© 2008 Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC
The most important consideration which must be taken into account when
deciding upon the location of air-cooled equipment is the provision for a
supply of ambient air to the condenser, and removal of heated air from the
condensing unit or remote condenser area. Where this essential requirement
is not adhered to, it will result in higher head pressures, which cause poor
operation and potential failure of equipment. Units must not be located
in the vicinity of steam, hot air or fume exhausts. Corrosive atmospheres
require custom designed condensers.
Another consideration which must be taken is that the unit should be
mounted away from noise sensitive spaces and must have adequate support
to avoid vibration and noise transmission into the building. Units should be
mounted over corridors, utility areas, rest rooms and other auxiliary areas
where high levels of sound are not an important factor. Sound and structural
consultants should be retained for recommendations.
Space and Location Requirements for
Air Cooled Condensing Units and Remote Condensers
Figure 1. Space and Location Requirements for Condensing Units
Units in Pits
The top of the unit should be level with the top of the pit, and side
distance increased to “2W”.
If the top of the unit is not level with the top of pit, discharge cones or
stacks must be used to raise discharge air to the top of the pit. This is a
minimum requirement.
Decorative Fences
Fences must have 50% free area, with 1 foot undercut, a “W”
minimum clearance, and must not exceed the top of unit. If these
requirements are not met, unit must be installed as indicated for
“Units in pits”.
Walls or Obstructions
The unit should be located so that air may circulate freely and not be
recirculated. For proper air flow and access all sides of the unit should be
a minimum of “W” away from any wall or obstruction. It is preferred that
this distance be increased whenever possible. Care should be taken to
see that ample room is left for maintenance work through access doors
and panels. Overhead obstructions are not permitted. When the unit is
in an area where it is enclosed by three walls the unit must be installed
as indicated for units in a pit.
Walls or Obstructions for Horizontal Air Flow
Multiple Units with Horizontal Air Flow
* “W” = Total width of the condensing unit
Multiple Units
For units placed side by side, the minimum distance between
units is the width of the largest unit. If units are placed end to
end, the minimum distance between units is 4 feet.
W
MIN.
W
AIR FL
O
W
W
AIR FL
O
W
W
W
W
MIN.
W
AIR FLOW
AIR FLOW
W
Clearance for multiple units placed side by side
AIR FLOW
AIR FLOW
AIR FLOW
W
W
MIN.
W
MIN.
1 FT. MIN.
Clearance for fence enclosures
AIR FLOW
2W
MIN.
2W
MIN.
10 FT. MAX.
W
Clearance for units in pits
AIR FLOW
STACK
(SUPPLIED BY OTHERS)
W
W
MIN.
AIR FLOW
Clearance from walls or obstructions
AIR FLOW
NOT RECOMMENDED
AIR FLOW
W
W
AIR FLOW
W
AIR FLOW
AIR FLOW
W
W
AIR FLOW