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Space and Location Requirements for
Air Cooled Condensing Units and Remote Condensers
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.
Figure 1. Space and Location Requirements for Condensing Units and Remote Condensers
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.
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.
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”.
* “W” = Total width of the condensing unit or condenser.
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