Wall Case Installation Data (Continued)
For new construction, early planning with the architect is necessary. Unit location, electrical connection locations, and wall openings of the proper dimensions are essential to avoid the necessity of rework, fillers, framing, moving electrical outlets, and other expensive modifications.
For existing construction it is important that carpentry, masonry and electrical work be performed by competent, qualified personnel. Since installations in existing construction may involve removal of building material from the structure, locating the wall case must be done correctly.
Architectural Window/
Louver Installation
Many installations utilize an architectural window/louver combination to enhance the exterior appearance of the building. The exterior grille for the air conditioner is built as an integral part of the window frame. An internal drain system is highly recommended for these installations (see page 36). When this type of installation is made, there must be provision in the grille work for condensate water to drain to the exterior and not be routed back into the interior of the building or into the wall cavity. Failure to allow for the drainage of condensate water can cause extensive damage to structural components. The problems associated with the lack of condensate drain consideration often show up shortly after the air conditioners are turned on in a new building. New buildings that have been virtually wide open during construction have a significant amount of moisture in the air and in the building components that the air conditioners start removing as they operate. The free area in the louver section must also comply with the requirements shown on page 41.
The wall case should be anchored to the architectural window/louver section to reduce air infiltration and excessive vibration of the chassis and wall case during unit operation.
Window, Curtain and Panel
Wall Construction
With this type of construction, provision for support of the unit, other than by the wall itself, is often required. Such support may be in the form of wood or metallic material of the proper thickness to maintain a level case. This additional support should be located both near the wall and at the front of the wall case.
In existing construction, common practice is to remove a pane of glass, metal, wood, or other construction material and build a frame around the wall case. Similar filler panel material may be installed around the case for appearance and weather seal.
Masonry Wall Construction
The wall case should be installed during construction and lintels should be used to support the blocks above the wall case. The wall case will not support the concrete block.
The installation instructions show how the wall case must be secured to the masonry and caulked. Do not remove the cardboard stiffener supplied with the wall case until ready to install the chassis. See page 29 for details of installation in masonry wall.
For existing masonry construction, wall openings must be made by removing concrete blocks to achieve the proper size opening. Consult the builder, architect, or owner to determine the necessity for lintels to support the block above the wall case.
Anchor bolts are normally required to secure the case to the wall and shims may be required to prevent distortion of the wall case when securing the wall case to the wall. Field supplied case angles can be used to position and secure the wall case to the wall and to cover oversized wall openings.
Brick, Frame, Stucco and
Shingle Construction
For new construction, the opening for the wall case should be framed and the wall case inserted into the opening during construction. Lintels should be used when the building material is heavy and is not
For existing construction the indoor and outdoor wall will need to be cut out, allowing for clearances of 1/8" on all sides of the wall case. Work should begin on the inside wall. Cut the correct dimensions and mark (using drill holes) the outside wall from each corner of the inside cutout. Studding that interferes with the opening must be removed and a suitable frame constructed to secure the wall case and provide adequate support for case and chassis.
As shipped, the RAB71 Series or RAB77 is ready for installation.
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