Rheem Solar Hiline 52D180 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.

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, however thicker insulation may be required to comply with the
requirements of either AS/NZS 3500.4 or AS/NZS 3500.5:2012 Section 3 (for a Class 1a or
Class 10 building) as applicable under the Plumbing Code of Australia
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 3500.4:2015 or Clause 3.34.2 (a) of AS/NZS 3500.5:2012 for a Class 1a or Class 10
building as applicable under the Plumbing Code of Australia. The collector circuit includes the solar
hot and solar cold pipes and solar collectors.

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
Maintenance Requirements........................................................................................................ 9
Water Supplies........................................................................................................................... 12
Save A Service Call................................................................................................................... 15
Installation –Solar Storage Tank............................................................................................. 18
Installation –Solar Collectors.................................................................................................. 27
System Assembly...................................................................................................................... 30
Connections –Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 42
Connections –Electrical........................................................................................................... 45
Multiple Installations................................................................................................................. 47
Commissioning.......................................................................................................................... 48
Draining And Flushing The Water Heater............................................................................... 50
Warranty..................................................................................................................................... 55

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 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 55).
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.
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.
SOLAR OPERATION
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.
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 water rises. The solar collectors absorb solar
energy. The low-iron content solar glass allows more solar energy to
pass through and be used to heat the collector’s absorber plate than
conventional glass.
As the water in the solar collector gains the sun’s heat from the
absorber, the increase in temperature causes the water to rise
through an insulated copper pipe into the solar storage tank. This
allows cooler water from the solar storage tank to flow into the solar
collectors to be heated by the sun’s energy. This process continues
while solar energy is available and until the water in the solar storage
tank reaches a temperature of approximately 75°C.
Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide safe and efficient operation.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
5
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 7.
The booster heating unit may be connected to an Off-Peak (overnight) electricity supply, however this will only
allow the booster to heat the water overnight. If this type of connection is considered, care must be taken to
ensure there is sufficient boost capacity to meet the household’s full day and night hot water supply during
periods of no or low solar gain, particularly in cold weather. Temperature Redistribution (refer to page 16) is
more evident with this type of electricity supply connection.
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. If heating is required, the water is heated
automatically to the thermostat setting by the booster heating unit when power is available.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The temperature the system will operate at under solar heating 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 and average operating conditions,
the system may achieve a water temperature of approximately
twice the maximum daily outside air temperature.
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.
typical maximum temperature
from solar gain
maximum booster setting
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
minimum booster setting

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
6
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
The water heater features a tradesperson adjustable thermostat. This requires a licensed electrical worker to
make any temperature adjustments. The thermostat is factory set at 60°C. The thermostat has a maximum
temperature setting of 70°C and a minimum temperature setting of 60°C.
We advise you have a licensed electrical worker 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.
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 cannot 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 should be attended to and covered with
insulation. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with
the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.
PRECAUTIONS
The water heater must be maintained in accordance with the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions. Refer
to “Maintenance Requirements” on page 9 and to “Anode Inspection and Replacement” on page 13.
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.

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 Hiline storage tank will be 180 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. Further information for an electrician on the recommended methods of wiring the timer
are outlined in “Booster Control” on page 46.
Programming the Timer
Power must be available to the timer control switch before the booster heating unit can be activated. The timer
control switch 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,
(a second period, such as prior to the morning hot water usage, may be necessary)
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 to the timer.
Note: When daylight saving time applies, you may consider resetting the timer accordingly.
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 hour
Temperate / sub tropical climate
15°C
45°C
2 hours
1 ½ hours
1 hour
Tropical climate
20°C
40°C
2 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.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
8
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 8. Also if the system is not used for a period in excess of four (4) weeks it is
recommended the solar collectors be covered.
Care should be taken when returning from holidays and the collectors have not been covered. The water in
the solar storage tank can be very hot.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on pages 25 to 26. 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 or AS/NZS 3500.5:2012 Section 3 (for a Class 1a or
Class 10 building) as applicable under the Plumbing Code of Australia, and AS/NZS 3000 and all local
codes and regulatory authority requirements.
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 12.
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 12 to 14.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
The water heater is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty (refer to page 55). 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 6.

9
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
MINOR MAINTENANCE EVERY SIX MONTHS
It is recommended minor maintenance be performed every six (6) months. Minor maintenance can be
performed by the dwelling occupant.
The minor maintenance includes:
If readily and safely accessible, operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve. It is
very important the lever is raised and lowered gently. Refer to “Temperature Pressure Relief Valve” on
page 10.
If the relief valve 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: Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water, as water discharged from the drain line will
be hot. Stand clear of the drain line’s point of discharge when operating the valve’s lever.
If readily and safely accessible, operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve. It is very important
the lever is raised and lowered gently. Refer to “Expansion Control Valve” on page 10.
If the relief valve 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.
MAJOR SERVICE EVERY FIVE YEARS
It is recommended a major service be conducted on the water heater every five (5) years. If an anode
replacement is conducted sooner than a major service, then the major service should coincide with the
replacement.
Warning: Servicing of a water heater must onlybe carried out by a qualified person. Phone Rheem Service
or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
Note: The major service and routine replacement of any components, such as the anode and relief valves,
are not included in the Rheem warranty. A charge will be made for this work. Only genuine replacement parts
should be used on this water heater.
The major service includes the following actions:
Replace the temperature pressure relief valve.
Inspect and flush the expansion control valve. If required, replace the valve.
Inspect and if required, replace the anode.
If the anode is not replaced, it should be replaced within three (3) years of this service (refer to “Anode
Inspection and Replacement” on page 13).
Check the booster heating unit for excessive calcium build-up or corrosion and replace if necessary.
Clean the collector glass.
Visually check the unit for any potential problems.
Inspect all connections.
Note: The solar storage tank may need to be drained during this service. After the completion of the service,
the solar storage tank will take some time to reheat the water by solar gain. Depending upon the power supply
connection to the booster heating unit, hot water may not be available until the next day.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
10
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
This valve is near the top of the water heater and is essential for
its safe operation. It is possible for the valve to release a little
water through the drain line during each heating period. This
occurs as the water is heated and expands by approximately 1/50
of its volume.
Continuous leakage of water from the valve and its drain line may
indicate a problem with the water heater (refer to “Temperature
Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 16).
Warning: Never block the outlet of this valve or its drain line
for any reason.
Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve
once every six (6) months. Refer to “Minor Maintenance Every
Six Months”on page 9. It is very important the lever is raised
and lowered gently.
DANGER: Failure to do this may result in the water heater
cylinder failing, or under certain circumstances, exploding.
Warning: Exercise care to avoid any splashing of water, as
water discharged from the drain line will be hot. Stand clear of the
drain line’s point of discharge when operating the valve’s lever.
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.
If the relief valve 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.
The temperature pressure relief valve should be replaced at intervals not exceeding five (5) years, or more
frequently in areas where there is a high incidence of water deposits (refer to “Water Supplies” on page 12).
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 may
discharge a small quantity of water from its drain line during the heating period instead of the temperature
pressure relief valve on the water heater.
Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve once every six (6) months. Refer to “Minor
Maintenance Every Six Months”on page 9. It is very important the lever is raised and lowered gently. If
water does not flow freely from the drain line when the lever is lifted, then the water heater should be checked
by Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.
If the relief valve 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.
The expansion control valve should be checked for performance or replaced at intervals not exceeding
five (5) years, or more frequently in areas where there is a high incidence of water deposits.
water
heater
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently
drain
line