Specifications

installed. Contact your local plumbing department for more information.

In Canada, a double check valve is required to fulfill the back-flow requirement.

b) With a check valve installed on the cold incoming cold supply the tank must have an expansion tank and

pressure relief valve installed. For more information refer to section 3.11.

3.26. Anti-Scald / Tempering Valves

a) A certified anti-scald valve must be installed on the hot supply to the building taps to reduce the hot water

supply to a safe temperature of no more than 122

3.27. Building Considerations

a) Penetration Through Fire-Rated Assemblies: Any piping that needs to penetrate fire-rated assemblies

need to be prepared/finished in line with any relevant regulations.

b) Roof Penetration: Depending on the location and local codes, there may be various acceptable means

of penetrating the roof. Flashing are often used to ensure a neat and water-tight penetration. Regardless of

the method used, insulation of the solar lines and water-tightness must be ensured. Roof penetrations may

not impair the function of the enclosure. All roof penetrations must be sealed to prevent water, vermin or any

other intrusion.

c) Direct Flow Systems: Main’s pressure direct flow systems using the pump circulation for freeze

protection must not terminate insulation at the flashing and begin again in the roof space. The exposed

pipe at the flashing may freeze during a power outage in cold conditions. The insulation should pass

through the flashing and be sealed appropriately. If there is concern of water-tightness between the

insulation and flashing, a PVC pipe with an elbow facing down the roof pitch can be used, with the insulated

pipe passing through the PVC pipe. Ensure that the method used meets local code. The Apricus direct

flow pump station has a power outage valve that opens to allow water flow through the manifold to provide

extra freeze protection.

d) Structural Supports:

i) Any points of attachment for the solar collector or other system components must be of suitable

structural strength to support the weight of the components plus any loads that may be encountered,

such as wind or snow loading.

ii) Any damage to structural supports caused by screws, drilled holes or other fastening methods must

not undermine the structural integrity. Seek professional advice as required.

e) Applicable Codes: All roof penetrations must meet applicable codes and practices put forth by the

National Roofing Contractors Association. All members penetrated by solar system components must meet

relevant codes.

f) Adjacent Materials: Materials adjacent to the solar system components should not be exposed to

elevated temperatures.

3.28. Pressure & Temperature Relief Valve (PTRV)

The storage tank must be fitted with a PTRV. All tanks should be supplied as standard with an

approved valve.3.29. Vacuum Breaker

a) A vacuum breaker may need to be installed at the highest point of the cold water inlet to the storage tank

to prevent damage to the tank in case of negative system pressure. Check with your local authorities to see

if this is a requirement. If a vacuum breaker is required please refer to the storage tank manufacturers

guidelines for more information.

3.30. Sediment Buildup (Hard Water / Limescale)

a) If in areas prone to limescale formation the storage tank should be flushed by the home owner or

Authorized Person as outlined in the tank manufacturer’s operation manual. This should be completed as

often as once every 6 month in areas with particularly hard water, and annual in most areas.

Apricus Solar Collector Installation & Operation Manual - USA