Rheem Solar Loline Water Heater Technical Document

This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person.
Please leave this guide with the householder.
Owner’s Guide
and
Installation Instructions
Solar Loline 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.

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 pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors MUST BE
of copper. All compression fittings must use brass or copper olives.
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 if exposed
extend through any penetrations in the eaves, ceiling and roof
cover valves and fittings in the solar hot and solar cold pipe work
be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.
Note: Failure to observe these requirements increases the risk of freeze damage.
Uninsulated pipe work, including concealed in cavities and roof spaces or where it may be in contact
with a metal roof, may lead to freeze damage. The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage
if the solar hot and solar cold pipes are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions.
The insulation is essential to assist in providing freeze protection, 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 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. 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.
The highest point of the solar cold pipe and solar hot pipe must be where they connect to the solar
collectors, to avoid the possibility of air locks occurring in the system. There must be a continuous
fall in the pipe work between the solar collectors and solar storage tank. Horizontal runs of pipe
work are acceptable and may be installed.
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. Due to the higher water temperatures generated
under certain conditions in the solar collectors of this solar water heater, an additional effective back-
flow prevention device also should be used as an extra safeguard. Valve manufacturer RMC
recommends Dual Check Valve model N7150, as being suitable for this application.
The pressure applied to the solar circuit and solar collectors during a pressure test of a direct open
circuit system MUST NOT exceed 1000 kPa, otherwise damage may result to the solar collectors.
Refer to “Pressure Testing” on page 34.

3
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER –We recommend you read pages 4 to 19.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
About Your Water Heater............................................................................................................ 4
Regular Care .............................................................................................................................. 12
Water Supplies........................................................................................................................... 14
Save A Service Call ................................................................................................................... 17
Installation –Solar Storage Tank............................................................................................. 20
Installation –Solar Control Unit............................................................................................... 28
Installation –Solar Collectors.................................................................................................. 31
Connections –Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 35
Connections –Electrical........................................................................................................... 38
Commissioning.......................................................................................................................... 41
Draining The Solar Collectors .................................................................................................. 44
Draining The Water Heater ....................................................................................................... 44
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................... 47

4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
MODEL TYPE
Your Rheem®Loline®open circuit solar 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 and can be installed with Rheem NPT 200 or HBT 200 solar collectors. The system is
not suitable for installation above 400 metres altitude.
The system has a level of freeze protection designed to guard the system against damage from freeze
conditions (refer to “Freeze Protection” on page 8). The system must be installed with the full length of the
solar hot and solar cold pipes insulated to offer protection against freeze damage (refer to “Pipe Work and
Insulation” on page 8). Freeze conditions occur below 6°C.
The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage when installed above 400 metres altitude or if the solar
hot and solar cold pipes are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions (refer to “Warranty
Exclusions” on page 47). Note: Warranty against freeze damage applies only to systems installed in
Australia.
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 Loline open circuit 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 70°C to 75°C.
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 Loline 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 front 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 22, a pressure limiting valve must be
fitted. The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.
A minimum water supply pressure of 200 kPa is required to enable the solar circulator and solar circuit
system to operate effectively.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The solar control unit will circulate water through the solar collectors
until a temperature of 70°C to 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. Refer to “Booster Control” on page 6.
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.
typical maximum temperature
from solar gain
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
minimum booster setting
maximum 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 electrical power for operation of the control systems and the electrically
operated components. The removal of the front cover will expose 240 V wiring. It must only be removed by
an authorised or qualified person.
The power lead from the solar controller must be plugged into a weatherproof electrical outlet if installed
outdoors. Take care not to touch the power plug with wet hands.
Care should be taken not to touch the pipe work connecting the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.
Very high temperature hot water can be generated by the solar collectors under certain conditions and flow
through the pipe work from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank.
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 an
authorised or qualified person.
If the power supply cord or plug to the solar control unit or the electrical conduit to the solar storage tank is
damaged, it must be replaced by an authorised person in order to avoid a hazard. The power supply cord
and plug must be replaced with a genuine replacement part available from Rheem. 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 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.
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 your Loline storage tank will be 285 litres
(430 model), 200 litres (340 model) or 160 litres (270 model).

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
7
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.
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,
to enable a boosting period of not less than the recommended continuous length of time for boosting,
for a period when power will be available to the timer.
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.
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
270
Cool / temperate climate
10°C
50°C
4 hours
2 ¾ hours
2 hours
Temperate / sub tropical climate
15°C
45°C
3 ¾ hours
2 ½ hours
1 ¾ hours
Tropical climate
20°C
40°C
3 ¼ hours
2 ¼ hours
1 ¾ hours
340
Cool / temperate climate
10°C
50°C
5 hours
3 ½ hours
2 ½ hours
Temperate / sub tropical climate
15°C
45°C
4 ½ hours
3 hours
2 ½ hours
Tropical climate
20°C
40°C
4 hours
2 ¾ hours
2 hours
430
Cool / temperate climate
10°C
50°C
7 hours
4 ¾ hours
3 ½ hours
Temperate / sub tropical climate
15°C
45°C
6 ½ hours
4 ¼ hours
3 ¼ hours
Tropical climate
20°C
40°C
5 ¾ hours
3 ¾ hours
3 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
FREEZE PROTECTION
The system has a level of freeze protection designed to guard the system against damage from freeze
conditions. The system must be installed with the full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes insulated to
offer protection against freeze damage (refer to “Pipe Work and Insulation” on page 8). Freeze conditions
occur below 6°C.
The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage when installed above 400 metres altitude or if the solar
hot and solar cold pipes are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions (refer to “Warranty
Exclusions” on page 47). Note: Warranty against freeze damage applies only to systems installed in
Australia.
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.
The system is not covered for freeze damage above 400 metres altitude.
Refer to “Warranty Exclusions” on page 47.
PIPE WORK AND INSULATION
The solar hot and solar cold pipe work between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors and between
the solar storage tank and in-series booster (if one is installed) MUST BE of copper.
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
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 if exposed
extend through any penetrations in the eaves, ceiling and roof
cover valves and fittings in the solar hot and solar cold pipe work
be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.
Note: Failure of these requirements to be observed increases the risk of freeze damage.
Uninsulated pipe work, including concealed in cavities and roof spaces or where it may be in contact with a
metal roof, may lead to freeze damage. There is NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if the solar hot and
solar cold pipes are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions.
The insulation is essential to assist in providing freeze protection, 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 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 certain conditions (refer to Warning on page 33).

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
9
SOLAR MONITOR
A solar monitor is located on the side of the solar control unit and houses a green and a red LED.
The green LED, marked “Solar”, indicates the current operational mode of the solar water heater and the red
LED, marked “Attention”, indicates a fault mode.
The green LED will emit either a constant glow or a series of flashes, with a 2 second interval between each
series.
The red LED will emit a series of flashes, with a 2 second interval between each series, only if there is a
particular fault condition with the system.
The operational modes are:
Flashes
Operational Modes
solid green
(remains on)
Standby mode
green
slow pulse
Standby mode
(power on for less than 48 hours)
green
rapid pulse
Circulating water through collectors
3 x green
Circulating water through collectors
(power on for less than 48 hours)
no green
(remains off)
Power outage or call for service
If the power supply to the solar control unit is on and the green LED is off or the red LED is flashing, this
indicates there may be a fault with the water heater. The red LED may emit up to six flashes in each series
of flashes.
Notes:
If the system is in standby mode with the green LED emitting either a constant glow or slow pulsing
flashes (circulator is off) and the solar storage tank is full of hot water, the red LED may simultaneously
emit a constant glow if solar radiation is still being received by the solar collectors. This does not indicate
a fault. The red LED will go out when the temperature in the solar collectors decreases.
During periods of high solar radiation and the circulator activates after having been off (the green LED
will emit either a rapid pulse or a series of three flashes), it is possible the red LED may simultaneously
emit a rapid pulse for a period of up to ten (10) minutes. This does not indicate a fault.
If the red LED continues to emit a rapid pulse for longer than ten (10) minutes, or emits a series of flashes,
then count the number of flashes and phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to
arrange for an inspection.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
10
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 solar 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.
Warning: Bleeding the solar collectors should be conducted in the morning, within three hours of
sunrise, when the water temperature inside the solar collectors is lower.
To purge air from the collector circuit:
Ensure the water heater 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 solar hot water
(from collector) inlet of the solar storage tank (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 care to avoid any splashing of
water, as water discharged from the solar collectors may
be of a very high temperature.
Close the bleed valve when water runs freely from the
drain line.
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.
Switch off the electrical supply at the power outlet to the solar control unit (refer to note below).
Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.
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).