FEATURE
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Ariston
Gap Geysers
Kwikot indirect200lt 34
T & P valves , thermostats , tempering valves , check valves and isolating valves amongst others .
Of vital importance in the standard is Commissioning and testing Upon completion of the installation of a solar system the following steps shall be taken in commissioning or testing of a solar system ( or both ): a . Before being taken into use , the potable water section of the solar system shall be thoroughly flushed with fresh water direct from the mains . b . The installation shall be slowly filled with the highest draw-off point open , to allow air to be expelled from the system , or according to the manufacturer ’ s requirements ( or both ). c . A pressure test in accordance with SANS 10252-1 shall be conducted and there shall be no loss of water and no visual evidence of leakage anywhere in the installation .
The remainder of the standard provides drawings showing the different systems which we will not reproduce due to copyright .
Certificate of Compliance ( CoC ) Two CoC ’ s may be required , namely a Plumbing CoC issued by a professional body for plumbing ( PIRB ), and an electrical CoC if electrical work has been undertaken .
Training As stated earlier , the problem lies with unqualified and incompetent people designing and installing solar . Another factor is that over or under specifying does not help , so the manufacturer ’ s instructions must be followed .
The following list are the focus areas for the solar course . Now it seems that there are two courses that a plumber can follow : 1 . The QCTO Occupation one which will take from nine to 12 months to complete and which is far more detailed and intensive .
2 . The CETA Unit Standards based on which takes four days .
( Ed ’ s comment : This may well count as another reason why solar has earned its bad name . How is it possible that there are two courses and with such a massive time difference to train on the same product / system ? My understanding is that QCTO is top of the pile and grants accreditation on training courses to which SETAs must apply .)
Domestic Solar Water Heating Training Course Description : Title : Domestic Solar Water Heating Systems Training
Description and summary : |
1 . |
Understanding Solar Energy as a Source of Heat . |
2 . |
Understanding Water with Reference to Solar Water Heaters . |
3 . |
Tools and Components for Solar Installations . |
4 . |
Understanding Solar Collectors . |
5 . |
Different Types of Solar Systems . |
6 . |
All about the roof . |
7 . |
Preparing for your Installation . |
8 . |
Installing Solar Water Heating Components , Pipes and Fittings . |
9 . |
Maintaining Solar Water Heating Components , Pipes and Fittings . |
10 . Fault Finding and Troubleshooting . |
11 . Analysis of SANS 1307 and SANS 10106 . |
Provide training to Plumbers , qualifying them to be registered as Designated Solar Installers .
Provided courtesy of Electrolux - Kwikot
Conclusion The purpose of this article is to highlight aspects of the standard rather than just reproducing it , which would serve no purpose at all , apart from the fact that it is subject to copyright , but to show the huge responsibility that the plumbing sector has in terms of energy efficiency , application of the 50 % alternative required in 10400 XA as well as the remaining standards that crisscross the work of a plumber .
As a professional plumber one must strive to do the best job that results in a satisfied customer and no call backs . It is call backs that eat into or swallow up any profit one made with the first call . PA
* SANS 204 4.5.2 Hot water services , section 4.5.2.1 ** SANS 10400XA-4 Requirements , 4.1 Hot Water Supply section 4.1.1 .( b ) *** 5.3.5 of SANS 10106
March 2021 Volume 27 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za