Rheem RS47-21BP, RS80-42BP User Manual

The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, to
provide the installer with the basic directions
and recommendations for the proper
installation and adjustment of the water heater;
and two, for the owner–operator, to explain the
features, operation, safety precautions,
maintenance and troubleshooting of the water
heater. This manual also includes a parts list.

It is very important that all persons who are
expected to install, operate or adjust this water
heater read the instructions carefully so they
may understand how to perform these
operations. If you do not understand these
instructions or any terms within it, seek
professional advice.

Any questions regarding the operation,
maintenance, service or warranty of this water
heater should be directed to the seller from
whom it was purchased. If additional
information is required, refer to the section on
“If you need service.”

Do not destroy this manual. Please read
carefully and keep in a safe place for future
reference.

Recognize this symbol as an
indication of Important Safety
Information!

California Proposition 65 Warning:

This product contains chemicals known
to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

AP13907 (09/06)

Printed in Australia

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Passive Solar Water
Heating Systems

This Solar Water Heating system is for the models listed below:

RS80-42BP RS47-21BP

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Safety Information

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 4

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . 5, 6

Installation Instructions

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Unit Specifications & Parts 7,8

Pre-Installation Review. . . . . 9

System Requirements . . . . . 10

Pitch Requirements. . . . . . . . 11

Roof Requirements . . . . 12, 13

Electrical Requirements. 14, 15

Typical Installation . . . . . . . . 16

Plumbing Schematics. . . . . . 17

Details for Roof Types. . 18, 19

Frame Installation . . 20, 21, 22

Collector Installation . . . . . . 23

Tank Installation . . . . . . . . . . 24

Plumbing Installation . . . . . . 25

Stub Outs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Operating Instructions

Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . 26

Filling the Closed Loop . . . . 27

Test the Closed Loop . . . 27, 28

Connect Electric Supply . . . 29

Safety Controls . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Water Temperature . . . . . . . . 31

Care and Cleaning

Draining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Extended Shut-Down . . . . . 33

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

For Service. . . . . . . . . . . 34, 35

Customer Service

Frames Information . . . . 36-39

If You Need

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

2

Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and
maintain your water heater properly. Just a little preventive
care on your part can save you a great deal of time and money
over the life of your water heater.

You’ll find many answers to common problems in the Before
You Call For Service section. If you review our chart of
Troubleshooting Tips first, you may not need to call for service
at all.

READ THIS MANUAL

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Write the model and serial numbers here:

#

#

You can find them on a label on the appliance.

Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.

Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service
under the warranty.

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. There
are many important safety messages in this manual and on
your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol. Recognize this symbol
as an indication of Important Safety Information!
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can
kill or hurt you and others.

All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and
either the word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, “CAUTION” or
“NOTICE”.

These words mean:

DANGER

An imminently hazardous situation
that will result in death or serious
injury.

WARNING

A potentially hazardous situation that
could result in death or serious injury
and/or damage to property.

CAUTION A potentially hazardous situation that

may result in minor or moderate
injury.

Notice:

Attention is called to observe a
specified procedure or maintain
a specific condition.

READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION

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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a solar water heating
system. It is one of the most effective and trouble-free
systems available today. In addition to reducing your
water-heating bills, it will help preserve precious
natural resources by using free energy from the sun.

As with an electric or gas water heater, your new solar
water heating system operates automatically to ensure
you will always have an ample supply of hot water.
However, there are simple steps you can take to
increase both its efficiency and service life.

This manual provides the manufacturers recommended
procedures for Rheem Thermosiphon solar water­heating systems. The procedures are essential for
correct installation, troubleshooting and maintenance.

Read each section of this manual thoroughly before
beginning work on the system.

CAUTION: Changes to the design or intended
use of the Rheem Thermosiphon System will void
the manufacturers warranty. Installation,
troubleshooting, and maintenance must be
performed by a qualified technician.

This manual will help you get the most out of your
solar water heating system. Please read it carefully
when the installation is complete, and review it from
time to time to refresh your memory about the service
requirements and safety measures.

The Operation section of the manual contains
important information regarding the system procedures
as well as safety measures pertaining to the system. It
is important that you follow these guidelines to ensure
safe, efficient and trouble-free operation.

While the system requires very little maintenance,
there will be a periodic need for some upkeep. The
Maintenance section outlines those requirements for
service, which you may do yourself, as well as those
procedures best performed by a qualified service
technician.

The Troubleshooting section contains steps you can
take if the system is not performing, as it should.

The solar energy system described by this manual,
when properly installed and maintained, meets the
minimum standards established by the Solar Rating
and Certification Corporation (SRCC). This
certification does not imply endorsement or warranty
of this product by the SRCC.

The solar energy system described by this manual,
when properly installed and maintained, meets the
minimum standards established by the Florida Solar
Energy Center, in accordance with Section 377.705,
Florida Statutes. This certification does not imply
endorsement or warranty of this product by the Florida
Solar Energy Center or the state of Florida.

Your passive solar water heating system is one of the
most efficient yet simple and trouble free water­heating systems in the world.

The components of the system include a water storage
tank, solar collector panels, and a assortment of pipes
and valves.

In locations which are subject to temperatures below
41°F, a mixture of specially developed Hartgard fluid
and water circulates through the solar collector panels.
This fluid is heated by the sun, then circulated through
the jacket surrounding the water storage tank, heating
the potable (drinking) water inside the storage tank.
The Hartgard fluid is a non-toxic, food-grade liquid,
which provides freeze protection for the closed loop
heat transfer loop. It is colored blue to differentiate the
closed loop fluid from the potable water supply.

WARNING: Under no circumstances can any
fluid other than Hartgard be used, alternate fluids
could be hazardous to your health.

This circulation of the Hartgard fluid is accomplished
naturally, without the need for pumps, sensors or any
moving parts. No moving parts mean fewer potential
problems. These solar water heaters are referred to as
closed loop systems and identified in the model
number by the last two digits.

Your how water is stored in a steel tank lined with two
coats of Primaglaze

®

vitreous enamel (glass) and
thickly insulated to help maintain the water
temperature throughout the day and night.

To ensure your hot water supply is never depleted, the
system is equipped with a backup heater or heating
element. On the few days a year when there may be
insufficient solar energy, you are still assured of all the
hot water you will need.

If your system is your only source of hot water, there
is one way to ensure a constant supply.
a. You can leave the breaker ON all of the time and

the heater will operate only when the water
temperature falls below the thermostat temperature
setpoint

3

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4

Introduction continued...

While your system is one of the most efficient
available, there are two simple steps you can take to
increase your water-heating cost savings.

Keep the use of the Backup Heater to a Minimum

You can save the most money on your water-heating
bills by using the backup heater on your system as
little as possible. If the sun shines brightly between
I0 am and 3 pm, enough heat will normally be
generated to keep the water hot throughout the rest of
the day and night.

However, on days when the sky is cloudy or when
large quantities of hot water are being used, we
suggest that the backup heater be left “ON” overnight
to ensure adequate hot water the next morning.

Try to use Hot Water during Daylight Hours

When possible, schedule heavy hot water use, such as
dish washing, laundry and showers, in the middle of
the day. If hot water usage occurs while the sun is up,
the fresh (cold) water added to the storage tank is
heated more quickly.

When water is used late in the day or at night, the
fresh water entering the tank will be heated by the

element so hot water is available in the morning.

The Rheem Thermosiphon systems operate on the
passive thermosiphon principle a ‘closed loop’ to
provide fail-safe freeze protection up to -30°F of the
collector closed loop. The closed loop consists of the
solar absorbers, a single wall heat exchanger around
the outside of the storage tank, and plumbing
attachments.

Radiant energy from the sun heats the special long­life fluid in the solar collectors. As the fluid is heated,
it rises into the tank heat exchanger and heats the
potable water stored within.The hot potable water is
stored in a well-insulated steel storage tank, which is
lined with two coats of Primaglaze vitreous enamel
for high temperature stability.

Flow of the closed loop fluid, using the passive
thermosiphon principle, is accomplished without
pumps, sensors or moving parts.

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn

120°F More than 5 minutes

125°F 1½ to 2 minutes

130°F About 30 seconds

135°F About 10 seconds

140°F Less than 5 seconds

145°F Less than 3 seconds

150°F About 1½ seconds

155°F About 1 second

Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute

The chart shown above may be used as a guide
in determining the proper water temperature for your home.

DANGER: Households with small children, disabled,
or elderly persons may require a 120°F or lower thermostat
setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.

NOTICE: Mixing valves should be installed to reduce the
point of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in
branch water lines. Contact a licensed installer or the local
plumbing authority for further information.

The temperature of the water in the water heater can be reg­ulated by setting the temperature dial of the adjustable sur­face mounted thermostat located behind the left tank end
cover.

This thermostat controls the water
heater’s heating element only. (A
separate thermostat should be uti­lized in monitoring the tempera­ture from the collector).

To comply with safety regulations
the thermostat is factory set at
120° F or less where local codes
require.

DANGER: Hotter water
increases the potential for Hot
Water SCALDS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

DANGER!

WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING

Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water
temperature setting of water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures above 125°F can
cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings
outlined on the label pictured below.

5

5

8

0

75

7

0

6

5

6

0

5

0

:

EWT1L2

S-2

0

3

D

IFF

EC O : 8 3

8

L1

10MAY2002

CS6209N

240 Va c 30A

ROBERTSHA

W

3

L

L

4

L

2

2

1

T

T

4

T

5

DANGER: Burns from Hot Water and
Steam - Use extreme care when opening relief
valves, charging closed loop, and filling storage
tank.

The electrical element booster thermostat has
been factory set at 122°F (50°C) to reduce the
risk of scald injury. Adjusting the thermostat to a
higher setting is not recommended. Hotter water
increases the potential for Hot Water Scalds.

Thermostat

Dial Pointer

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DANGER

HOT

BURN

Water temperature over 125° F can
cause severe burns instantly or
death from scalds.

Children, disabled and elderly are
at highest risk of being scalded.

See instruction manual before
setting temperature at water
heater.

Feel water before bathing or
showering.

Temperature limiting valves are
available, see manual.

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6

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!

For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of
fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of
life.

Be sure to read and understand the entire Use and Care Manual before attempting to
install or operate this water heater. It may save you time and cost. Pay particular
attention to the Safety Instructions. Failure to follow these warnings could result in
serious bodily injury or death. Should you have problems understanding the instructions
in this manual, or have any questions, STOP, and get help from a qualified service
technician, or the local utility.

FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California Law requires that residential water heaters must be braced, anchored or
strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motions. For
residential water heaters up to 52 gallon capacity, a brochure with generic earthquake
bracing instructions can be obtained from: Office of the State Architect, 1102 Q Street,
Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA 95814 or you may call 916-445-8100 or ask a water heater
dealer.

However, applicable local codes shall govern installation. For residential water heaters
of a capacity greater than 52 gallons, consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable
bracing procedures.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Have the installer show you the location of the circuit breaker and how to shut it off if
necessary. Turn off the circuit breaker if the water heater has been subjected to overheating,
fire, flood, physical damage or if the ECO fails to shut off.

● Read this manual entirely before installing

or operating the water heater.

● Use this appliance only for its intended

purpose as described in this Use and Care
Manual.

● Be sure your appliance is properly installed

in accordance with local codes and the
provided installation instructions.

● Do not attempt to repair or replace any part

of your water heater unless it is specifically
recommended in this manual. All other
servicing should be referred to a qualified
technician.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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Installing the water heater.

The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the following:

Local Installation Regulations

This water heater must be installed in
accordance with these instructions,
local codes, utility codes, utility
company requirements or, in the
absence of local codes, the latest
edition of the National Electrical
Code.

It is available from some local
libraries or can be purchased from the
National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch park, Quincy, MA
02269 as booklet ANSI/NFPA 70.

Location

Minimum Air Temperature

Rheem Thermosiphon systems
must not be installed in areas
where the outside air temperature
can fall below 41°F continuously
for more than 18 hours. Where
outside air temperature falls lower
than 41°F Rheem closed loop
models must be installed. The
collector closed loop fluid is freeze
protected to -40°F.

If the outside air temperature is to
fall below 32°F for more than 4

hours on the Rheem closed loop
models, it is suggested that all
potable water plumbing is installed
with heat trace and insulated to
protect against pipe freezing. In the
event of a power failure, open a hot
water faucet and allow a slow
trickle of water to flow until power
is restored.

Please contact your service
technician for assistance and advice
with protection against pipe
freezing.

7

Inspect Shipment

Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating
plate of the water heater to be certain the power supply (Solar Electric Only)
corresponds to the water heater requirements. Make sure all parts included with
the solar water heater system are accounted for by comparing to the following
list of parts.

WARNING: Heat
trace will not protect
against pipe freezing in
the event of power loss.

WARNING: Extended
periods of cold weather,
including ambient air
temperatures below the
limits specified on the
right, may cause freezing
in exposed parts of the
system. It is the owner’s
responsibility to protect
the system in accordance
with these instructions if
the air temperature is
anticipated to approach
the specified limits.

Total Capacity ( Nominal) 48 Gallons 80 Gallons

Overall size ( L x W x H ) 59” X 20” X 20” 90” X 20” X 20”

Nominal Working Pressure 15 - 145 PSI. 15 - 145 PSI

Weight Empty 143 lbs. 226 lbs.

Weight Installed 540 lbs. 877 lbs.

Immersion Element (Booster) 2.4 kW 220/240 V 2.4 kW 220/240 V

Water Storage Tank Specifications

(Part Number RS80 & RS47)

Collectors (1 or 2)

Overall Size (L x W) 76” x 40"

Collector Model Number RS-21BP

Nominal Area 21.3 sq. ft.
Weight Empty 84 lbs.
Weight Installed 96 lbs.
Plate-to-Plate Bonding Electric Welding

Test Pressure 26 psi

Nominal Working Pressure -0.2 to 11.5 psi

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Installing the water heater.

8

Solar Collector

3/4” Union Nut 3/4” T/P Valve

Fill Fitting

Collector Nut 18mm Union Cone 3/4” Check Valve

(NOT INCLUDED)

Collector Hot Pipe

Collector Plug

Lag Screw

(5/16” x 1 3/4”)

(NOT INCLUDED)

3/4” Cold Water
Expansion Valve

Collector Clamps

3/4” Tail Plug

Tempering Valve PR6 Jacket Relief Valve

(includes “O” ring).

Collector Extrusion

3/4” Union

3/4” Tee Adapter Collector Union

Tank Clamp

Collector Down Pipe

1 Gallon Hartgard Collector Strap

Tank Strap

System Parts ID List

(NOT

INCLUDED)

Storage Tank

9

Pre-Installation

These installation inspection procedures include;

• Review of local building codes for site

requirements and specific guidelines for plumbing

and electrical installation.

• Inspection of installation site.

• Completion of the Pre-installation Checklist,

including customer’s signature.

Site Inspection Equipment

• Pre-Installation Inspection Checklist

• Pencil or pen

• Ladder

• Tape measure

• Flashlight

• Water pressure gauge

• Pitch gauge

• Compass

Review Local Codes

• Review local codes and record on checklist:

• Area requirements

• Plumbing requirements

• Electrical requirements

• Roof support stress load and modification

requirements (including engineering review, if

necessary).

• Obtain building plans, if possible, to help locate

bearing walls and determine truss strength.

• Record extreme weather conditions on

checklist;

• Heavy-snowfall areas require roof-ridge

mount, see Figure below.

• High-wind areas require an additional

Bracing Kit.

• Installation sites subject to winds of more

than 50 m.p.h. require a specially

engineered frame.

• Cold areas need freeze protection for all

domestic plumbing lines.

This section will guide you to gather the necessary information to install the system correctly. Use it
together with the Installation Checklist to identify all installation requirements.

Roof Ridge Mounts

Installing the water heater.

10

The system must face between 135 - 225°
(Ideal direction is true South): (Refer to the
Figure on the right).

Installations outside this range require either
an additional collector or frame.

Site must be shade-free year-round and clear
of obstructions.

Plumbing/Electrical stub-out

• 1' 6" left side for roof-ridge mount,

• 1' 6" top or left side all others.

• Maintenance area: 8' on left side.

• All local code-required setbacks, heights, and

distances from other structures, pipe vents and
utilities must be followed.

Area Requirements for Collectors

System Placement Requirements

Number of

Collectors

Installation

Area Required

2

8’ x 8’

11

Pitch Requirements

Correct operation requires a 15°- 45° pitch (slope). This can be done by using the roof slope itself or a
frame

CAUTION: DO NOT
install on a roof with a pitch
beyond 45°.

Use pitch gauge and compass
and complete the following
steps. Record the results on
the checklist.

• Record pitch and compass

bearing of proposed
installation site.

• Using table shown below,

select number of collectors
and correct type of
installation.

NOTICE: A roof pitch
beyond 30° requires
additional bracing.

NOTICE: A crane may be
necessary for installation.

Roof Installations

Compass

Bearing

Pitch Mount No. of Collectors

135° - 225° 14° - 45° None 2

135° - 225° 0° - 15° Frame 2

226° - 270°* 15° - 45° None 2

5° - 134°

270° - 315°

15° - 45° Side Pitch 2

0° - 44°

316° - 360°

15° - 35° Reverse Pitch 2

* If installed in this orientation,solar heater will not provide maximum
solar heating capacity.

Frame Installations

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Installing the water heater.

Roof Survey

Record the following on the
checklist:

• The type of roofing material (tile,
shingle, tar & gravel, metal, etc.).

• The condition of the roof. Note
any repair requirements

needed prior to installation.

• Draw diagram (top view) as
shown below, of installation area.
Mark location of the system and
stub-out.

• Using the table below, select the
appropriate supporting structure
for your solar system.

NOTICE: A roof in poor
condition may need
replacement before the
system is installed.

Roof Type Installation Type Supporting Structures

All types except sturdy tiles and

metal

With pitch (standard) 4 runners and Collector Extrusion

Sturdy tiles or metal roof with

No obstruction of water flow

With pitch (metal / sturdy tile) Collector Extrusion only

All types Side pitch 2 runners + Frame

All types Reverse pitch 2 runners + Frame

All types Flat / shallow pitch 2 runners + Frame

Roof Support Requirements

The system weighs up to 1089 lbs (80 Gallon
System) when installed and filled. It may not be
necessary to provide additional support but you must
inspect the roof support system to determine if
additional bracing is needed.

Record the following on the checklist.

CAUTION: If the following modifications do
not apply to the installation site, an engineer must
specify support modifications.

Conventional Roof Modifications;

• Locate the load bearing wall beneath installation
site (refer to building plan if available) and
indicate on the roof-site plan. If a load-bearing
wall is not available, note this on the checklist.

• Review Figure at the top of the following page
and select correct supports.

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