Criterion 6.3.17 Heated Components

Criterion text:
System subassemblies which are exposed to public traffic and are maintained at elevated temperatures shall either be insulated sufficiently to keep exposed surface temperatures below 60 degrees C (140 degrees F) during operation, or they shall be suitably isolated. Any other exposed areas that are maintained at hazardous temperatures shall be identified with appropriate warnings.

Comments:
The installer must follow the directions provided in the SRCC approved installation manual.

All system components that could present a safety hazard due to high temperatures should be insulated or isolated. In addition warnings must be provided at exposed areas.

As shown in Figure 1, the piping that is directly in a walking path should have been completely insulated. This piping is installed in a walkway in the basement. The home owner could conceivably burn their leg if the heated pipe comes into contact with bare skin while walking by the solar system.

Figure 1

Figures 2 and 3 show tank area piping for an ICS system. Note that in Figure 3, the piping directly adjacent to the water heater is not insulated. If one were inadvertently to come into contact with the ICS return line piping, where return temperatures can reach 140-150 F in the summer, a burn could easily occur.

In figure 4, the installer has completely insulated all tank area piping. This will prevent the homeowner from accidentally being burned by any of the piping.

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5 indicates that this installer provided a high temperature warning for those working with this fill/drain valve valve. These tags were provided by the SRCC approved manufacturer as part of the system package.

Figure 5

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