Raypak 017960F ProTek Shield Assembly for 206A, 266/266A, 336A, 399/406A, 207A, 267A, 337A, 407A, Avia 264A, 404A Pool Heaters (Polymer Header)

The ProTek Shield is the sacrificial anode fitted to Raypak Digital and Avia gas pool and spa heaters. Bonded to the heat exchanger by its wire, it takes the galvanic corrosion that would otherwise attack the exchanger, so it wears away by design and has to be replaced. Raypak's brochures also call it the ProTek Shield Module.

• Original weight: 1.46 lb
• The assembly threads in by hand and seals with an O-ring; a wing nut on its stud holds the bonding wire terminal.
• Raypak also sells a 25-piece bulk pack under part number 018847F.
• Raypak's 207A to 407A parts list shows the shield's mounting O-ring as a separate part, 019276F.

Good to know: Replace the shield when it has worn down to about 40% of its original weight. Raypak's replacement steps: shut off the pool pump and bleed pressure, close the isolation valves, remove the wing nut and the bonding wire terminal, then unscrew the assembly by hand. Refit hand tight only, with the O-ring seated in its groove. Raypak warns that using tools on the shield or wing nut can cause damage that warranty does not cover. Raypak's warranty does not cover the ProTek Shield itself, or heater damage caused by a depleted shield that was not replaced when needed.

ASME (bronze header) heaters: not confirmed. Raypak's repair guide and exploded views show this shield in the ProTek Shield Adapter (018006F), but the ASME parts tables in the current manuals list ProTek Shield Assembly 018766F, from end of Q3 2020. Check the heater's own parts list, or ask Raypak, before ordering this part for an ASME heater.