Rheem STREAMLINE ELECTRIC User Manual
“Streamline Electric”
ELECTRIC BOOSTED
SOLAR WATER HEATER
OWNER’S MANUAL
AND
WARRANTY / INSTALLATION INFORMATION
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
This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person.
high water temperatures and pressures.
Solahart Industries Pty Ltd
ABN 45 064 945 848
Please leave this guide with the householder.
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.
WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware
• The solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar
collectors MUST BE of copper and fully insulated with closed cell polymer
insulation or similar (minimum thickness 13 mm). Thicker insulation may be
required to comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4. The insulation must
be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed. All compression fittings must use
brass or copper olives.
Note: Failure to observe this requirement increases the risk of freeze
damage.
• 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.
Refer to Warning on page 27.
• 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.
PATENTS
This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs.
® Registered trademark of Solahart Industries Pty Ltd or Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
™ Trademark of Solahart Industries Pty Ltd or Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.
CONTENTS
HOUSEHOLDER – We recommend you read pages 4 to 16.
The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.
Introduction................................................................................................................... 4
About Your Water Heater ............................................................................................. 5
How Your Water Heater Works.................................................................................... 9
Regular Care ............................................................................................................... 12
Save A Service Call .................................................................................................... 14
Installation – Solar Storage Tank .............................................................................. 17
Installation – Solar Control Unit ................................................................................ 24
Installation – Solar Collectors ................................................................................... 26
Connections – Plumbing............................................................................................ 28
Connections – Electrical ............................................................................................ 31
Commissioning........................................................................................................... 33
Draining The Solar Collectors ................................................................................... 34
Draining The Water Heater......................................................................................... 35
Water Supplies............................................................................................................ 36
Warranty ...................................................................................................................... 37
Solahart Offices .......................................................................................................... 40
3
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on choosing a “STREAMLINE ELECTRIC” solar water heater. We are confident that
your purchase will provide you many years of trouble free hot water.
All over the world, the Solahart name is synonymous with quality in water heating. From humble
beginnings in the pioneering days of Western Australia, a reputation has been built up over nearly a
century.
In 1905, two enterprising plumbers formed the company known as S. W. Hart, a name that was
retained for over 70 years. Even in its early stages, S. W. Hart was involved in the manufacture of metal
products for water storage and water heating. Since 1953, S. W. Hart, now Solahart Industries Pty Ltd,
has been producing thermosyphon solar hot water systems, which is well over 40 years of hot water
experience.
Solahart is the market leader in Australia and a dominant brand throughout the world. Our network of
distributors covers over 70 countries in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. In our home market of
Australia, we offer the widest range of thermosyphon solar water heater products, along with the
Streamline brand of active solar hot water systems and Synergy heat pump. Our product is positioned
within the hot water market as a reliable, durable product with state of the art manufacturing technology.
It is with the above in mind that we at Solahart Industries Pty Ltd are confident that your purchase of the
“STREAMLINE ELECTRIC” water heater will provide you reliable hot water with quality after sales
service back up.
Thankyou
4
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
MODEL TYPE
Congratulations for choosing a Solahart
®
water heater. Your Solahart Streamline® 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 Solahart ‘L’ solar collectors.
Although the system has a level of freeze protection, designed to guard the system from unexpected
frost conditions, the system is not recommended for installation in areas subject to frost or freeze
conditions (refer to
NO WARRANTY for freeze damage (refer to
“Freeze Protection” on page 8). Freeze conditions occur below 6°C. The system has
“Warranty Exclusions” on page 37).
If this water heater is installed as a solar preheater to an in-series water heater, 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 manual boosting controls in this Guide will not be applicable to the
installation. For information relating to the function and operation of the in-series water heater, refer to
the Owners Guide and Installation Instructions supplied with the water heater.
HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?
The solar control unit will circulate water through the solar
collectors until a temperature of approximately 70°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 page 10 or
check with your electrician. An in-series water heater will boost
the water temperature automatically when required.
typical maximum temperature
from solar gain and maximum
booster setting
minimum booster setting and
minimum recommended
stored water temperature
maximum recommended
supply temperature to
bathrooms and ensuites
To meet the requirements of the National Plumbing Standard
the temperature of the stored water must not be below 60°C.
Solahart recommends the thermostat is set at 60°C to
maximise solar contribution.
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
Increases the Risk of Scald Injury”
on page 5.
“Hotter Water
5
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
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.
The removal of the front cover will expose 240 V wiring. It must only be removed by an authorised or
qualified person.
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.
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 Solahart. Phone
your nearest Solahart Dealer 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.
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
Protection”
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 solar cold pipes have been drained, it will be necessary to
bleed the collector circuit (refer to
If the electrical supply to the water heater has been switched off:
• Switch on the electrical supply at the power outlet to the solar control unit. The power outlet must
be switched on for the solar control unit to operate and solar gain to be achieved.
on page 8).
“Bleeding the Solar Collectors” on page 8).
“Freeze
• Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the solar storage tank.
6
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?
Installation requirements are
authorised person and the installation must comply with National Standards AS/NZS 3500.4,
AS/NZS 3000 and all local codes and regulatory authority requirements. In New Zealand, the
installation must conform with the New Zealand Building Code.
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 water heater (if one is installed)
fully insulated with closed cell polymer insulation or similar (minimum thickness 13 mm). The insulation
must be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed. 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 and also reduce pipe heat losses.
The insulation must be fitted up to the connections on both the solar collectors and the solar storage
tank, as very high temperature water can flow from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank under
certain conditions.
Plastic pipe
generated by the solar collectors under certain conditions
MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature and pressure of the water
shown on pages 23 and 25. The water heater must be installed by an
MUST BE of copper and
(refer to Warning on page 27).
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
you must read page 36. If you are not sure, have your water quality checked against the
area
conditions
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 Solahart water heater is supported by a comprehensive warranty
page 38
ANODE PROTECTION
The anode(s) 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(s) and replace if required.
The suggested time after installation when the anode(s) should be inspected is 8 years.
For softened water supplies or in areas of poor water quality, it is recommended the anode(s) be
inspected 3 years earlier than shown (refer to
described on page 36.
(refer to
).
“Water Supplies” on page 36).
7
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
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.
FREEZE PROTECTION
Although the system has a level of freeze protection, designed to guard the system from unexpected
frost conditions, the system is not recommended 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
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. The solar hot and solar cold pipes must be fully insulated with closed cell
polymer insulation (minimum thickness 13 mm) to offer protection against freeze damage. 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.
Notes:
“Warranty Exclusions” on page 37).
air bleed
valve
• 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.
• Pipe work between the solar collectors and solar storage tank must be insulated.
• The system is not covered for freeze damage.
• Refer to
“Warranty Exclusions” on page 37.
8 9
HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS
The Solahart Streamline 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 approximately 70°C. Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide
safe and efficient operation.
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
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.
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 Streamline water heater is suitable for the
heating unit to be connected to an Off-Peak electricity
supply, but can be connected to an extended Off-Peak or
continuous 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.
shown on page 18, a pressure limiting
MANUAL CONTROLS
An isolating switch is installed in your electrical meter box for
your solar storage tank. Solahart recommends an additional
manual isolating switch be installed in the power supply
circuit to the solar storage tank. This booster switch should
be installed in a convenient location such as the kitchen or
laundry and will enable control of the electrical boosting
during periods of poor solar gain.
A suitably rated single-pole
an Off-Peak electricity supply. A booster heating unit connected to a continuous electricity supply
should be controlled by either a suitably rated single pole on / off switch or
The amount of water heated by the raised booster heating unit of your Streamline storage tank will be
285 litres (430 model), 200 litres (340 model) or 160 litres (270 model).
on / off switch should be used to control a booster heating unit connected to
“One Shot Control” switch.
HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS
MANUAL ON/OFF SWITCH
a) Off-Peak (overnight) Tariff Connection
Most systems will be connected to an Off-Peak supply of electricity. Boosting will only occur overnight
(usually between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM). In the winter months many households will find it necessary
to leave the booster switch ON. However, in some cases it may only be necessary to switch the booster
switch ON every second night. This can be determined over a trial period. At other times, care should
be taken not to leave the switch on during periods of no power, as solar savings will be reduced if the
booster heating unit activates upon resumption of power.
b) Extended Off-Peak (overnight and day) Tariff Connection
Operation is very similar to that suggested for continuous
tariff, but it is important to be aware of the hours during which
electricity is available so boosting, if required, can be adapted
to suit. (Check with your local Electricity Supply Authority for
hours of operation). Do not leave the booster switch on during
daylight hours unless boosting is required, as solar savings
will be reduced.
c) Continuous Tariff Connection
Operate the booster switch to activate the auxiliary booster
heating unit when the hot water falls below an acceptable
temperature. The amount of water heated depends on your
installation (refer to
important to ensure the booster switch is turned OFF after you
have satisfied your hot water needs. Do not leave the booster
switch ON in daylight hours because your solar savings will
be reduced.
“Manual Controls” on page 9). It is
“ONE SHOT CONTROL” SWITCH
The “One Shot Control” switch will help provide maximum savings with an electrically boosted solar
water heater connected to a continuous electricity supply. Power must be available to the “One Shot
Control” switch before the booster heating unit can be activated.
The switch has a push button operation and incorporates an
indicator light. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions
supplied with the “One Shot Control” switch for information on
how the indicator light arrangement works.
When you decide the hot water is below a usable temperature
and additional hot water is required, press the control button.
The booster heating unit will be turned “ON” if the water
temperature is below the thermostat setting, then
automatically turn “OFF” when the water temperature reaches
the thermostat setting.
It is not necessary to activate the booster heating unit every time the light indicates that boosting may
be required. The water may still be at a usable temperature for some purposes (e.g. showering) and
you may not need to use hot water for some hours during which time the water may be heated by the
sun.
Remember, even on cloudy days your solar water heater can receive diffuse radiation, which
will provide some heat to your stored water. On these days you will need to operate the booster
heating unit only as desired. For summer operation it is recommended trial periods be
undertaken to determine if it is necessary to turn the booster switch or one shot control ‘on’ at
all.
10
HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS
GOING ON HOLIDAYS
If you plan to be away from home, conserve energy by switching the booster switch “OFF”. It is not
necessary to switch off the electrical supply at the power outlet to the solar control unit. Refer to
Turn Off The Water Heater”
two (2) weeks it is recommended the solar collectors be covered.
on page 6. Also if the system is not used for a period in excess of
“To
11
REGULAR CARE
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
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 months. It is very important
you raise and lower the lever gently.
DANGER: Failure to do this may result in the water
heater cylinder failing, or under certain circumstances,
exploding.
If water does not flow freely from the drain line when
the lever is lifted, then the water heater should be
checked by your nearest Solahart Dealer.
The temperature 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 36).
“Temperature Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 15).
lift until water
flows from the
drain line –
lower gently
drain
line
water
heater
EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE
In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia and scaling water areas, 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 months. It is very important
you raise and lower the lever gently. The expansion control 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.
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. If the collector glass becomes dirty, hose down or if the
solar collectors are accessible, wash the collector glass with water and a soft brush when the solar
collectors are cool. Have any trees trimmed which may shade the solar collectors.
12
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