A site survey is a planned visit to check the location, services and access before quoting or installing. Think of it like a tailor taking measurements. Cut the cloth without measuring and no stitching can save the suit.

Carry a tape, a camera, a clamp meter, a TDS meter (total dissolved solids; it does not measure hardness) and a hardness test-strip kit and a compass app. Photograph everything. Your photos settle arguments later.

Site survey checklist

Demand and use

• Application confirmed (domestic hot water, space heating, pool, process)
• Daily hot water volume (litres/day) and peak hour draw
• Required supply temperature (°C) and existing heater type (geyser, LPG, diesel boiler)
• Operating hours and any night-tariff or solar-hour preference

Location

• Proposed unit position photographed from four sides
• Clearances measured against the manufacturer's manual (front, rear, sides, top)
• No recirculation risk (fan outlet not facing a wall within ~1.5–3 m, typical)
• Distance to bedrooms, neighbours and boundary noted (noise)
• Prevailing wind, dust, salt air (coast) and direct rain exposure noted
• Crane, lift or staircase access for the unit and its weight checked

Structure

• Floor or roof type (RCC slab, sheet, ground) recorded
• Operating weight of unit plus tank known; structural check asked for if on a roof
• Space for plinth or steel frame and condensate drain run

Water side

• Incoming water TDS (ppm) and hardness measured; source noted (municipal, borewell, tanker)
• Supply pressure (bar) measured at the nearest point
• Pipe route length, number of bends, rise and fall measured
• Existing tank volume, material and condition checked
• Drain point for safety valve, strainer flushing and condensate located

Electrical

• Supply type (single-phase 230 V / three-phase 415 V) and sanctioned load
• Voltage measured at the DB (phase-neutral and phase-phase, under load if possible)
• Distance from DB to unit for cable sizing
• Earth pit available and tested; neutral-earth voltage measured
• Space for a local isolator next to the unit

Safety and approvals

• Safe working-at-height plan for roofs (harness anchor, edge protection)
• Society or landlord permission for roof or façade work
• Hot work (brazing) permit needed? Fire extinguisher plan

Remember

• Measure, do not guess: TDS, voltage, distances and clearances.
• Photograph every survey point; attach photos to the job file.
• Check structure and power before promising a location.
• Plan drains (safety valve, condensate, flushing) at survey time.