ASTM E683-91 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practice for Installation and Service of Solar Space Heating Systems for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (ASTM E683‑91, reapproved 2021). This practice defines acceptable installation and service procedures for residential solar space‑heating systems to help ensure adequate performance, safety, and consumer satisfaction. It addresses component requirements, installation practices, controls and safety devices, piping and ducting, electrical wiring, and auxiliary (nonsolar) heating equipment for one‑ and two‑family dwellings.

Abstract

ASTM E683‑91 provides a concise, practice‑level set of recommendations for the safe and effective installation and servicing of solar space‑heating systems used in single‑family and duplex residential buildings. It excludes Rankine cycle systems, heat pump systems, and high‑pressure vapor systems, and it emphasizes compliance with local codes and manufacturer instructions. The practice covers collectors, structural supports, thermal storage, controls and safety devices, piping and insulation, drainage and testing, and required documentation and operating instructions.

General information

• Status: Active (reapproved and maintained by ASTM Committee E44).
• Publication date: Original approval: February 22, 1991. Reapproved (R21) in 2021; document listing last updated April 18, 2022.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 27.160 — Solar energy engineering; Committee E44 (Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources).
• Edition / version: Designation E683‑91 (Reapproved 2021) — often referenced as E0683‑91R21.
• Number of pages: 5 pages (practice-level document / short practice).

Scope

This practice covers the installation and service of solar space‑heating systems intended for one‑ and two‑family dwellings. It describes acceptable workmanship, component selection, and service procedures intended to achieve satisfactory system performance and safety. The practice explicitly does not apply to Rankine cycle systems, heat pump systems, or high‑pressure vapor systems, and it does not replace applicable local building, electrical, plumbing, or safety codes.

Key topics and requirements

• Collector subsystem installation: manufacturer instructions, structural support, protection during handling and installation, and glazing requirements for ground‑mounted collectors.
• Thermal storage devices: selection, installation, protection of insulation, drainage and provisions for pumping/draining where applicable.
• Controls and safety devices: selection and installation to prevent unsafe temperatures/pressures, fail‑safe design, relief devices, and emergency drainage.
• Piping, ducting and insulation: routing, leak testing before concealment, air‑bleed provisions for liquid systems, suitable insulation and protection against mechanical damage.
• Electrical wiring and control wiring: installation in accordance with manufacturer instructions and local electrical codes; provision of wiring diagrams and sequence‑of‑operation documentation.
• Auxiliary (nonsolar) heating integration: requirements for safe interaction of solar and auxiliary systems, isolation valves and servicing access.
• Site safety and code compliance: fencing/guarding for ground‑mounted collectors, warning signage, compliance with glazing safety standards, and installation per local ordinances.
• Documentation and commissioning: provide operating instructions, wiring and flow diagrams, maintenance recommendations, and system testing/verification procedures at completion.

Typical use and users

This practice is used by residential solar system installers and service technicians, HVAC and plumbing contractors, building inspectors and code officials, designers and specifying engineers working on small residential solar space‑heating projects, and homeowners/owners’ representatives seeking to verify proper installation and safe operation of solar heating components in one‑ and two‑family dwellings.

Related standards

The practice references and is used alongside applicable local building, electrical and plumbing codes and other standards such as glazing safety requirements (for example ANSI Z97.1 where glazing safety is applicable), HUD intermediate property standards for solar heating, and industry installation guidance published by trade associations. Users should consult the referenced standards list in the practice for specific normative documents and local code authorities for mandatory requirements.

Keywords

solar space heating, residential solar, collectors, thermal storage, controls, safety devices, piping, insulation, installation practice, servicing, one‑ and two‑family dwellings

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E683‑91 is a short practice that provides acceptable installation and service recommendations for solar space‑heating systems used in one‑ and two‑family residential buildings.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers collector installation, thermal storage, controls and safety devices, piping and ducting, insulation, electrical wiring, auxiliary heating integration, site protection, documentation, and commissioning for residential solar space‑heating systems. It excludes Rankine cycle, heat pump, and high‑pressure vapor systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Solar installers and service technicians, HVAC/plumbing contractors, designers and specifiers, building inspectors, and homeowners involved with residential solar space‑heating installations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The original practice was approved on February 22, 1991 and has been reapproved periodically. The practice was reapproved in 2021 (designated E683‑91, reapproval record R21) and is listed as an active ASTM practice; users should always verify the latest status and any amendments through ASTM International or their national standards body before relying on it for compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: This practice is maintained under ASTM Committee E44 (Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources) and is one of several ASTM documents addressing solar heating, solar thermal collectors, and related installation and material standards. It is intended as a practice-level complement to more detailed product, test, and safety standards referenced within the document.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Solar space heating, residential solar, collectors, thermal storage, controls, safety devices, piping, installation, service, one‑ and two‑family dwellings.