Solar and heat-pump water heaters — Design and construction
Performance and safety of solar and heat-pump hot water systems.
Overview
AS/NZS 2712 specifies design and construction requirements for solar and heat-pump water heaters — covering safety, durability, energy performance and labelling. Used for compliance under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) and for the Section 13 hot water provisions.
Key Requirements
- Performance testing for energy output.
- Safety devices (TPR valves, expansion control).
- Marking and labelling.
- Frost and overheat protection.
How it's used in the NCC
Referenced for compliant hot water systems under Part 13.5 (services) of the Housing Provisions.
Practical Notes
- Heat-pump systems are increasingly the path of least resistance for 7-star compliance.
- Match the unit's rating to the climate zone — some models lose efficiency below 5°C.
Where to obtain
The full text of AS/NZS 2712 is published by Standards Australia and must be purchased — typical price A$150–400 per part. Always work from the current edition referenced in the NCC, not an older one.