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4. Pipework from the collector to the geyser The pipes require maintenance isolating valves to be installed on the incoming and return pipes as per the requirements of SANS 10106 Figure 3.
5. Tempering valve A tempering valve is required on the hot water supply as per‘ X’ in Figure 2.
6. Electrical connection If you look closely at the main installation photo, you will see the electrical isolator has been mounted directly underneath the tank. This is a major safety issue, and the electrical requirements in SANS 10254 and SANS 10106 need to be followed at all times. A qualified electrician must complete all electrical work.
Kwikot
X
7. Pipe insulation All pipework needs to be insulated as per the requirements of SANS 10254. You will see in the main installation photo that the tee is exposed and not correctly insulated. This is a common mistake made
Figure 2: Rear view of a solar geyser installation.
on installations, and care should be taken to ensure that all pipes and fittings are covered by the insulation, leaving no exposed areas. PA
Chemical and water storage tanks standard published
A fit-for-purpose guarantee on water and chemical storage tanks.
By Association of Rotational Moulders of Southern Africa( ARMSA)
The Association of Rotational Moulders of Southern Africa( ARMSA) announced the publication of a South African National Standard— SANS 1731:2017— for polyethylene chemical and water storage tanks, developed in conjunction with the South African Bureau of Standard( SABS).
The tank standard is proof that the polyethylene tank has been properly designed and manufactured to be fit for purpose for the duration of its warranty life.“ It compels tank manufacturers to conform to world best practise,” explains Wayne Wiid, ARMSA chairperson,“ and it protects members of the broader construction, architecture, plumbing, landscaping, and built industries, as well as consumers, against tanks of lesser quality.”
Productivity Engineering and Services Consultants( PESC), an independent third-party auditing company appointed by ARMSA, will regularly audit tank manufacturers who choose to comply. If compliant, PESC will issue a certificate giving independent assurance of a manufacturer’ s claim that their products meet the SANS 1731:2017 criteria. Compliant tank manufacturers will be able to market their compliance with an ARMSA / SANS approved sticker on their tanks, as well as using the certificate and sticker in their general marketing programmes.
A word of warning from Wiid,“ Any tank manufacturer can claim to meet the SANS 1731:2017 standard, but without formal certification there is no guarantee. We therefore urge all stakeholders and purchasers to request the PESC certificate from the manufacturer prior to purchase, for peace of mind that tanks delivered to sites have been thoroughly tested and certified.” Any queries relating to the adoption of the standard or information on compliant manufacturers can be sent to info @ armsa. co. za, or to the appointed tank standard auditor.
Continued on page 70 >> www. plumbingafrica. co. za February 2018 Volume 23 I Number 12