MDACC Project No.

XX-XXXX MDACC PROJECT NAME

A/E Name Issue Description
A/E Project No. Month, 00, 0000

SECTION 23 81 26 – DX SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONERS

PART 1 - GENERAL

0.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General Conditions and Division
01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

B. Specifications throughout all Divisions of the Project Manual are directly applicable to this
Section, and this Section is directly applicable to them.

0.2 SUMMARY

A. Provide split system air conditioning system consisting of indoor air handling/fan coil unit(s),
outdoor condensing unit(s), refrigerant piping, fittings, valves and accessories, and controls.

B. Perform all Work required to provide and install the factory assembled split-system air-
conditioning and / or heat-pump system refrigerant piping, valves, filters driers, and any
refrigerant specialties equipment such as suction accumulators, site glass, receivers,
strainers, etc. as specified in this specification, indicated, or noted on the Owner’s Contract
Documents with supplementary items necessary for proper installation and testing and
operation of the unit(s).

0.3 REFERENCE STANDARDS

A. The latest published edition of a reference shall be applicable to this Project unless identified
by a specific edition date.

B. All reference amendments adopted prior to the effective date of this Contract shall be
applicable to this Project.

C. All materials, installation and workmanship shall comply with the applicable requirements and
standards addressed within the following references:

1. ANSI/AMCA Standard 205-12 - Energy Efficiency Classification for Fans.

2. ANSI/ARI 410 - Forced Circulation Air-Cooling and Air-Heating Coils.

3. ANSI/ARI 460 - Remote Mechanical-Draft Air Cooled Refrigerant Condensers.

4. ANSI/ARI 210/240 - Unitary Air-Conditioning and Air-Source Heat Pump Equipment.

5. ANSI/ARI 340-360 - Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump
Equipment.

6. ANSI/ARI 270 -Sound Rating of Outdoor Unitary Equipment.

7. ANSI/ARI 365 - Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air-Conditioning Condensing Unit(s)..

8. ANSI/ARI 500-2000 Variable Capacity Positive Displacement Refrigerant Compressors

and Compressor Unit(s). for Air Conditioners and Heat Pump Applications.

9. ANSI/ASHRAE 90.1 - Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential.

Buildings.

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10. ASHRAE 15 - Safety Code for Mechanical Refrigeration.

11. NEMA MG 1 - Motors and Generators.

12. NFPA 70 National Electrical Code

13. ASTM B280 - Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field
Service.

14. ASTM B117 - Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus.

15. NFPA 90A - Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.

16. AWS A5.8 - Specification for Brazing Filler Metal.

17. ASME B31.5 - Refrigeration Piping.

18. SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards Metal and Flexible.

0.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Manufacturer Qualifications: Company specializing in manufacturing the products specified in

this Section with minimum three (3) years documented experience, who issues complete
catalog data on total product.

B. Provide capacity ratings with ARI certification. Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) and Coefficient
of Performance (COP) not less than prescribed by ASHRAE 90.1 when used in combination
with compressors and evaporator coils when tested in accordance with ARI Standards.

C. Insulation shall be a flexible, closed-cell elastomeric pipe insulation AP Armaflex, AC

Accoflex. Adhesive shall be Armaflex 520, 520 Black or 520 BLV Adhesive. The insulation
must conform to ASTM C534 Grade 1, Type, and shall have a maximum thermal conductivity
of 0.27 Btu-in./h-ft2-°F at a 75°F mean temperature as tested in accordance with ASTM C
177 or ASTM C 518.

D. Insulation materials shall have a flame-spread index of less than 25 and a smoke-developed
index of less than 50 as tested in accordance with ASTM E 84. In addition, the products,
when tested, shall not melt or drip flaming particles, and the flame shall not be progressive.

0.5 SUBMITTALS

A. Product Data:

1. Provide literature that indicates dimensions, weights, and supply air fan performance
such as capacity, brake horsepower, wheel type and finishes of materials. Submit electrical load
characteristics, voltage, amperage, and rough-in connection requirements for electrical and refrigerant
tubing.

2. Submit electrical requirements for power supply wiring including wiring diagrams for
signal interlocks and control wiring, clearly indicating factory-installed and field-installed wiring.

B. Record Documents:

1. Electrical and refrigerant tubing drawings with noted seal procedures and sealant
material products and product material data sheets.

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2. Include manufacturer's install installation instructions.

3. Provide operation and maintenance manual.

4. Submit manufacturer’s certificate that coils are tested in accordance with and rated in
accordance with ARI 410.

5. Manufacturer's warranty form in which manufacturer agrees to repair or replace failed

components, materials or workmanship within specified warranty period.

C. Operation and Maintenance Data

1. The contractor shall provide closeout documents for the unit(s) which includes
emergency operation (if applicable), normal operating and maintenance (O&M) manuals, in addition to
any field change documents that affect the operation or maintenance of the unit(s).

2. Permanently mount condensate trapping calculation instructions within the unit O&M
Manual that illustrates the unit casing at the condensate drain connection.

3. Per the Manufacturer's Instructions: Provide Start-up information and maintenance

required prior to Start-up of the unit(s).

0.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

A. Deliver, store, protect and handle products to the Project Site under provisions of Division 01
and Division 20.

B. Accept products on site in factory-fabricated protective containers, with factory-installed

shipping skids and lifting lugs. Inspect for damage and make any necessary replacement. If
the damage can be repaired notify Owner for acceptance prior to preforming work. Any
replacement or repair due to damage to a product will be at no expense to the Owner.

C. Store in clean dry place and protect from weather and construction traffic. Handle carefully to
avoid damage to components, enclosures, and finish.

D. Protect openings in casing and seal them with plywood and plastic sheeting to keep dirt,
debris moisture from entering the air handler and, also protect coils connections from entry of
dirt and moisture with pipe caps or plugs.

E. Protect all coils to avoid damage; if the coils are damage they shall be replaced.

0.7 WARRANTY

A. A minimum 5 year compressor warranty, 10 year warranty on condenser coil, and evaporator
coil, 1 year parts and labor warranty on the rest of the system controls and components.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

0.1 GENERAL

A. All materials shall meet or exceed all applicable referenced standards, federal, state and local
requirements, and conform to codes and ordinances of authorities having jurisdiction.

B. Provide one refrigerant line filter drier and outside pressure taps in each refrigerant circuit on
brazed tubing refrigerant piping systems.

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0.2 MANUFACTURERS

A. American Standard

B. Trane

C. York

D. Daikin / McQuay

E. Mitsubishi

0.3 AIR HANDLING / FAN COIL UNIT

A. Fabricated exterior unit casing shall be constructed with minimum of 18 gauge galvanized
steel, painted with epoxy based enamel paint. Provide color chart for color selection by
Architect.

B. All are to be double wall with a minimum 2 inch microbial resistant and cleanable foam
insulation liner with an R value of 12 or greater. Unit access panels must be removable.

C. Fabricate fan deck of galvanized steel.

D. Primary Drain Pan:

1. Unit(s) shall have a fire retardant, closed cell foam insulated, rust-inhibiting IAQ stainless
steel drain pan across the full width of the unit, extending from the cooling coil to the end of the unit.

2. Drain connection shall be minimum 7/8-inch outside diameter, copper construction.

3. Arrange coil and drain pan connections on the side of the unit as shown on the Drawings.

E. Each unit shall be provided with integral mounting brackets adequate to support the unit’s
weight.

F. Each unit shall be provided with a one (1) inch discharge and inlet duct collar.

G. Furnish access doors as required to service all elements of the unit from each side of the unit,
not from the bottom.

H. Fan(s) shall be direct drive with centrifugal, single width wheel mounted on vibration isolators.

I. Fan wheel design must meet Fan Efficiency Grade requirements and tested and certified in
accordance with the requirements of ANSI/AMCA Standard 205-12.

J. Fan motors that are 1 hp or less shall be Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) motor with
an Electronic Speed Control (ESC) module. Fan motors greater than 1 hp shall be three-
phase, suitable for Variable Speed Drive (VFD) service in total compliance with Section 20 05
13.

0.4 COILS

A. Coils shall be comprised of aluminum fins mechanically bonded to copper tubes. If the
cooling coils are used to cool mixed air (outside air and return air) the coil shall be comprised
of copper fins mechanically bonded to copper tubes.

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B. Test all coils for maximum system design working pressure and or static pressure based on
the type of refrigerant being used.

C. Heating and cooling coils shall be sized as required to meet or exceed industry standards,
capacities, and notes, on the Drawings.

0.5 AIR COOLED CONDENSING UNITS

A. Provide air cooled condensing units as scheduled. Units shall be self-contained, packaged,
factory assembled and pre-wired suitable for outdoor use consisting of cabinet, compressors,
condensing coil and fans, integral sub-cooling coil, controls, liquid receiver and screens.

B. Provide corrosion resistant materials for unit parts which come in contact with refrigerant.

C. Provide timer conduits to prevent rapid cycling of compressor.

D. Fabricate cabinet from galvanized steel, equipped with removable access doors or panels
with quick fasteners. The cabinet and framing shall be protected from environmental
elements using a powder coat or epoxy paint finish capable of withstanding 500-hour salt
spray exposure per ASTM B117.

E. Compressor: [Hermetically sealed scroll with capacity modulation] or [semi-hermetic] type

with positive lubrication, crank case heater, un-loader for capacity modulation, motor over
load protection, service valves, filter drier, suction and discharge valves, with gauge ports,
and high and low pressure safety controls.

F. Condenser:

1. Coils shall be made from seamless copper tubing with mechanically bonded aluminum
fins and capable of withstanding 500-hour salt spray exposure per ASTM B117.

2. Provide condenser fans which discharge, vertically and that have direct drive fans
resiliently mounted with guard and motor.

G. Provide unit with high and low pressure cutouts for compressor, non-recycling pump down,
reset relay and oil pressure safety control (7 1/2 ton units and larger).

H. Provide anti-short cycle timer for loss of power conditions to protect the compressor.

I. Low suction pressure cut out switch to reduce probability of pulling non condensable gases into
the refrigerant system.

NOTE TO A/E ADD THIS SENTENCE IF THE APPLICATION AND ASHRAE ZONE MINIMUM TEMPERATURES IS
APPROPRIATE FOR THIS REQUIREMENT; “PROVIDE WITH CONTROLS TO PERMIT OPERATION DOWN TO 0
DEGREE F AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AT MINIMUM COMPRESSOR LOAD.”
0.6 PIPING

A. Copper Tube and Fittings:

1. Drawn-Temper Copper Tube per ASTM B 280, Type ACR, clean, dry and capped.

2. Annealed-Temper Copper Tube per ASTM B 280, Type ACR, clean, dry and capped.
Annealed copper tubing shall not be used for piping larger than 0.625 O.D.

3. Wrought-Copper Fittings: ASME B16.22.

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4. Bronze Filler Metals: AWS A5.8, Classification BAg-7 (50% silver), BCuP5 (15% Silver).

0.7 FILTER SECTION:

A. Refer to Section 23 40 00 – Filters, and Drawings for additional requirements.

B. Filters shall have a maximum width of 24 inches.

C. The air handling unit manufacturer shall provide one (1) set of scheduled filters for each air
handling unit as shown on the Drawings. The filters shall be boxed and placed within the air
handling unit during shipment. The box shall identify the type of filter and be labeled with the
corresponding air handling unit identification tag number.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

0.1 PREPARATION

A. Coordinate layout and installation of refrigerant piping and piping suspension and support
system components with other construction trades, including light fixtures, HVAC ducts and
equipment, fire-suppression-system piping, equipment components, and fire and/or smoke
partition assemblies.

1. Coordinate pipe sleeve installations through wall or foundation penetrations.

2. Coordinate and verify core bores for conduit and pipe sleeve installations on existing
facilities to preclude cutting rebar in the concrete floor or conduit supported directly on the bottom of the
concrete floor.

B. Verify the proper sleeve penetration detail is being applied prior to core boring or drilling for
fire and or smoke wall partitions and floors.

C. Assure refrigerant piping, valves and specialty items are stamped or certified to meet
refrigerant design pressures for the following refrigerants.

1. Select pipe, fittings, and components that have design pressure ratings per ASHRAE 15
but not less than the following system design pressures:

Refrigerant Type Low Side High Side

(psig) (psig)
R-134a (Air Cooled) 115 225
R-410a (Air Cooled) 260 510

0.2 INSTALLATION

A. Installation shall meet or exceed all applicable federal, state and local requirements,
referenced standards and conform to codes and ordinances of authorities having jurisdiction.

B. All installations shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations:

1. Air cooled condensing units shall have the proper clearance requirements that not only
meet space requirements to permit proper air flow and for maintenance or removal needs.

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2. Air handling or fan-coil units should be located to allow full access to perform
preventative and replacement maintenance which also includes space for coil removal. Units shall not be
located above or near electrical panels or electronic control panels.

3. Provide sufficient access space and install refrigerant valves, strainers, and driers at a
height that is easily accessible for maintenance.

4. Contractor shall furnish and maintain and replace clean pre-filter media in each air
handling unit as listed in the equipment schedule on the Drawings during start-up and construction. The
Contractor shall install the tagged set of new filter products provided by the air handling unit manufacturer
for each unit after it has been tested, commissioned and receives final acceptance by the Owner.

5. Condensate P-traps shall be properly sized for air handling unit design negative or
positive static pressure based on relevant location of fan being upstream or downstream of the coil.

C. Installation of refrigerant piping hangers and supports:

1. Purging with 99.9% nitrogen gas must be used when brazing copper tubing, fittings, and
valves. The brazing filler material is specified in piping section of this specification.

2. Manufacturer’s requirements must be followed when brazing specialty items and valves.

3. All piping shall be rigidly supported from the building structure by means of adjustable
ring-type hangers. Unistrut® type trapeze hangers shall be used where pipes run side by side. Hanger
spacing shall be as follows:

a. Horizontal:

Copper Piping Maximum Spacing

3/8-inch and under 4 feet
1/2-inch through 3/4-inch 6 feet
1 – inch through 1-1/2-inch 8’ feet
2 – inch through 1-1/2-inch 10’ feet

b. Vertical copper piping shall be supported at 10 feet intervals maximum.

c. Round rods supporting the pipe hangers shall be of the following dimensions:

Piping Diameter Rod Diameter

2-inch and under 3/8-inch
2-1/2 to 3-inch 1/2-inch

d. Rods for trapeze hangers shall be minimum of 3/8 - inch and shall have the
equivalent cross section listed above per pipe supported. The use of pipe hooks,
chains, perforated iron strapping or wire for pipe supports is not permitted.

e. Insulated pipes shall be protected using galvanized steel shields similar to Grinnel
Figure 167 or 360 or equal, galvanized steel shield by Pipe Shields Incorporated.

f. Place a hanger within 1'-0" of each side for each horizontal elbow.

g. Use hangers which are vertically adjustable 1-1/2" minimum after piping is erected.

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h. Use plastic coated straps on copper pipe.

i. Where permitted by the A/E or Owner soft copper tubing shall be fastened to the
building structure with Unistrut® type supports, Unistrut® type clamps and cushion
inserts. Clamps shall not be spaced greater than 4'-0" apart.

0.3 TESTING

A. Leak Testing Requirements:

1. If the copper tubing is charged with refrigerant to connect the air cooled condensing unit
with the air handler or fan coil unit use proper leak detection instruments to assure no refrigerant is
leaking from the mechanical tube connections between the cooling coil and the condensing unit.

2. Brazed refrigerant copper tubing shall be evacuated using the deep vacuum method the
system is thoroughly dry to ensure the system is thoroughly dry and free of non-condensibles and leaks.

a. A micron gauge with a range from 50 to 9,000 micron shall be used to read the
vacuum reading.

b. Evacuation is considered to be complete when a system holds an absolute

vacuum at 500 microns for 20 minutes.

B. Performance Testing:

1. Performance test shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s pressure and temperature

charts for entering air temperatures of the outside coil and inside coil including amperage and voltage
readings, to assure the unit is operating properly.

END OF SECTION 23 81 26

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