OUTDOOR UNIT
OUTDOOR UNIT
PITCH SUCTION LINE TOWARD OUTDOOR UNIT 1/2" FRO EVERY 10' OF LINE
INDOOR UNIT ABOVE OR
LEVEL TO OUTDOOR UNIT
INDOOR UNIT
LIQUID LINE
A
70'
MAX. LIQUID LINE SUCTION LINE OIL
TRAP WHEN INDOOR
UNIT IS 4 FEET OR
M O R E B E L O W
OUTDOOR UNIT
ADDITIONAL SUCTION LINE OIL TRAP FOR EACH 20 FOOT RISE OF PIPE
INDOOR UNIT
INVERTED LOOP LIQUID LINE
OUTDOOR UNIT
6'
INDOOR UNIT
50'
MAX.
SUCTION LINE
INDOOR UNIT BELOW OUTDOOR UNIT
Only
Refrigerant piping should be as short as possible, with a minimum of elbows or bends, to avoid capacity loss and increased operating costs.
Refrigerant lines must be adequately supported. If metal strapping is used to secure the tubing, do not allow the strapping to directly contact the tubing. Use a closed cell insulation to separate the strapping from the tubing.
Do not kink or twist the tubing.
Refrigerant piping should not be installed in a cement slab, as this limits access to the refrigerant should a leak be suspected.
To ensure good oil return to the compressor, it is important to pitch the horizontal suction line toward the compressor, approximately 1/2" for every 10' of line.
Line Insulation
Suction line requires insulation in order to prevent condensation from forming on the piping and to prevent heat gain caused by surrounding air. Generally 3/8" wall thickness of Armflex or equivalent is satisfactory. In severe application (hot, high humidity areas) greater thickness may be required. Apply the line insulation by sliding it on the sealed tuing before cutting and making connections.
Liquid line does not necessarily need insulation, however, if they are exposed to high ambient temperatures (i.e. kitchen, boiler rooms, hot attics & rooftop surface), then, they should be insulated. Make sure to use the proper size tubing for the liquid line to prevent liquid refrigerant flashing to a vapor within the liquid line.
Do not allow the vapor line and liquid line to touch together. This would cause an undesirable heat transfer resulting in capacity loss and increased power consumption.
5