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Exterior Architectural Treatments
and Special Outdoor Grilles
The architectural design of a building may dictate the use of special or oversized louvers for aesthetic reasons. Louvers other than standard Zoneline exterior grilles may be used on the Zoneline unit, however, these special louvers, or any special exterior architectural treatments of the building facade that may restrict the free circulation of condenser airflow, should be referred to GE Application Engineering for evaluation and approval. The following guidelines should be followed in selecting a louver:
1.The louver must have a minimum of 65% free area. ASHRAE defines free area as the minimum area of the opening in an air inlet or outlet through which air can pass. Percent (%) free area equals the X dimension divided by the Y dimension.
2.The louver should be attached to the wall case in a manner that will prevent recirculation of condenser discharge air into the air inlet. If the louver is not attached directly to the wall case, a field supplied splitter or gasket is required between the chassis and the louver to prevent recirculation.
It is important that the above criteria be followed since a louver that is too restrictive or allows recirculation will reduce the unit’s capacity and efficiency, increase the electrical current draw, cause intermittent operation due to the compressor overload protector shutting the compressor off, and cause failure of the compressor overload and shorten compressor life. Using the unit with a grille that
is too restrictive or allows recirculation may constitute improper installation. A scale drawing of the louver section should be sent to GE Application Engineering. To assure the proper performance of the Zoneline unit and comply with Underwriters Laboratories requirements, it may be necessary to send a sample louver section (at least 16" x 42") to GE to be tested with the Zoneline unit.
Sample Calculations | |
| x |
Free Area (%) = | y x 100 x = 1" y = 1.5" |
1
F.A. % = 1.5 x 100 = 66.7%
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