Installing an Elon Smart Water system can significantly enhance the efficiency of water heating, allowing seamless integration with solar power. However, sometimes installers can make a mistake during installation. This guide is designed to help installers quickly identify and resolve common issues during the installation and setup process, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction.
1. Common Installation Issues and How to Fix Them
1.1 Incorrect Wiring Configuration
One of the most frequent errors is incorrect wiring during installation. This might involve wiring the AC to DC inputs or reversing the polarity of the DC connections.
Solution:
Ensure that the AC and DC inputs are wired correctly. If AC is wired to the DC input or vice versa, the system will not function and produce an error in the app.
In case of reversed DC wiring, swap the connections so that the positive (DC+) and negative (DC-) wires are correctly matched. The positive wire is usually red and the negative wire black.
1.2 Thermostat not properly inserted into Geyser Element
The thermostat needs to be fully and correctly inserted into the geyser. Partial insertion or loose connections can prevent the system from operating or lead to a hot connection.
Solution:
Recheck and ensure that the Elon Smart thermostat’s male terminals are fully and correctly inserted into the geyser element female terminals.
1.3 No Power on AC Input
If there is no power supply connected to the Elon Smart unit or the AC circuit breaker is off, the system may appear unresponsive.
Solution:
Confirm that the AC power is connected and that the circuit breaker is turned on in the distribution board (DB). If the home is experiencing loadshedding or a power failure, the unit can still function with solar power.
2. Best Practices for Avoiding Installation Errors
2.1 Run a Self-Check
The Elon Smart system includes a self-check feature that helps verify that all connections and settings are in order before leaving the installation site. This ensures that installers can correct any faults immediately. The self-check runs automatically on start-up, as long as at least one of AC or DC power is available. The self-check takes about 30 seconds to complete. If there are no errors or alarms and the water is below the set-point temperature, the unit will engage the element with an audible click after completing the self-check.
2.2 Insulation Failures on Solar PV Wiring
If integrating with solar PV, ensure the solar panel (DC) wiring is correctly installed and properly insulated (floating). If the Elon Smart detects an insulation failure on the DC side, it will give an alarm and disengage DC power to the element. (A temporary workaround whilst locating the insulation failure is to switch the heating profile to “Grid Only” and switch off the DC disconnect switch. This will allow water to be heated with grid power.)
2.3 Double-Check Heating Profiles
Ensure that the heating profile matches the client’s usage habits (e.g., morning or evening showers). Misconfigured profiles can cause customer complaints regarding hot water availability.
Proper installation is key to ensuring the Elon Smart Water system operates efficiently. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, installers can ensure a seamless setup. If further assistance is needed, don't hesitate to consult the detailed installation manual or contact technical support for advanced troubleshooting.
For additional resources and installation support, visit our downloads page.