| Question: 08-01 | Code Section: 7 | Date: 20 January 2008 | OBC 2006 Reference: 7.6.1.13. |
Question submitted: Regarding solar domestic hot water; I have a situation where a permit was issued to install a new hot water tank with solar heat. A condition was attached to the permit that solar domestic hot water systems had to comply with 7.6.1.13. Upon inspection it was noticed that certification was not evident so a request was made that owner was to provide a report from a qualified person that said installation of solar heating of potable water is in conformance with CAN/CSAF 383.
I have since received a report from the manufacturer (Stiebel Eltron) attesting that a certain individual was a qualified installer for all Stiebel Eltron systems and I have also received a report from this individual that the installation complied with “good engineering practice”.
In his report there is no mention of the CSA certification, so here come the questions….Is the report from the installer quoting good engineering practice compliant with the permit condition? Must the report make mention that installation is in conformance with the standard? In the code there seems to be conflicting certification requirements in the solar domestic hot water in 7.2.10.13(1) and 7.6.1.13.(2), could you elaborate on the differences?
Interpretation: First the jurisdiction having authority can require installers to be certified, CAN/CSA F383 (4.3.2). Therefore the letter from the manufacturer (Stiebel Eltron) acknowledging that the installer is certified and the subsequent letter from the installer is acceptable, CAN/CSA F383 (4.3.1) & (4.3.2).
However the installer is also to verify in writing of the compliance with all regulations (OBC & CSA) and (that) the manufacturer’s instructions have been met for the install, CAN/CSA F383 (4.3.5). According to CAN/CSA F383 (4.15) Installation of all solar water heating equipment shall comply with local codes (OBC) which includes 7.2.10.13 (CAN/CSA F379.1) and 7.6.1.13 (CAN/CSA F383). CAN/CSA F383 (4.13.1) notes the installer must post his name, address, phone # on installed equipment in a readily visible location.
(Further) reading of the 2 OBC references and the CAN/CSA standards it (states) that…CAN/CSA F379.1 deals with the standards of the “supplied equipment” for heat transfer liquid and heat exchangers that they are to comply from the manufacturers end. As well as all subcomponents that make up the system as a whole for systems designed for use in small buildings (which includes residential). The CAN/CSA F383 deals with the requirements (for the) “installation” of the solar domestic systems in residential and vacation homes strictly.
Interpretation: Approved at AMES 2008