S-6 - Inspection and Testing.

S-6.1   General.

Solar thermal energy systems for which a permit is required by this Code shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. No solar thermal energy system or portion thereof shall be covered, concealed, or put into use until it first has been tested, inspected, and approved as prescribed in this Code. Neither the Authority Having Jurisdiction nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for any expense entailed in the removal or replacement of material required to permit inspection. Solar thermal energy systems regulated by this Code shall not be connected to the water, the energy fuel supply, or the sewer system until authorized by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Installation of a solar thermal energy system shall comply with this Code including Section 104.0.

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016: Ord. 2013-0050 § 22, 2013.)

S-6.2   Required Inspection.

New solar thermal energy system work and such portions of existing systems as affected by new work, or changes, shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Code and to ensure that the installation and construction of the solar thermal energy system is in accordance with approved plans. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall make the following inspections and other such inspections as necessary. The permittee or the permittee's authorized agent shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections as follows:

(1)

Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before backfill is put in place.

(2)

Rough-in inspection shall be made prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.

(3)

Final inspection shall be made upon completion of the installation.

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016; Ord. 2013-0050 § 22, 2013.)

S-6.3   Testing.

Solar thermal energy systems shall be tested and approved as required by this Code or the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016: Ord. 2013-0050 § 22, 2013.)

S-6.3.1   Piping.

The piping of the solar thermal system shall be tested with water, air, a heat transfer medium, or as recommended by the manufacturer's instructions, except that plastic pipe shall not be tested with air. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require the removal of plugs, etc., to ascertain where the pressure has reached all parts of the system.

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016: Ord. 2013-0050 § 22, 2013.)

S-6.3.2   System Requirements.

Prior to the installation of insulation and startup, a solar thermal system, including piping, collectors, heat exchangers, and other related equipment, shall be tested and proved airtight.

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016: Ord. 2013-0050 § 22, 2013.)

S-6.3.2.1   Direct (Open Loop) Systems.

Direct (open loop) systems shall be tested under a water pressure not less than one and one-half times the maximum design operating pressure of 150 pounds force per square inch (psi) (1034 kPa), whichever is more. Systems shall withstand the test without leaking for a period of not less than 15 minutes.

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016: Ord. 2013-0050 § 22, 2013.)

S-6.3.2.2   Indirect (Closed Loop) Systems.

Indirect (closed loop) systems shall be hydrostatically tested at one and one-half times the maximum designed operating pressure in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Systems shall withstand the test without leaking for a period of not less than 15 minutes.

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016: Ord. 2013-0050 § 22, 2013.)

S-6.3.3   Test Pressure for Storage Tanks.

The test pressure for storage tanks that are subject to water pressure from utility mains (with or without a pressure reducing valve) shall be two times the working pressure but not less than 300 psi (2068 kPa).

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016.)

S-6.3.3.1   Pressure Type.

Pressure-type storage tanks exceeding 15 psi (103 kPa) shall be tested in accordance with ASME BPVC Section VIII. Pressure-type storage tanks not exceeding 15 psi (103 kPa) shall be hydrostatically tested at one and one-half times the maximum design operating pressure.

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016: Ord. 2013-0050 § 22, 2013.)

S-6.3.3.2   Atmospheric-Type.

Atmospheric-type thermal storage tanks shall be tested by filling with water for a period of 24 hours prior to inspection and shall withstand the test without leaking. No thermal storage tank or portion thereof shall be covered or concealed prior to approval.

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016.)

S-6.3.4   Connection to Service Utilities.

No person shall make connections from a source of energy or fuel to a solar thermal energy system or equipment regulated by this Code and for which a permit is required until approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. No person shall make connection from a water-supply line nor shall any person connect to a sewer system regulated by this Code and for which a permit is required until approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to authorize temporary connection of the solar thermal energy system equipment to the source of energy or fuel for the purpose of testing the equipment.

(Ord. 2016-0055 § 20, 2016: Ord. 2013-0050 § 22, 2013.)