Specifications

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER
9
FREEZE PROTECTION
The 52H and RLX series solar water heaters are an indirect closed circuit solar hot water system with a heat
exchanger in the solar storage tank. The heat exchanger and solar collectors form a closed circuit and are
filled with closed circuit fluid. The closed circuit fluid is a solution of a blue, non-toxic food grade propylene
glycol concentrate mixed with water. The closed circuit concentrate is used to lower the freezing temperature
of the closed circuit fluid and provides protection against freezing.
During installation, the closed circuit concentrate is blended with water. The amount of closed circuit
concentrate supplied with this water heater provides protection in frost prone areas to a temperature of -8°C.
If lower temperatures are anticipated, a greater concentration of closed circuit fluid will be required.
The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if non Rheem approved closed circuit fluid has been
used or if the closed circuit fluid has been incorrectly mixed (refer to “Terms of the Rheem Warranty” on
page 62).
The 52L and RL series systems do not have freeze protection. The system is not suitable 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 “Terms of the Rheem Warranty” on page 62).
PIPE WORK AND INSULATION
The solar hot and solar cold pipe work between the thermosiphon solar storage tank and the solar collectors
are supplied in the pipe kit. The supplied copper solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE used.
If the solar water heater is installed either on a metal roof or in a trafficable area, such as on an accessible
roof, then the solar hot and solar cold pipes must be insulated. The solar hot and solar cold pipes may be
required to be insulated to comply with local regulations.
If insulation is required, the full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE insulated.
Note: Any exposed pipe work or fittings in the solar circuit should be attended to and covered with insulation.
Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an inspection.
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 or closed circuit fluid 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
be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.
The insulation 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 or closed circuit fluid 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 closed circuit
fluid generated by the solar collectors under certain conditions (refer to Warning on page 36).
The pipe work between the solar storage tank and in-series booster (if one is installed) MUST BE of copper
and fully insulated with a closed cell type insulation or equivalent (minimum thickness 13 mm).