Specifications

INSTALLATION – SOLAR CONTROL UNIT
36
SOLAR STORAGE TANK WITH RAISED SOLAR HOT INLET
Numbers in parentheses refer to items on diagram on page 35.
To connect the solar cold pipe to the solar control unit on a solar VS160 storage tank with a raised solar hot
inlet and anti-freeze heating unit:
1. Assemble a ½” x ½” hex nipple (1) into the branch outlet of the 4 way tee (2) (ensure the compression
end of the nipple is exposed) and the ½” x ¾” hex nipple (3) in the end of the 4 way tee, so that when
the assembly is fitted to the cold water inlet of the solar storage tank, the compression nipple (1) is
orientated vertically upwards and the cold sensor housing is orientated to the rear of the solar storage
tank.
2. Fit the assembly to the solar cold water outlet of the solar storage tank.
3. Fit the ½” plug (15) to the end of the 4 way tee.
4. Loosen, but do not remove, the four screws which attach the solar control unit to the solar storage tank
and slide the control unit upwards to the stops in the bracket slots.
5. Place a compression nut (5) and olive (6) over each end of the DN15 preformed pipe (4), pre-insulated
with the 280 mm long x 13 mm ID insulation (12), and locate the pipe in the branch tee connection of the
4 way tee and in the inlet of the circulator, ensuring the longer straight end is orientated upwards.
6. Return the solar control unit to its original position, ensuring the DN15 preformed pipe is well seated in
the branch tee connection of the 4 way tee and in the inlet of the circulator. Connect the preformed pipe
using the compression nuts (5) and olives (6) provided.
7. Tighten the four screws attaching the solar control unit to the solar storage tank.
8. Fit a ½” x ½” hex nipple (1) to the outlet of the circulator (7) mounted in the solar control unit (8) (ensure
the compression end of the nipple is exposed).
9. Connect the solar cold pipe (to the collector) to the nipple (1) on the outlet side of the circulator (7) using
the compression nut (5) and olive (6) provided.
10. Insert the cold sensor probe (10) into the cold sensor housing on the 4 way tee (2), ensuring the „O‟ ring
is in position on the probe. Lock it into position with the locking washer and clip provided.
11. Connect the hot sensor lead (from the solar collector installation) to the hot sensor cable connector at
the underside of the solar control unit (8).
Note: Ensure the hot sensor lead is not in direct contact with the solar hot or solar cold pipe work at any
point of the solar circuit, otherwise damage to the sensor lead can occur due to the high temperatures
which can be experienced within the pipe work. Damage to the hot sensor lead can result in solar gain
not being achieved and the freeze protection system rendered inoperative. The hot sensor lead may be
cable tied to the outside of the insulation on the solar pipe work.
To connect the solar hot pipe to the solar storage tank:
12. Insulate the solar non return valve of the air bleed valve and solar non return valve assembly (11) with a
50 mm long x 35 mm ID piece of insulation (13).
13. Fit the air bleed valve and solar non return valve assembly (11) to the solar hot water inlet of the solar
storage tank. Ensure the bleed valve outlet is pointing vertically downwards.
14. Fit a ½” x ½” hex nipple (1) to the exposed end of the Tee (inlet) of the air bleed valve and solar non
return valve assembly (11) (ensure the compression end of the nipple is exposed).
15. Connect the solar hot pipe (from the collector) to the nipple (1) on the air bleed valve and solar non
return valve assembly (11) using the compression nut (5) and olive (6) provided.
16. Connect a DN15 copper drain line to the bleed valve to carry the discharge clear of the water heater and
solar control unit (refer to “Bleed Valve Drain” on page 45), using the compression nut (5) and olive (6)
provided.
17. Insulate the tee and bleed valve, from the solar hot pipe to the drain line of the bleed valve, with the
150 mm long x 35 mm ID insulation (13) and secure with the cable ties (14) provided.
18. Insulate the drain line from the bleed valve with closed cell type insulation or similar (minimum thickness
13 mm). The insulation must be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed.