16
Thermomax Installation Manual
Types of Connections
The only pipes which should be used with a solar installation are copper pipe, continuous
flexible stainless steel or mild steel.
When using copper pipe, only compression or brazed joints can be used. Solder and
galvanised fittings will not withstand high temperature or expansion and are therefore not
suitable for solar pipe work.
PEX / PLASTIC / PEX-ALU-PEX or GALVANISED TUBING OR FITTINGS SHOULD NOT BE
USED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
Flexible Pipe Connections
Flexible pipe connections are recommended to connect the manifold through the building
fabric and allow flexibility in connecting to the internal pipe work.
Flexible stainless steel pipes are available in both a 15mm and 22mm diameter. If
connecting one diameter pipe to another, a suitable reducer compression fitting is
recommended to make the connection.
Insulation
All pipe work on the solar loop should be insulated with high temperature insulation (such
as HT/Armaflex from Armacell GmbH). High temperature insulation is essential as regular
pipe insulation will melt at temperatures experienced by solar pipes.
The wall thickness of the insulation should be equal to the internal diameter of the
pipe. The only pipes which should not be insulated are the pipes to the safety vessels as
they should allow heat to dissipate when the system is experiencing excessive heat and
pressure.