VPB 500-1000 - Water heaters and boilers Nibe - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Buffer tank / hot water storage tank
Brand	Nibe
Model	VPB 500-1000
Available capacities	500 liters, 1000 liters
Dimensions (500L)	Diameter approx. 790 mm, height approx. 1800 mm
Dimensions (1000L)	Diameter approx. 990 mm, height approx. 2100 mm
Dry weight (500L)	Approx. 150 kg
Dry weight (1000L)	Approx. 250 kg
Material	Steel with enamel coating
Insulation	Polyurethane foam, thickness 50-100 mm
Max operating pressure	6 bar (test pressure 10 bar)
Max operating temperature	95 °C
Connections	Flow and return for heating system, cold water inlet, hot water outlet
Primary function	Thermal energy storage for heating systems, peak load buffer
Secondary function	Domestic hot water preparation (if equipped with internal coil)
Installation	Indoor, floor standing
Maintenance	Annual visual inspection, check pressure relief valve, clean connections
Safety devices	Temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR), thermostat (if applicable)
Spare parts availability	Replacement gaskets, thermostat, anode rod (if equipped), valves
Repairability	Serviceable by qualified technician; insulation is not replaceable

Frequently Asked Questions - VPB 500-1000 Nibe

What is the Nibe VPB 500-1000 used for?

The Nibe VPB 500-1000 is a buffer tank designed for thermal energy storage in heating systems. It helps stabilize temperatures, reduce boiler cycling, and can be used for domestic hot water preparation when equipped with an internal coil.

What is the maximum operating pressure and temperature?

The maximum operating pressure is 6 bar (test pressure 10 bar) and the maximum operating temperature is 95 °C. Always ensure the pressure relief valve is properly installed and maintained.

How do I install the VPB 500-1000?

Installation must be carried out by a qualified professional. The tank should be placed on a level, load-bearing floor indoors. Connect flow and return lines for the heating system, cold water supply, and hot water outlet as per the manual. Install the temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR) on the designated connection.

How do I maintain the buffer tank?

Perform an annual visual inspection for leaks, corrosion, or damage. Test the TPR valve by lifting the lever briefly to ensure it opens and reseats. Clean connections and ensure the thermostat (if fitted) operates correctly. Replace sacrificial anode if equipped every 2-5 years.

Can the tank be used for domestic hot water?

Yes, if the tank is equipped with an internal heat exchanger coil, it can be used for domestic hot water production. The VPB series typically has a smooth coil for DHW. Refer to the model specification.

What are the dimensions and weight?

For the 500L model: diameter approx. 790 mm, height approx. 1800 mm, dry weight approx. 150 kg. For the 1000L model: diameter approx. 990 mm, height approx. 2100 mm, dry weight approx. 250 kg.

Is the tank insulated?

Yes, the tank is insulated with polyurethane foam typically 50-100 mm thick, providing high thermal efficiency and low standby heat loss.

What materials are used in construction?

The tank is made of steel with an enamel coating to prevent corrosion. The insulation is polyurethane foam, and the outer casing is often painted steel or plastic.

Where can I find spare parts?

Spare parts such as gaskets, thermostats, valves, and anode rods can be ordered through Nibe authorized dealers or service partners. Always use original Nibe parts to maintain warranty and safety.

How long does the warranty last?

Nibe typically offers a 2-year warranty for the tank, with extended options available from some installers. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but not damage from improper installation or maintenance.

USER MANUAL VPB 500-1000 Nibe

Illustration of a cylindrical water heater with multiple circular components and a small labeled component (no text or symbols on the body)

User and Installer manual

VPB 500 UK

Indirect heated storage water heater

Table of Contents

41 Important information
72 For the User
83 For the Installer
174 Technical data
20Item register

1 Important information

Safety information

This manual describes installation for implementation by specialists.

General

cedures Serial number

The serial number can be found on top of the prod

This appliance can be used by children

aged from 8 years and above and per

sons with reduced physical, sensory or

mental capabilities or lack of experience

and knowledge if they have been

supervision or instruction concerning

of the appliance in a safe way and ur

stand the hazards involved. Children

not play with the appliance. Cleaning

and user maintenance shall not be spec

by children without supervision.

Rights to make any design or

modications are reserved.

©NIBE 2017.

Caution

per-Always give the product's serial number when

or reporting a fault.

Recovery

ng special

special made service.

Leave the disposal of the packaging to the installer who installed the product or to special waste stations.

Do not dispose of used products with normal household waste. It must be disposed of at a

waste station or dealer who provides this type

Improper disposal of the product by the user results i

administrative penalties in accordance with current legis-

lation.

Country specific information

User and Installer manual

This user and installer manual must be left with the tomer.

Great Britain

or, ma-

This installation is subject to building regulation approval, notify the local Authority of intention to install.

Use only manufacturer's recommended replacement parts.

THE MARK OF QUALITY FOR THE INSTALLATION, COMMISSIONING AND SERVICING OF DOMESTIC HEATING AND HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Symbols

NOTE

This symbol indicates danger to person chine .

Caution

This symbol indicates important information about what you should observe when making your installation.

TIP

This symbol indicates tips on how to using the product.

Marking

CE The CE mark is obligatory for most product in the EU, regardless of where they are m

Benchmark places responsibilities on both manufacturers and installers. The purpose is to ensure that customers are provided with the correct equipment for their need that it is installed, commissioned and serviced in accordance with the manufacturers instructions by competent persons and that it meets the requirements of the appropriate Building Regulations. The Benchmark Checklist can be used to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations and should be provided to the customer for future reference.

Installers are required to carry out the installation, com missioning and servicing work in accordance with the Benchmark Code of practice which is available from the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council who manage and promote the Scheme. Visit www.centralheating.co.uk for information.

Warranty and insurance information

Thank you for installing a new NIBE water heater in your home.

NIBE water heaters are manufactured in Sweden to the very highest standard so we are pleased to oer our customers a comprehensive guarantee.

The product is guaranteed for 24 months for parts and labour from the date of installation or 33 months from the date of manufacture, whichever is the shorter.

The NIBE guarantee is based on the unit being installed and commissioned by a NIBE accredited installer, serviced every year and the Benchmark documents completed. Where this condition is not met, any chargeable spare parts or components issued within the applicable guarantee period still benefit from a 12 month warranty from the date of issue by the manufacturer.

We recommend the installer completes and returns as soon as possible, your guarantee registration card or completes the guarantee form on the NIBE website www.nibe.co.uk.

Please ensure that the installer has fully completed the Benchmark Checklist in the end of the Installation Instructions supplied with the product and that you have signed to say that you have received a full and clear explanation of its operation. The installer is legally required to complete a commissioning checklist as a means of complying with the appropriate Building Regulations (England and Wales).

All installations must be noticed to Local Area Building Control either directly or through a Competent Persons Scheme. A Building Regulations Compliance Certificate will then be issued to the customer who should, on receipt, write the Notification Number on the Benchmark Checklist.

This product should be serviced regularly to optimise its safety, eciency and performance. The service engineer should complete the relevant Service Record on the Benchmark Checklist after each service.

The Benchmark Checklist may be required in the event of any warranty work and as supporting documentation relating to home improvements in the optional documents section of the Home Information Pack.

Inspection of the installation

Current regulations require the heating installation to be inspected before it is commissioned. The inspection be carried out by a suitably qualified person.

√				DateSignat
Heat pump (page 14)
	Shut o valves
	Venting valve
	Shut o valve
Hot water (page 14)
	Shut o valves
	Mixing valve
	Expansion vessel
	T&P valve
	Tundish
Cold water (page 14)
	Shut o valves
	Non-return valve
	Safety valve
	Tundish
Electricity (page 16)
	Connected supply
	Sensors
	Temperature limiter
Miscellaneous
	Benchmark checklist

2 For the User

Maintenance

Safety valve

The function of the safety valves must be regularly checked, about four times a year, to prevent clogging.

To inspect the valve, open the safety valve manually and check that water ows through the overow pipe. If this does not happen then the safety valve is defective and must be replaced.

Emptying

1. Cut the current to the immersion heater and solenoid valve.
2. Shut o the incoming cold water.
3. Open the drain connection, or the drain valve (enclosed) if installed.

During draining, air must be let into the water heater by loosening a hot water connector (XL4) or opening a hot water tap.

To ensure that the water heater drains completely, a hose, or a pipe, with an outlet below the lowest level of the water heater must be attached to the drain connection or drain valve. When installed in a location that is exposed to the risk of frost, the water heater must be emptied whenever it is not in operation. Freezing will result in the water heater bursting.

Service

For service, contact the installer. Serial number (PF3) (14 digits) and installation date should always be stated.

Only replacement parts supplied by NIBE may be used.

NOTE

If immersion heaters are installed, please ensure that terminal cut-out are also installed.

3 For the Installer

General

Supplied components

VPB 500 UK is a water heater, which is suitable for connection to heat pumps.

The water tank consists of a steel jacket, with a copper lining to protect against corrosion. The water heater is equipped with a copper nned tube.

The water heater is designed and manufactured for a maximum cut-o pressure of 6 bar in the water tank. Maximum permitted temperature is 90 °C.

The insulation is Neopor and polyester eece, which provides excellent heat insulation. The insulation and grey plastic outer cladding can be removed easily to simplify moving the water heater through doorways for example.

VPB 500 UK can be equipped with an immersion heater.

Shut o valve

Transport

VPB 500 UK should be transported and stored vertically in a dry place. The VPB 500 UK may, however, be carefully laid on its back when being moved into a building.

Expansion vessel with holder

Cold water inlet and expansion relief valve, water heater

Cover discs

Assembly

The water heater is only designed for upright iDstaihative with plug

The water heater's installation area should always a temperature of at least 10 °C (to prevent the damage from frost) and max 30 °C.

The water heater is unscrewed from the pallet into position, using the lifting eye at the top.

Position VPB 500 UK on a rm base that can weight, preferably on a concrete oor or found Use the product's adjustable feet to obtain a and stable set-up.

Plastic cover

The area where VPB 500 UK is located must with oor drainage.

Temperature limiter

Component positions

VPB 500 UK

	NameDesignation
	Hot water sensor, top (factory tted)BT7
	T&P valveFL5
	Submerged tube, temperature limit, 10 mm (int)UA1
	Submerged tube, docking heat pump (BT6), 11 mm (int)UA2
	Submerged tube, external heat source (solar), 11 mm (int)UA3
	Adjustable feetUL1
	Lifting eyeXR1
	Serial number platePF3

Removing the insulation

The insulation can be removed, to facilitate handling in confined spaces.

• Lift off the plastic top and the top insulation.
  * On VPB 500, the lifting eye on the top must be unscrewed first.
• Remove the joining plates holding the insulated jacket halves together. Do not use any tools when dismantling.
• Unhook and remove the insulated jacket halves, the outer diameter of the heater becomes approx. 200 mm less without the insulated jackets.

The figure shows VPB 500 UK with insulation. Do not use any tools when dismantling the joining plate.
∅850 mm with insulation

Simple line drawing of a hand holding a small object, with no text or symbols present.

Insulation removed
200 mm less without insulation

Simple line drawing of a container with arrows indicating direction, no text or symbols present

Carry out assembly in reverse order.

Install the enclosed insulation plugs around each connection. Finally, t all the enclosed cover discs on each connection by pressing them over the connections.

NOTE

Fit the cover discs and the insulation plugs before installing the pipe.

NOTE

In certain cases, more insulation plugs are enclosed than are required.

Installation

VPB 500 UK can be equipped with the following elements, connection dimension G50. When installing the water heater, ensure that there is enough room in front of the connection area to remove the element, see following table.

Fit the enclosed cover discs before pipe installation. The cover discs, with self-adhesive backs, must be installed on the relevant connection, by pushing them over the connections.

All connections (including connections or holes left by the lifting eyes that are not used) must be insulated to minimise energy losses.

Immersion heaters

		Free	spaceOutput
		250	mm1500	WIU	31
		260	mm2250	WIU	33
		280	mm3000	WIU	34

Outline diagram

graph TD
    A["External heat source (max 25 kW)"] --> B["QN17"]
    B --> C["RM1"]
    C --> D["QM30"]
    D --> E["FL1"]
    E --> F["FL5"]
    F --> G["FQ10"]
    G --> H["UA1"]
    H --> I["FL7"]
    I --> J["CM4"]
    J --> K["Ground"]
    L["CM5"] --> M["Ground"]

Explanation

Expansion vesselCM4 + CM5

Setting, expansion relief valveFL1

T&P-valveFL5

Shut o valveFL7

Temperature limiterFQ10

Shut o valve hot waterQM30

Pressure reducing valveQN17

Cold water inlet and pressure relief valve, water heaterRM1

Pocket tubeUA1

There's a plug on the cold water inlet valve that can be removed and there mount the exble hose for the expansion vessel CM4.

Pipe installation

General

NOTE

Pipe installation must be carried out in ance with current norms and directives

NOTE

This installation is subject to building approval, notify the local Authority of to install.

regulation intention

NOTE

Use only manufacturer's recommended replacement parts.

NOTE

Overow water from the safety valves goes via non-pressurised collecting pipes to a drain so that hot splashes cannot cause injury. These non-pressurised collecting pipes shall not be used for anything else. discharge pipe from the tundish connected to the ex sion relief valve (safety valve) shall also be connecte a drain in the same way.

The expansion vessel accommodates expansion

that results from heating the water inside the water. The expansion vessel must be connected between the expansion valve and the cylinder. The location of the expansion vessel should allow access to recharge the pressure as and when necessary.

Please note that the connection of the T&P-valve should not be used for any other purpose.

Valves may not be positioned between the expansion valve and the vessel.

Overow pipes from tundish must be routed with a fall and at least 300 mm long, before bends or angles in the pipework (see image).

The tundish should be installed away from electrical components.

Valve outlet size	Minimum size of charge pipe	Minimum size of charge pipe from tundish	dMaximum resistance allowed, expressed as a lenght of straight pipe (i.e. elbows or bends)	Resistance created each elbow or be no
				0.8 mmup to 9 m22 mm15
				1.0 mmup to 18 m28 mm15
				1.4 mmup to 27 m35 mm15
				1.0 mmup to 9 m28 mm22
				1.4 mmup to 18 m35 mm22
				1.7 mmup to 27 m42 mm22
				1.4 mmup to 9 m35 mm28
				1.7 mmup to 18 m42 mm28
				2.3 mmup to 27 m54 mm28

The tables shows the dimension of the copper overow pipe for common safety valve connection size.

Hard water areas

Pressure drop diagram

Usually, it should not be a problem installing VPB 500 UK

in areas of hard water as the operating temperature is Primary side (coil)

Pipe connection

The water heater must be supplied with and pressure gauge as well as a shut-o valve, non-return valve, mixer valve, safety vacuum valve as per applicable standards.

The water heater must be provided with which limits the temperature of outgoing 60 °C. If this valve is not tted, some be taken to prevent the risk of scalding

The safety valve must have a maximum opening in accordance to the applicable regulations (however max 6 bar/0.6 MPa). The overflow pipe must be size as the safety valve. The overflow pipe must downwards along its entire length and be frost must run out unobstructed over the drain.

Pressure drop (kPa)

Commissioning and adjusting

Filling the water heater

Fill as follows:

1. Open a hot water tap in the system.
2. Open the shut-o valve on the incoming cold water. This valve should then be fully open during operation.
3. The hot water tap can only be shut o when the water heater is lled, which is when only water comes out of the tap (initially an air-water mixture comes out of the tap).

Cleaning the climate system

When the water heater and the climate system have been lled with water, VPB 500 UK must operate at maximum normal temperature for at least one hour. Thereafter the system must be drained of water and re-

Emptying the system by

1. Open external ller valve and external drain valve.
2. Flush the system for some minute. Watch out for water splashes from the safety valve.
3. Close the valves and check the stainer.

Electrical installation

NOTE

Electrical installation and service must be out under the supervision of a qualified cian, and in accordance with applicable safety regulations.

VPB 500 UK can be supplemented with an immersion heater with a maximum output of 3 kW.

The immersion heater is supplemented with junction box type K11 (2-pole thermostat, 3-pole temperature limiter). Do not modify or reconnect!

A separate supply from group central is routed to the immersion heater.

Sensors

VPB 500 UK can be supplemented with one hot water sensor, for display and control. The sensor is positioned in the pocket tube for the sensor (UA2).

Use the sensors provided with the heat pump/control module. When no heat sensors have been provided these must be ordered from the manufacturer of the heat pump/ control module.

Temperatur limiter

Power supply to temperature limiter (FQ10) is 230 V. Connect temperature limiter electrically to the solenoid carried for the heat source.

electri the sensor in the pocket tube (UA1). electrical

Connection temperature limiter

NOTE

The water heater must be completely filled with water before it is connected on the electrical side.

4 Technical data

Dimensions

Pipe connections

VPB 500 UK

		DimensionsName
		G50Cold water connection
		G50Hot water connection
		∅ 15 mmHWC connection
		∅ 28 mmDocking connection
		∅ 28 mmDocking connection
		∅ 22 mmDrain connection
		∅ 22 mmOther heat source
		∅ 15 mmConnection T&P
		XL35G50Connection for imme

*can be used as an access to view the cylinder internally.

Technical specifications

		VPB 500 UKMode
		CopperCorrosion protection
		850mmDiameter (excl. feet)
		1757mmHeight weight
		212kgGross weight
		170kgNet weight heater, sup
		230VImmersion
		3kWMax. output
	kWTotal input power
	kWDrainage capacity T&P valve
Max pressure incoming cold water	bar/MPa	16/1.6
Pressure reduction valve, setting:	bar/MPa	3.5/0.35
Max pressure, water heater	bar/MPa	6/0.6
Max pressure, primary side	bar/MPa	3/0.3
Operating pressure, secondary side	bar/MPa	5.5/0.55
Setting, expansion relief valve	bar/MPa	6/0.6
Max operating pressure, T&P-valve	bar/MPa	7/0.7
Exp. vessle, tap water, charge pressure	bar/MPa	3.5/0.35
Max operating temperature, T&P-valve	°C	90
Maximum operating temperature, heating uid:	°C	90
		490litreVolume, hot water coil
		6litreVolume, coil
Length, coil		15.7m
Heating surface, coil	m^2	5.2
		15.8kWHeat transfer, primal
Heat content at 50°C	kWh	23
		825litreEquivalent amount
Heating time to 15 - 60 °C, (10 kW)**	min.	163
Part No.		081 056

* At incoming temperatures 10 °C and hot water draining of 30 l/min.

** Primary ow to achieve the maximum capacity VPB 500 UK: 2000 l/h.

Tested according to En 12897:2016

Energy labelling

		NIBESupplier
Model		VPB 500 UK
Energy eciency class		C
Heat loss	W	111
Volume	I	496

Accessories

Immersion heater IU

Immersion heater IU 31 - IU34

See table (page 12)

Connection box K11

Connection box with thermostat and overheating protection. (When connecting Immersion heater IU)

Part no. 018 893

5 Item register

Item register

A

Accessories, 19

D

Dimensions, 17

|

Important information, 4

Safety information, 4

Inspection of the installation, 6

M

Marking, 4

P

Pipe connections

Cleaning the climate system, 15

Hard water areas, 15

5

Safety information, 4

Inspection of the installation, 6

Marking, 4

Symbols on VPB 500 UK, 4

Warranty information, 5

Symbols on VPB 500 UK, 4

T

Technical data

Dimensions, 17

W

Warranty information, 5

MAINS PRESSURE HOT WATER STORAGE SYSTEM COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST

This Commissioning Checklist is to be completed in full by the competent person who commissioned the storage system as a means of demonstrating compliance with the appropriate Building Regulations and then handed to the customer to keep for future reference.

Failure to install and commission this equipment to the manufacturer's instructions may invalidate the warranty but does not affect statutory rights.

Customer Name ____ Telephone Number ____

Address

Cylinder Make and Model ____

Cylinder Serial Number

Commissioned by (print name) ____ Registered Operative ID Number ____

Company Name ____ Telephone Number ____

Company Address ____

Commissioning Date

To be completed by the customer on receipt of a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate*:

Building Regulations Notification Number (if applicable)

ALL SYSTEMS PRIMARY SETTINGS (indirect heating only)

Is the primary circuit a sealed or open vented system? Sealed	Open
What is the maximum primary flow temperature?		°C

ALL SYSTEMS

What is the incoming static cold water pressure at the inlet to the system?				bar
Has a strainer been cleaned of installation debris (if fitted)? Yes		☐	No
Is the installation in a hard water area (above 200ppm)? Yes			☐	No
If yes, has a water scale reducer been fitted?		Yes	☐	No
What type of scale reducer has been fitted?
What is the hot water thermostat set temperature?				°C
What is the maximum hot water flow rate at set thermostat temperature (measured at high flow outlet)?				l/min
Time and temperature controls have been fitted in compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations?			Yes
Type of control system (if applicable) Y Plan		☐	S Plan ☐	Other
Is the cylinder solar (or other renewable) compatible?		Yes	☐	No
What is the hot water temperature at the nearest outlet?				°C
All appropriate pipes have been insulated up to 1 metre or the point where they become concealed			Yes

Where is the pressure reducing valve situated (if fitted)?
What is the pressure reducing valve setting?		bar
Has a combined temperature and pressure relief valve and expansion valve been fitted and discharge tested?	Yes □	No □
The tundish and discharge pipework have been connected and terminated to Part G of the Building Regulations		Yes □
Are all energy sources fitted with a cut out device?	Yes □	No □
Has the expansion vessel or internal air space been checked?	Yes □	No □

THERMAL STORES ONLY

What store temperature is achievable?		°C
What is the maximum hot water temperature?		°C

ALL INSTALLATIONS

The hot water system complies with the appropriate Building Regulations	Yes
The system has been installed and commissioned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions	Yes
The system controls have been demonstrated to and understood by the customer	Yes
The manufacturer's literature, including Benchmark Checklist and Service Record, has been explained and left with the customer	Yes

Commissioning Engineer's Signature

Customer's Signature

(To confirm satisfactory demonstration and receipt of manufacturer's literature)

*All installations in England and Wales must be notified to Local Authority Building Control (LABC) either directly or through a Competent Persons Scheme.

A Building Regulations Compliance Certificate will then be issued to the customer.

SERVICE RECORD

It is recommended that your hot water system is serviced regularly and that the appropriate Service Record is completed.

Service Provider

Before completing the appropriate Service Record below, please ensure you have carried out the service as described in the manufacturer's instructions.

SERVICE 1 Date

Engineer Name

Company Name

Telephone Number

Comments

Signature

SERVICE 2 Date

Engineer Name

Company Name

Telephone Number

Comments

Signature

SERVICE 3 Date

Engineer Name

Company Name

Telephone Number

Comments

Signature

SERVICE 4 Date

Engineer Name

Company Name

Telephone Number

Comments

Signature

SERVICE 5 Date

Engineer Name

Company Name

Telephone Number

Comments

Signature

SERVICE 6 Date

Engineer Name

Company Name

Telephone Number

Comments

Signature

SERVICE 7 Date

Engineer Name

Company Name

Telephone Number

Comments

Signature

SERVICE 8 Date

Engineer Name

Company Name

Telephone Number

Comments

Signature

SERVICE 9 Date

Engineer Name

Company Name

Telephone Number

Comments

SERVICE 10 Date

Engineer Name

Company Name

Telephone Number

Comments

Signature

Signature

NIBE Energy Systems Ltd

3C Broom Business Park

Bridge Way

Chesterfield S41 9QG

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

info @nibe.co.uk

www.nibe.co.uk

331976