Rheem Solar Loline Conversion Kit Electric Wter... User manual

Owners Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Solar Loline Conversion Kit
Electric 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 and pressures.
This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.

WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware:
· The solar cold and hot pipes between the solar
storage tank and the solar collectors MUST BE of
copper and fully insulated with Armaflex insulation or
similar (minimum thickness 10 mm).
· Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not
withstand the temperature of the water generated by
the solar collectors under stagnation conditions. The
solar collectors can generate extremely high water
temperatures, up to 150°C, and high water pressure
of 1000 kPa. 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. Refer to Warning on page 29.
PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs in the
name of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.

CONTENTS
3
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 ......................................................................................... 9
How your water heater works ........................................................... 10
Save a service call ............................................................................. 14
Installation – Solar storage tank ...................................................... 18
Installation – Solar control unit ........................................................ 24
Installation – Solar collectors ........................................................... 27
Connections – Plumbing ................................................................... 28
Connections – Electrical ................................................................... 32
Commissioning .................................................................................. 34
Draining the solar collectors ............................................................ 36
Draining the water heater .................................................................. 36
Water supplies ................................................................................... 38
Warranty ............................................................................................. 40

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
4
MODEL TYPE
Congratulations for choosing a Rheem electric water heater and a Rheem solar
conversion kit. The Rheem solar conversion kit converts your Rheem electric water
heater into a Rheem solar Loline water heater. Your Rheem solar Loline water
heater is designed for the solar collectors to be roof mounted and the solar storage
tank to be installed at ground level. The solar storage tank is suitable for either
outdoor or indoor installation. The system is suitable for installation, and offers
protection against freeze damage, in areas up to 800 metres altitude. The system is
not covered for freeze damage above 800 metres altitude (refer to “Warranty” on
page 40).
The model you have chosen will be either a Rheemglas or an Optima model. The
Optima model has a temperature adjusting knob on the lower front of the water
heater. Both the Rheemglas and Optima models are available with either a single
element or with twin elements (refer to “Single Element Models” on page 11 and
“Twin Element Models” on page 11).
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The solar control unit will circulate water
through the solar collectors until a
temperature of approximately 75°C is
reached. During periods of low solar
energy gain, the water temperature can
be boosted by the thermostatically
controlled electric booster heating unit.
This may be operated manually or
automatically depending on how it is
wired. Refer to pages 12 and 13 or check
with your electrician.
The Optima model features a user
adjustable thermostat, which allows you to
choose the most suitable boost
temperature for your hot water needs. The
Rheemglas model features a
tradesperson adjustable thermostat. This
requires a licensed tradesperson to make
any temperature adjustments. The
temperature is adjustable within the range
shown in the diagram opposite.
Top Element
Thermostat Setting
(not adjustable)
Minimum
Thermostat Setting
and Recommended
Stored Water
Temperature
Maximum
Recommended Supply
Temperature to
Bathrooms and Ensuites
Rheemglas
Maximum
Thermostat
Setting
Typical Maximum
Temperature from
Solar Gain and
Optima Maximum
Thermostat Setting
For reasons of safety and economy we advise you adjust the thermostat to the
lowest setting which meets your needs, especially if there are young children or
elderly people in the home.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
5
HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY
We recommend, and it may also be required by regulations, that an approved
temperature limiting device, such as the Rheem Temp-Set, be fitted into the hot
water piping 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.
This temperature limiting device may be required by regulations.
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT- OPTIMA
To adjust the temperature, push in the child
resistant knob and turn anti clockwise to
decrease or clockwise to increase the
temperature setting. The Optima has a
minimum temperature setting of 60°C and a
maximum temperature setting of 75°C.
WARNING
This water heater is not intended to be
operated, adjusted or tampered with by
young children or infirm persons. Young
children should be supervised to ensure
they do not interfere with the water heater.
Care should be taken not to touch the pipe work connecting the solar collectors and
the solar storage tank. Under certain conditions, very high temperature hot water
can be generated by the solar collectors and flow through the pipe work.
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:
· Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
· Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the solar storage tank.
· Switch off the electrical supply at the power outlet to the solar control unit
(refer to note below).
Note: If there is a risk of freezing conditions, the electrical supply to the solar
control unit should not be switched off unless the solar collectors are drained,
otherwise damage could result (refer to “Freeze Protection” on page 8).

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
6
·
·
TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER
· Open the cold water isolation valve fully at the inlet to the water heater.
· If the solar collectors and solar hot and cold pipes have been drained, it will be
necessary to bleed the collector circuit (refer to “Bleeding the Solar Collectors”
on page 7).
If the electrical supply to the water heater has been switched off:
Switch on the electrical supply to the solar storage tank at the isolating switch
Switch on the electrical supply to the solar control unit at the power outlet.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are shown on pages 23 and 26. The water heater must be
installed by an authorised person and the installation must comply with national
codes AS/NZS 3500.4.2, AS/NZS 3000, and all local codes and regulatory authority
requirements. In New Zealand, the installation must conform with the New Zealand
Building Code.
Note: The solar hot and cold pipe work between the solar storage tank and the
solar collectors must be of copper and fully insulated with Armaflex insulation or
similar (minimum thickness 10 mm). The insulation must be weatherproof if
exposed and fitted up to the connections on the storage tank, as very high
temperature water can flow from the solar collectors to the storage tank under
certain conditions. Plastic pipe must not be used, as it will not withstand the
temperature of the water generated by the solar collectors under certain conditions
(refer to Warning on page 29).
DOES THE WATER QUALITY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?
The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some water
qualities may have detrimental effects on the cylinder, solar collectors and fittings. If
you are in a known harsh water area you must read page 38. If you are not
sure, have your water quality checked against the conditions described on page 38.
HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?
There are a number of factors that will affect the length of service the water heater
will provide. These include the water quality, the water pressure, temperature (inlet
and outlet) and the water usage pattern. However, your Rheem water heater is
supported by a comprehensive warranty (refer to page 40).

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
7
ANODE PROTECTION
The anode installed in your water heater will slowly dissipate whilst protecting the
cylinder. The life of the water heater cylinder may be extended by arranging for an
authorised person to inspect the anode and replacing it if required.
The suggested time after installation when the anode should be inspected is:
Rheemglas 8 years
Optima 10 years
For softened water supplies or in areas of poor water quality, it is recommended the
anode be inspected 3 years earlier than shown (refer to “Water Supplies” on
page 38).
BLEEDING THE SOLAR COLLECTORS
It is necessary to purge air from the
collector circuit:
· When the water heater is to be turned
on and the solar collectors and solar
hot and cold pipes have been drained.
· After maintenance has been
conducted on the pipe work and air
has entered the system.
· If the circulator appears not to be
circulating water around the system.
To purge air from the collector circuit:
· Ensure the solar storage tank is full of
water and all of the hot taps are
turned off.
· Using a flat blade screwdriver, open
the bleed valve (if it is not already
open) fitted adjacent to the 5 way tee
at the cold water inlet of the water
heater (see diagram).
· The mains pressure will force water to flow from the tank and through the pipe
work, expelling air from the collector circuit through the bleed valve. This is
evidenced by spurting of water from the drain line connected to the bleed
valve.
Warning: Exercise caution, as water may be at a very high temperature.
· Close the bleed valve when water runs freely from the drain line.
air bleed
valve

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
8
FLUSHING THE SOLAR COLLECTORS
It may be necessary to flush the solar collectors if there is sediment in the water
supply. To flush the solar collectors, follow the procedure “Bleeding the Solar
Collectors” on page 7, allowing the water to flow from the bleed valve drain line for
five minutes before closing the bleed valve.
It is recommended to flush the solar collectors every five years. This will assist in
keeping the solar collectors, solar cold pipe and solar hot pipe clear of sediment.
FREEZE PROTECTION
The system is suitable for installation, and offers protection against freeze damage,
in areas up to 800 metres altitude. The system is not covered for freeze damage
above 800 metres altitude (refer to “Warranty” on page 40).
The anti freeze control is designed to recirculate a small amount of water from the
solar storage tank through the solar pipe work during periods of low temperatures.
This is to prevent the water inside the pipe work from freezing. It is essential that
the electrical circuit to the solar control unit is continually turned on if there is a risk
of freezing. The solar warranty does not cover damage caused by freeze conditions
when the electrical circuit to the solar control unit is turned off or interrupted.
Notes:
· If it is necessary to switch the power off to the solar control unit and there is a
risk of freezing, then it is necessary to have your plumber drain the solar
collectors and solar flow and return pipe work.
· The freeze protection system will be rendered inoperable if electrical power is
not available at the solar control unit. Damage caused by freezing due to no
power at the solar control unit, is not covered by warranty.
· Pipe work between the solar collectors and solar storage tank must be
insulated.
· The system is not covered for freeze damage above 800 metres altitude.
· Refer to “Warranty Exclusions” on page 39.

REGULAR CARE
9
TEMPERATURE AND 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 pipe
during each heating period. This occurs as the water
is heated and expands by approximately 1/50 of its
volume. Never block the outlet of this valve or its
drain pipe for any reason.
Operate the easing lever on the temperature and
pressure relief valve once every six months. It is
very important you raise and lower the lever
gently. If water does not flow freely from the drain
line when the lever is lifted, then the water heater should be checked by the Rheem
Service Department of their Accredited Service Agent.
Lift until
water flows
from the
drain line –
lower gently Drain
Line
Water
Heater
The temperature and pressure relief valve should be checked for performance or
replaced at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or more frequently in areas where
there is a high incidence of water deposits (refer to “Water Supplies” on page 38).
EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE
In South Australia and Western Australia an expansion control valve is fitted to the
cold supply pipe to the water heater. Water will flow from its drain line during the
heating period. In scaling water areas, an expansion control valve should be fitted
to the cold water supply line to the water heater.
SAFETY
This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over-temperature cut-out, and a
combination temperature and 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.
If the power supply cord or plug to the solar control unit is damaged, it must be
replaced by an authorised person, in order to avoid a hazard. Phone your nearest
Rheem Service Department or Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an
inspection.
The warranty can become void if relief valves or other safety devices are
tampered with or if the installation is not in accordance with these
instructions.
SOLAR COLLECTOR GLASS
Ensure the glass on your solar collectors is free of dust, salt spray or any other
matter, which may reduce the effectiveness of the solar collectors. Hose or wash
the collector glass with water and a soft brush when the solar collectors are cool.
Trim any trees which may shade the solar collectors.

HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS
10
The Rheem solar Loline system has its vitreous enamel lined solar storage tank
installed at ground or floor level, remotely from the solar collectors. As the sun
heats the water in the solar collectors the increase in temperature activates the
circulator. The circulator then moves the water from the solar collectors through an
insulated copper pipe to the solar storage tank. The circulator switches on
whenever the water in the solar collectors is hotter than the water in the tank.
Cooler water from the solar storage tank is circulated to 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.
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 19, a pressure limiting valve must be fitted. The supply pressure
should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.
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 winter months.
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 front cover. The water temperature is
automatically controlled to the thermostat
setting when the booster heating unit is
energised.
The Optima models feature a user
adjustable thermostat, which allows you to
choose the most suitable boost
temperature for your hot water needs. It
has a minimum temperature setting of
60°C and a maximum temperature setting
of 75°C. The thermostat on the Rheemglas
models is tradesperson adjustable. It has a
minimum temperature setting of 60°C and
a maximum temperature setting of 70°C. It
can only be adjusted by an authorised
person. Automatic safety controls are fitted
to the water heater to provide safe and
efficient operation.