Plumbing Connection 2-2015

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8 4 PLUMBING CONNECTION WINTER 2015
SOLAR CONTROLLERS
T here is a wide range of solar hot
water controllers that can be
found when you go looking for
them and choosing the best one for the
job is easy if you know your products.
Read the controller’s manual, plug it in
and learn how to use it before you go
to the job. Understand the controller’s
basic functions and read the
controller’s specifications. These are
really important factors to consider
before the installation process begins.
The two controllers that seem to
be most commonly found and used in
solar hot water aftermarket repairs are
the RESOL and Senztek brands.
RESOL DeltaSol BS/4 has become
popular with some manufactures
over the last few years and can be
purchased at most major plumbing
suppliers. The RESOL is German
designed and boasts a large number
of extra features and settings. One of
the stand outs on these controllers is
the high quality grey Silicone sensor
cable with high temp roof sensor. It
also has a replaceable fuse which is
ideal for areas that suffer from power
surges. The controllers also feature a
digital display on which you are able
to observe roof and tank temperature
differentials. This is perfect for solar
repairs.
Included in their offering is the
standard Arr1 controller layout, but
two more mode settings exist.
The Arr2 setting enables
the function of the
second relay in this
unit. This can be used
for element boost via
an auxiliary relay and
controlled by the third
sensor. Arr2 mode can
also be used to control
a gas booster or basic
hydronic heating. Other functions
include adjustable pump speeds and
holiday mode. The list goes on. There
is also a VBus terminal which allows
for extras like the SD3 smart display,
dataloggers, alarm modules and USB
connections to be added.
One thing you really need to take
into consideration with this product
is its IP rating of IP20. The rating
makes it perfect for inside but if
you’re installing it externally by itself,
meaning not in a pump station of
some description, then you need to
make sure it has suitable protection.
This is commonly missed. RESOL do
make an IP54 moisture proof vented
enclosure for THEIRcontroller but it
does not come standard with the BS/4
off the shelf. It is one of the many
exceptional products from the RESOL
range and if you get the chance check
out to see what else
they have to offer.
Senztek controllers have been
around for a fair length of time and
have proven to be an easy to use
pre-programmed controller. Walk in,
plug and play and then walk away best
describes the controller.
They have the basic functions
needed for solar hot water repairs
MATHEWBRIGGS TAKES AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT A COUPLE OF SOLAR HOT WATER CONTROLLERS THAT ARE
COMMONLY USED IN SOLAR HOT WATER AFTERMARKET REPAIRS.
The Senztek controller has become popular with plumbers for solar hot water
aftermarket prepairs.
SOLAR FIX
MATHEW BRIGGS