
2.7 The Rheem warranty does not cover faults that are a result of:
a) Accidental damage to the water heater or any component (for example: (i) Acts of God such as
floods, storms, fires, lightning strikes and the like; and (ii) third party acts or omissions).
b) Misuse or abnormal use of the water heater.
c) Installation not in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions or with relevant
statutory and local requirements in the State or Territory in which the water heater is installed.
d) Connection at any time to a water supply that does not comply with the water supply guidelines as
outlined in the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.

RHEEM SOLAR HILINE WATER HEATER WARRANTY
–AUSTRALIA ONLY –
5
SOLAR HILINE WATER HEATER MODELS 52D180, 52D300
e) Repairs, attempts to repair or modifications to the water heater by a person other than Rheem
Service or a Rheem Accredited Service Agent.
f) Faulty plumbing or faulty power supply.
g) Failure to maintain the water heater in accordance with the Owner's Guide and Installation
Instructions.
h) Transport damage.
i) Fair wear and tear from adverse conditions (for example, corrosion).
j) Cosmetic defects.
k) Breakage of collector glass for any reason including hail damage (we suggest that the collector
glass be covered by your home insurance policy).
l) Ice formation in the waterways of an open circuit thermosiphon system.
2.8 Rheem may reject a claim under this warranty in its sole discretion if a third party solar diverter is
connected to the water heater.
2.9 Subject to any statutory provisions to the contrary, this warranty excludes any and all claims for damage
to furniture, carpet, walls, foundations or any other consequential loss either directly or indirectly due to
leakage from the water heater, or due to leakage from fittings and/ or pipe work of metal, plastic or other
materials caused by water temperature, workmanship or other modes of failure.
2.10 If the water heater is not sized to supply the hot water demand in accordance with the guidelines in the
Rheem water heater literature, any resultant fault will not be covered by the Rheem warranty.
3. WHAT IS COVERED BY THE RHEEM WARRANTY
FOR THE WATER HEATERS DETAILED IN THIS DOCUMENT
3.1 Rheem will repair or replace a faulty component of your water heater if it fails to operate in accordance
with its specifications as follows:
What components
are covered
The period from the date of
installation in which the
fault must appear in order to
be covered
What coverage you receive
All components
Year 1
Repair and/or replacement of the faulty
component, free of charge, including
labour.
The cylinder
(if the water heater is
installed in a single-family
domestic dwelling)
Years 2 & 3
Repair and / or replacement of the cylinder,
free of charge, including labour.
Years 4 & 5
Replacement cylinder, free of charge.
Installation and repair labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.
The cylinder
(if the water heater is not
installed in a single-family
domestic dwelling)
Years 2 & 3
Replacement cylinder, free of charge.
Installation and repair labour costs are the
responsibility of the owner.
The solar collector
(all installations)
Years 2 to 5
Replacement solar collector, free of
charge. Installation and repair labour costs
are the responsibility of the owner.

RHEEM SOLAR HILINE WATER HEATER WARRANTY
–AUSTRALIA ONLY –
6
SOLAR HILINE WATER HEATER MODELS 52D180, 52D300
4. ENTITLEMENT TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY
4.1 To be entitled to make a claim under this warranty you need to:
a) Be the owner of the water heater or have consent of the owner to act on their behalf.
b) Contact Rheem Service without undue delay after detection of the defect and, in any event, within
the applicable warranty period.
4.2 You are not entitled to make a claim under this warranty if your water heater:
a) Does not have its original serial numbers or rating labels.
b) Is not installed in Australia.
5. HOW TO MAKE A CLAIM UNDER THIS WARRANTY
5.1 If you wish to make a claim under this warranty, you need to:
a) Contact Rheem on 131031 and provide owner’s details, address of the water heater, a contact
number and date of installation of the water heater or if that’s unavailable, the date of manufacture
and serial number (from the rating label on the water heater).
b) Rheem will arrange for the water heater to be tested and assessed on-site.
c) If Rheem determines that you have a valid warranty claim, Rheem will repair or replace the water
heater in accordance with this warranty.
5.2 Any expenses incurred in the making of a claim under this warranty will be borne by you.
6. THE AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW
6.1 Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are
entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably
foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods
fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
6.2 The Rheem warranty (set out above) is in addition to any rights and remedies that you may have under
the Australian Consumer Law.

7
SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
It is important you read the following safety and warnings information.
SAFETY AND WARNINGS
•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.
•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.
•This water heater uses 220 V - 240 V a.c. electrical power for operation of the control systems and the
electrically operated components. The removal of the side cover will expose 220 V - 240 V a.c. wiring. It
must only be removed by a qualified person.
•This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, 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 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.
•DANGER: The operation of the over-temperature cut-out on a 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.
•Do not touch any exposed pipe work or fittings connecting the solar storage tank and the solar collectors,
as this may result in a burn injury. Very high temperature hot water and in some circumstances high
temperature steam can be generated by the solar collectors under certain conditions and this flows
through the pipe work from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank.
Note: Any exposed pipe work or fittings in the collector circuit where the installation is in a trafficable area,
such as on an accessible roof, should be attended to and covered with insulation. Phone Rheem Service
or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
•The water heater under normal use and summer solar conditions should heat the water in the solar storage
tank to 60°C to 75°C. This water temperature can be exceeded and reach up to 95°C during periods of
high solar radiation conditions and reduced hot usage. During times of low solar energy gain or if boosting
of the water temperature is required, an electric heating unit will heat the water temperature to 60°C or up
to 70°C depending upon the thermostat setting.
Refer to “Solar Operation” on page 10 and to “How Hot Should The Water Be?” on page 11.
•For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with
the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.
•Servicing of a water heater must only be carried out by qualified personnel. Phone Rheem Service or their
nearest Accredited Service Agent.
•The lever on the temperature pressure relief valve and expansion control valve requires to be operated
every six (6) months to clear any deposits and to ensure the valve and its drain line are not blocked.
Refer to “Relief Valves” on page 8 and “Minor Maintenance Every Six Months” on page 14.
•Only a person qualified to install or service a water heater can drain the water heater, if this is required.
•Do not modify this water heater.
•This open circuit system does not have freeze protection. The system is not suitable for installation in
areas subject to frost or freeze conditions.

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
8
RELIEF VALVES
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
This water heater incorporates a temperature pressure relief
valve located near the top of the solar storage tank. This valve
is essential for the water heater’s safe operation.
It is possible for the valve to discharge a quantity of water
through the drain line during each heating period. This quantity
should be equal to approximately 1/50 of the hot water used, as
water expands by this volume when heated.
Expansion Control Valve
In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia and
scaling water areas, it is mandatory an expansion control valve
is fitted to the cold water line to the water heater.
The expansion control valve will discharge the quantity of water
from its drain line during the heating period instead of the
temperature pressure relief valve as it has a lower pressure
rating.
Valve Operation
Continuous leakage of water from either valve and its drain line
may indicate a problem with the water heater. Refer to
“Temperature Pressure Relief Valve or Expansion Control Valve
Running” on page 20.
Warning: Never block the outlet of either valve or their drain
lines for any reason. A relief valve drain must be left open to
atmosphere, and be installed in a continuously downward
direction.
In locations where water pipes are prone to freezing, the relief valve drain line must be insulated and not
exceed 300 mm in length before discharging into a tundish through an air gap.
The easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve and expansion control valve should be operated
once every six (6) months to clear any deposits and ensure the valve and its drain line are not blocked. It is
very important the lever is raised and lowered gently. Refer to “Minor Maintenance Every Six Months” on
page 14.
If the relief valve easing lever is not readily and safely accessible, contact Rheem Service or their nearest
Accredited Service Agent. Do not attempt to climb onto a non-trafficable roof to operate the relief valve lever.
Warning: Water discharged from the temperature pressure relief valve drain line will be hot. Exercise care
to avoid any splashing of water by standing clear of the drain line’s point of discharge when operating either
valve’s easing lever.
DANGER: Failure to operate the easing lever on the relief valve once every six (6) months may result in
the solar storage tank cylinder failing, or under certain circumstances, exploding.
If water does not flow freely from the drain line when the lever is lifted, then the water heater must be checked.
Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
The temperature pressure relief valve should be replaced at intervals not exceeding five (5) years and the
expansion control valve should be checked for performance or replaced at intervals not exceeding
five (5) years. The checking of the valves performance or replacement should occur more frequently in areas
where there is a high incidence of water deposits. Refer to “Water Supplies” on page 16.
outlet /
drain line
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently

SAFETY, WARNINGS, INSTALLATION NOTES
9
INSTALLATION NOTES
This water heater must be installed:
•by a qualified person,
•in accordance with the installation instructions,
•in compliance with the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and Plumbing Standard AS/NZS 3500.4,
▪This water heater is designed for outdoor installation.
▪This water heater is intended to be permanently connected to the water mains and not connected by
a hose-set. A braided flexible hose or semi-flexible connector may be used for connection to the water
heater, where permitted by AS/NZS 3500.4.
•in compliance with the Australian / New Zealand Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000,
▪Isolation switches must be installed in the electrical circuit to the water heater in accordance with the
Wiring Rules, so the water heater can be switched off.
▪The power supply wires are to be directly connected to the terminal block and earth tab connection,
with no excess wire loops inside the front cover. The temperature rating of the power supply wires
insulation must suit this application, or the wiring protected by insulating sleeving with an appropriate
temperature rating if it can make contact with the internal storage cylinder. The temperature of the
internal storage cylinder can reach 95°C during its operation.
•in compliance with all local codes and regulatory authority requirements.
Installation and commissioning requirements and details for the installing plumber and licensed electrical
worker are contained on pages 22 to 55.
Mains pressure water supply
The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting directly to the mains water supply.
The water heater is supplied with a temperature pressure relief valve with a pressure rating of 1000 kPa and
an expansion control valve with a pressure rating of 850 kPa.
The maximum mains water supply pressure for the water heater is 680 kPa when an expansion control valve
is installed. If the mains supply pressure in your area exceeds this value, a pressure limiting valve must be
installed.
The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.

10
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 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
NPT 200 solar collectors.
A 52D series system does not have freeze protection. The system is not suitable for installation in areas subject
to frost or freeze conditions. Freeze conditions occur below 6°C. The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze
damage. Refer to “Terms of the Rheem Warranty” on page 4.
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 water heater.
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 solar water heater uses the thermosiphon principle, without
the need for a pump, circulator or sensors. It works on the simple
scientific fact that hot fluid rises. The solar collector’s low-iron
content solar glass allows more solar energy from the sun to pass
through and be used to heat the collector’s absorber plate than
conventional glass. This solar energy heats the water in the
absorber plate which is then transferred to the storage tank.
The Rheem Hiline 52D series system is an open circuit solar water
heater with its vitreous enamel lined solar storage tank installed on
the roof directly coupled to the solar collectors. An open circuit
system has a collector circuit which is directly connected to the
potable water in the solar storage tank by copper pipe work.
As the water in the solar collector gains the solar energy from the absorber, the increase in temperature causes
the water to rise through the collector and the solar hot pipe into the solar storage tank. As the heated water
enters the storage tank, cooler water from the bottom of the solar storage tank flows down the solar cold pipe
into the solar collectors to be heated by the solar energy. This process continues while solar energy is available
and the water in the solar storage tank requires heating.
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 amount of water heated by the raised booster heating unit of the solar Hiline storage tank will be 180 litres
(300 litre model), or 90 litres (180 litre model).
The water heater is more suited for the booster heating unit to be connected to either a continuous, or a time
of use, or an extended Off-Peak (overnight and day) electricity supply. A timer can also be used to control the
boosting periods and help maximise solar savings. Refer to “Booster Control” on page 12.