Safety Guidelines
Warning
Do not proceed with the installation until you have read and understood the entire installation guidelines, including the points below. If you have any questions or require clarification of any installation procedures,
please contact your Solatube® Daylighting Systems supplier.
Solatube® Daylighting Systems (or seller) assumes no responsibility or obligation whatsoever for the failure of an architect, contractor, installer or building owner to comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, energy codes, fire and safety codes and requirements, and adequate safety precautions.
Installation of this product should be attempted only by individuals skilled in the use of the tools and equipment necessary for installation. The supplier accepts no responsibility for incorrectly installed or non-appropriate applications. Protect yourself and all persons and property during installation. If you have any doubt concerning your competence or expertise, consult a qualified expert before proceeding. Installation is at your own risk.
Solatube® Daylighting Systems product installations may be dangerous owing to the locations of the work to be undertaken. The hazardous conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- During installation, the Solatube® Daylighting Systems reflective tubes may focus sunlight potentially causing concentrated light and heat. Keep the protective film on the reflective tubing prior to installation and the tubing away from potentially flammable material.
- Sheet metal edges may be sharp. Use protective gloves to avoid lacerations.
- Installation requires climbing and working at dangerous heights, including on ladders, scaffolding, roofs and in attic spaces. Use extreme caution to minimize risk of accidental injury and property damage including, but not limited to, the points below:
- Clear the area below your workspace of all people, animals and other items.
- Avoid working on surfaces that are slippery or wet and use footwear with excellent traction.
- Use only strong, well-supported and appropriate ladders.
- Work only in calm, dry weather.
- When in the attic, ensure that your weight is supported at all times with structurally sound framing; dry wall material is not designed to carry a person’s weight.
- Reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury by following basic safety precautions when using electric tools; always wear safety goggles or other suitable eye protection and ensure work area is clear of all electrical wires, gas pipes, water pipes and other obstacles.
- When working in the attic or other dusty areas, use of a mask or respirator is recommended to avoid lung irritation. Attic spaces may be dark, confined, and subject to extreme temperatures. Beware of sharp protruding objects. Do not attempt installation without having someone within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid if necessary.
- Only suitably qualified persons should undertake any electrical wiring.
Installation tips and safety advice
These instructions are a step-by-step guide for the installation of a Solatube® Daylighting Systems device.
In general, a 250mm diameter Solatube® Daylighting System can provide enough daylight to illuminate a dark area of up to 14 sq m (150 sq ft). A 350mm diameter Solatube® Daylighting System can provide enough daylight to illuminate a dark area of up to 23 sq m (250 sq ft). Both examples are based on a 2.44 m (8ft) ceiling height with a 1.83 m (6 ft) tube length. For larger areas, you may need to install more than one Solatube® Daylighting System. This information is for guidance purposes only.
Allow at least 4 hours for the installation, particularly if this is your first installation.
During the day, turn off all the lights in the room to see how much natural light comes in through the windows (if any). You should then be able to determine the best position for the Solatube® Daylighting Systems diffuser.
Avoid roof dome locations shaded by trees, ridges and chimneys, or near water channels or valleys.
Avoid attic areas with obstructions such as gas, water or drain pipes, air ducts, flues or furnaces, fixed storage tanks.
Measure the distance between the roof and the ceiling. If you don’t have enough reflective tubing to cover the distance, contact your Solatube® Daylighting Systems supplier for additional extension tubes.
All reflective extension tube joints should overlap a minimum of 50mm and be fixed together using the self-tapping screws and aluminium tape provided.
All adhesives, seals and tapes should be applied to a dry surface. The ideal working temperature is approximately 22°C.
Ensure your roof is in an appropriate condition to support the work necessary for a Solatube® Daylighting System installation without damaging its waterproofing properties.
Solatube® Daylighting Systems will generally perform best if the roof dome is located on the south, east or west elevation. If the roof dome is to be positioned on a north facing elevation, positioning the roof dome as high as possible on the roof will enhance performance.
You may choose to support any extension tubes with a wire or similar retainer fixed to the rafters if the extension tubes are at an angle away from the vertical.
In colder climates, it is advisable to tape a thin jacket of insulating material (not provided) around the outside of the extension tubes and up into the void between the flashing tube assembly and roof flashing to prevent the possibility of condensation build-up on the exterior of the components within the roof void.
Contact your Solatube® Daylighting Systems supplier if you have any questions