9
Location
4.0 INSTALLATION
4.2 Choosing a Location (cont.)
4.2.3 Corrosive Environment
The metal parts of this unit may be subject to
rust or deterioration if exposed to a corrosive
environment. This oxidation could shorten the
equipment’s useful life.
Corrosive elements include, but are not limited to,
salt spray, fog or mist in seacoast areas, sulphur or
chlorine from lawn watering systems, and various
chemical contaminants from industries such as
paper mills and petroleum refineries.
If the unit is to be installed in an area where
contaminants are likely to be a problem, special
attention should be given to the equipment location
and exposure.
• Avoid having lawn sprinkler heads spray directly
on the unit cabinet.
• In coastal areas, locate the unit on the side of the
building away from the waterfront.
• Shielding provided by a fence or shrubs may give
some protection, but cannot violate minimum
airflow and service access clearances.
WARNING:
Disconnect all power
to unit before starting maintenance. Failure to do
so can cause electrical shock resulting in severe
personal injury or death.
Regular maintenance will reduce the buildup of
contaminants and help to protect the unit’s finish.
• Frequent washing of the cabinet, fan blade, and
coil with fresh water will remove most of the salt
or other contaminants that build up on the unit.
• Regular cleaning and waxing of the cabinet
with a good automobile polish will provide some
protection.
• A good liquid cleaner may be used several times
a year to remove matter that will not wash off with
water.
4.2.4 Customer Satisfaction
Issues
• The heat pump should be located away from the
living, sleeping, and recreational spaces of the
owner and those spaces on adjoining property.
• To prevent noise transmission, the mounting pad
for the outdoor unit should not be connected to
the structure and should be located a sufficient
distance above grade to prevent ground water
from entering the unit.
4.3 Unit Mounting
4.3.1 Unit Mounting Methods
The outdoor heat pump unit may be mounted in
a number of ways. The most common method
is on the ground mounted on a concrete or pre-
fabricated pad. It can also be mounted on a ground
or roof mounted metal frame, wooden frame, or 4”
x 4” wooden stringers. It is extremely important to
properly secure the unit to the pad or frame so it
does not shift during high winds, seismic events,
or other outside forces to eliminate the possibility
of a safety hazard or physical damage to the
unit. Local codes in regions subject to frequent
hurricanes and seismic events will dictate specific
mounting requirements and must be followed. It is
also important to elevate the heat pump in areas
that receive a significant amount of snowfall so
accumulated snow does not block the outdoor coil
and interfere with drainage of water during the
defrost cycle. Refer to Section 4.3.4 for typical
ground snow levels for different regions of the
USA.
4.3.2 High Wind and Seismic
Tie-Down Methods
The manufacturer-approved/recommended method
is a guide to securing equipment for wind and
seismic loads. Other methods might provide the
same result, but the manufacturer method is
the only one endorsed by the manufacturer for
securing equipment where wind or earthquake
damage can occur. Additional information
is available in the PTS (Product Technical
Support) section of the manufacturer’s Web sites
MyRheem.com, or MyRuud.com and can be found
as a listing under each outdoor model. If you do not
have access to this site, your distributor can offer
assistance.
