58
TECHNICAL
58
TECHNICAL
"Testing will be conducted
on the samples against the
relevant SANS. Only successful
test reports will enable a
manufacturer to proceed with
the certification of the geyser
type. "
The standards that shape the South African industry
South African National Standards (SANS) are developed and
maintained by SABS and various technical committees. As
technologies change, the standards are updated. Some of the primary
standards are discussed below:
• SANS 1307:2014 – Domestic storage solar water heating
system. This includes 23 additional standards, depending on the
design and construction of the system.
• SANS 151:2017 – Fixed electric storage water heaters.
• SANS 10400 – National Building Regulations. This standard
defines that solar geysers could consist of the following, but not
limited to:
a. Solar Thermal Collectors to capture and retain the heat from
the sun and this energy is used to heat the water.
b. Pump (Active system).
c. Controller which senses the temperature differences between
water leaving the solar collector and water in the storage
tank.
d. Insulated tank that is a water filled container to be heated.
• SANS 6210: 2016 – Domestic solar water heaters —
Mechanical qualification tests. This standard contains the
specifications for mechanical tests.
Types of testing conducted by SABS
SABS conducts the following mechanical tests against the
specifications contained in SANS 6210:
• Stagnation of the collectors – the system is exposed to the sun
for 15 to 30 days without any water in the system. During the
test, regular observations of the system are made and recorded.
• Fatigue and hydrostatic pressure test – The system is subjected
to 250 000 cycles between zero kPa and the working pressure
of the system.
• Rain penetration test – The collectors are sprayed with water
at a volumetric rate of 165 litres per hour. After the test there
should be no accumulative water on the interior of the collectors.
• Resistance to hail damage – During this test the system is
exposed to a simulated hail impact and no damage shall be
visible after the test.
• Test for resistance to freezing – The system is exposed to a
temperature of -20 degrees Celsius for a time period and then
increased to 20 degrees Celsius for four cycles. After the test
all components shall be evaluated for any visible damage and if
deemed necessary, a pressure test may be performed.
• The test for resistance to dezincification is performed on
all plumbing components to verify the quality of the brass
components. DZR means the leaching of zinc out off a
brass alloy.
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November 2019 Volume 25 I Number 9