ASTM E683-91(2021)

• Abstract:

  ABSTRACT; This practice sets forth the acceptable installation and service use of solar space heating systems for one- and two-family dwellings to help ensure adequate performance, safety, and consumer satisfaction. This practice, however, does not apply to Rankine cycle, heat pump, or high pressure vapor systems, and is not intended to abridge safety or health requirements. Specifications are provided for the following system components: collector subsystems; thermal storage devices; controls and safety devices; piping, ducting, and ancillary equipment; electrical wiring; and auxiliary (nonsolar) space-heating equipment.; SCOPE; 1.1 This practice covers solar space heating systems for one- and two-family dwellings. It sets forth acceptable installation and service practices to help ensure adequate performance, safety, and consumer satisfaction. ; 1.2 This practice is intended to describe acceptable practices for space heating systems in new and existing dwellings and shall not be construed as the optimization of good practices. ; 1.3 This practice does not apply to Rankine cycle, heat pump, or high pressure vapor systems. ; 1.4 This practice is not intended to abridge safety or health requirements. All systems shall be installed in accordance with local codes and ordinances. ; 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (For specific safety precautions, see Section 6). ; 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2020
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: E44 - Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources
• Drafting Committee: E44.20 - Optical Materials for Solar Applications

• Refers: ASTM E772-13 - Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2013
• Refers: ASTM E772-11 - Standard Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM E772-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM E772-87(1993)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
• Effective Date: 27-Feb-1987
• Refers: ASTM E772-87(2001) - Standard Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
• Effective Date: 27-Feb-1987

Overview

ASTM E683-91(2021) is the widely recognized standard practice issued by ASTM International for the installation and service of solar space heating systems in one- and two-family dwellings. This comprehensive document outlines acceptable procedures designed to ensure the optimal performance, safety, and consumer satisfaction of residential solar space heating systems. The standard is applicable to both new and existing dwellings and covers the full range of system components, including solar collectors, storage devices, piping, controls, electrical wiring, ducting, and auxiliary space-heating equipment.

The scope of ASTM E683-91(2021) specifically excludes systems such as the Rankine cycle, heat pumps, or high-pressure vapor systems. It also emphasizes compliance with local codes and ordinances, and does not supersede health and safety requirements.

Key Topics

• System Components: Guidance is provided for the proper installation and service of key components, including:

  • Collector subsystems and supports
  • Thermal storage devices
  • Controls, sensors, and safety devices
  • Piping, ducting, and associated equipment
  • Electrical wiring
  • Auxiliary (nonsolar) heating equipment

• Installation Practices: The standard outlines practices to:

  • Maintain the structural, weather, and fire resistance of dwellings
  • Ensure thermal performance, durability, and maintenance access
  • Prevent moisture buildup and water damage

• Safety and Compliance: Requirements include:

  • Safe access for maintenance and repair
  • Protection against hot surfaces and hazardous materials
  • Use of pressure and temperature relief devices
  • Leak and pressure testing procedures

• Maintenance and Service: The document addresses:

  • Importance of qualified service personnel
  • Use of service checklists and maintenance logs
  • Owner education on operation, maintenance, and routine checks

Applications

ASTM E683-91(2021) is a valuable resource for a range of stakeholders in the residential solar heating sector, including:

• Installers and Contractors: Provides industry-accepted practices for efficient, compliant, and safe installation of solar space heating systems.
• Designers and Engineers: Offers reference points for selection, placement, and configuration of system components to fit local conditions and codes.
• Inspectors and Code Officials: Supplies a benchmark for evaluating installed systems’ compliance with national standards and local ordinances.
• Homeowners: Ensures consumer safety, clear operational instructions, and information on routine maintenance to maximize system performance.
• Manufacturers: Supports product compatibility and integration into residential solar heating solutions.

The standard helps minimize installation errors, enhance system reliability and lifespan, and improve overall consumer satisfaction with solar energy solutions for home heating.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to residential solar space heating systems installation and service, ASTM E683-91(2021) references and aligns with several related codes and standards, including:

• ASTM E772 - Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
• ANSI A58.1 - Building Code Requirements for Minimum Design Loads in Buildings and Other Structures
• ANSI C1 - National Electrical Code
• ANSI Z97.1 - Performance Specifications and Methods of Test for Safety Glazing Materials Used in Buildings
• HUD Intermediate Minimum Property Standards Supplement - Solar Heating and Domestic Hot Water Systems
• Installation Standards for One- and Two-Family Dwellings - Including Solar and Multi-Family Housing

Adherence to ASTM E683-91(2021), in conjunction with these references, ensures robust, safe, and efficient residential solar heating installations that comply with recognized guidelines and promote widespread adoption of solar technology.

Keywords: residential solar space heating, solar energy systems, ASTM E683, solar collector installation, solar system maintenance, solar heating compliance, solar energy standards, one- and two-family dwellings, solar heating safety.

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E683 − 91 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Installation and Service of Solar Space Heating Systems for
One- and Two-Family Dwellings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E683; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 ANSI Standards:
A58.1 Building Code Requirements for Minimum Design
1.1 This practice covers solar space heating systems for
Loads in Buildings and Other Structures.
one- and two-family dwellings. It sets forth acceptable instal-
C1 National Electrical Code
lation and service practices to help ensure adequate
Z97.1 Performance Specifications and Methods of Test for
performance, safety, and consumer satisfaction.
Safety Glazing Materials Used in Buildings
1.2 Thispracticeisintendedtodescribeacceptablepractices 2.3 Other Standards:
Installation Standards for One- and Two-Family Dwellings
for space heating systems in new and existing dwellings and
and Multi-Family Housing, Including Solar
shall not be construed as the optimization of good practices.
HUD Intermediate Minimum Property Standards
1.3 This practice does not apply to Rankine cycle, heat
Supplement—Solar Heating and Domestic Hot Water
pump, or high pressure vapor systems. 5
Systems
1.4 This practice is not intended to abridge safety or health
3. Terminology
requirements.All systems shall be installed in accordance with
3.1 Definitions:
local codes and ordinances.
3.1.1 air handling unit, n—a device used for distributing
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
conditioned air supply to a room, space, or area.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2 building, n—a structure erected and framed of com-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ponent structural members designed for the housing, shelter, or
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
support of persons, animals, or property.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.3 code, n—a set of applicable regulations which a
(For specific safety precautions, see Section 6).
jurisdiction has lawfully adopted.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.4 collector, solar thermal, n—a device designed to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
absorb solar irradiance and to transfer the energy to a fluid
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
passing through it. (E772)
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.5 collector subsystem, n—that portion of the solar sys-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tem which includes the solar collectors and related piping or
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ducts. (E772)
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.6 distribution subsystem, n—that portion of the solar
system from the storage device to the point of ultimate use.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
(E772)
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
3.1.7 energy (heat) transfer fluid, n—the medium used to
transferenergyfromthesolarcollectorstothestoragemedium.
3.1.8 potable water, n—water that is satisfactory for drink-
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
Geothermal and OtherAlternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of
ing and culinary purposes, meeting the requirements of the
Subcommittee E44.20 on Optical Materials for Solar Applications.
health department having jurisdiction. (E772)
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021. Published January 2021. Originally
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E683 – 91 (2013).
DOI: 10.1520/E0683-91R21. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors National Assn.,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 8224 Old Courthouse Rd., Vienna, VA 22180.
the ASTM website. Available from HUD USER, P.O. Box 6091, Rockville, MD 20850.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E683 − 91 (2021)
3.1.9 pressure relief device, n—a pressure-activated valve 4.10 Safe access to components subject to deterioration or
designed to automatically relieve excessive pressure. failure, such as rubber hoses, joint sealants, and cover plates
shall be provided to allow for maintenance or repair. For
3.1.10 shall, vi—as used in this practice, a term used to
roof-mounted collectors, the work space adjacent to collectors
denote a mandatory requirement.
and provisions for safe placement of ladders shall be consid-
3.1.11 should, vi—as used in this practice, a term used to
ered.
denote a recommendation.
4.11 Safety protection shall be provided to prevent injury to
3.2 solar system, n—a configuration of equipment and
personnel from contact with readily accessible hot surfaces.
components used to absorb, convey, store, convert, and distrib-
4.12 Collectors mounted at ground level shall be provided
ute the energy from the sun.
with protective fencing, guard rails, and warning signs in
compliance with local codes and ordinances.
4. Collector Subsystems
4.13 Protection of collectors and components shall be pro-
4.1 Collectors shall be installed in accordance with the
vided during handling and installation to prevent damage from
instructions provided by the collector manufacturer and
environmental exposure.
designer, in compliance with local codes and ordinances.
4.14 Glazings of collectors mounted at ground level shall
4.2 Structural supports shall be constructed to support the
meet the requirements specified in ANSI Z97.1.
collector under all anticipated extremes of environmental
4.15 Frames and braces used in collector construction shall
conditions and to withstand local conditions and anticipated
be made of materials suitable for exterior location.
loads, such as wind, earthquake, rain, snow, ice, and freezing
temperatures, so that the solar system does not impair the 4.16 Collectors made of combustible materials shall not be
resistivity to damage of the building. Additional weight of
located on or adjacent to construction required to be of
collectors shall not exceed dead weight limitations of the noncombustible materials or in special fire zones.
building structure, foundation, or soil. Conversely, collector
4.17 Collectors should be mounted in a manner so as to take
supports shall not impose undue stresses on the collectors.
the best advantage of the sun’s energy.
4.3 Structural supports shall be constructed to maintain
collector tilt and orientation within design conditions through- 5. Thermal Storage Devices
out the life of the solar system.
5.1 Thermal storage devices shall be installed in accordance
with the instructions provided by the manufacturer, in compli-
4.4 Structural supports shall be installed in a manner such
ance with local codes and ordinances. Consideration shall be
that the integrity, weather resistance, and fire resistance of the
giventothetypeofservice,temperature,storagemedia,design
building are not adversely affected. Joints between support
pressures, connections, flow, thermal storage capacity, mixing,
structures and building shall be caulked or flashed, or both, to
and stratification, etc.
prevent water leakage. Access shall be provided to permit
minor repairs to flashing and caulking without disturbing roof,
5.2 Liquid storage devices shall be leak-tested in accor-
collector supports, or collector panels.
dance with recognized national standards.
4.5 Collectors shall be installed so as not to contribute to
5.3 Nonliquidstoragedevicesneednotbeleak-testedunless
moisture buildup, rotting, or other accelerated deterioration of
a safety hazard or contamination could result from a storage
roofing materials.
device failure or if leakage could result in deterioration of the
storage capacity.
4.6 Collectors and supports shall be installed in a manner
such that water flowing off the collector surface will not
5.4 Above ground storage devices shall be selected and
accumulate on the roof surfaces, so as to form ice dams or
installed to withstand all anticipated loads resulting from wind,
cause water damage to the building, or both. Provisions shall
hail, snow, and seismic conditions (where applicable). Protec-
be taken to minimize buildup of snow upon collectors, which
tive coatings, casing materials, or enclosures shall be provided
may reduce their effectiveness.
topreventdamagefromcontinuousexposuretoweather.Wood
structural members shall be protected against deterioration
4.7 Structural supports shall be selected and installed in a
from weathering, dry rot, ants, termites, and other adverse
manner, such that thermal expansion of collector will not cause
conditions. Footings and foundations shall support the storage
damage to the collector, structural frame, or building.
device under all anticipated extremes of soil conditions.
4.8 Pipe hangers, supports, expansion devices, and insula-
5.5 Underground storage devices shall be selected and
tion shall be provided to compensate for thermal expansion
installed to withstand all anticipated loads resulting from soil,
effects and to minimize thermal losses. Care shall be exercised
hydrostatic, and foundation. Such devices shall be anchored to
during their installation to prevent damage to connections on
prevent flotation resulting from flooding or high ground water
the collector or collector casing.
levels (where applicable). Protective coatings, casing material,
4.9 Interconnecting piping or ducting shall be installed to enclosures, or cathodic protection shall be provided to prevent
minimizeflowrestrictionsandtoprovidebalancedflow.Piping damage from exposure to soil conditions and electrolytic
shall be installed to allow for filling and draining. action.
E683 − 91 (2021)
5.6 Underground storage devices subject to overhead ve- 6.4 Expansion tanks shall be provided where required, as
hicular traffic shall be designed and installed to withstand the part of the solar heating system to provide for thermal
additional load applied by this traffic.
expansion of heat-transfer liquids. Expansion tanks shall be
sized for the operating temperature ranges.
5.7 Insulation shall be provided to minimize thermal losses
from storage devices, related piping, and duct work. Insulation
6.5 Controls shall activate the collector loop whenever
shall be suitable for the application, site, and occupancy
beneficial results can be obtained.
conditions. Underground storage devices shall be given special
6.6 Controls, dampers, and valves shall be marked to
consideration to prevent deterioration of insulating properties
identifytheirfunction.Anycontrolthatservesasanemergency
by compression, water penetration, or bacterial action.
shutdown device shall be so indicated by conspicuous and
5.8 Care shall be exercised during the installation of the
permanent labels.
storage device to prevent damage to such device and insulation
6.7 Space and control thermostats shall be installed in
material during handling, mounting, backfilling, packing, or
accordance with t
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