Condenser pad attachment

[DSuelflow]

Is it required that the condensing unit be attached to the pad by means other than gravity? Does anyone note this? This is new construction. Thanks in advance.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

If it is not secured, I note it in the report - new construction or not.

[DSuelflow]

Thanks, I do to. However, I note a lot of thing others around here don't.

[Michael R. Boyett]

I have never, ever seen a condensing unit attached in any way to the pad around here, do not now and don't plan to report it either.

[Doug Edwards]

Same way here in Florida. Of course everything in CA has to nailed or strapped down so when the ground starts shaking it doesn't walk off down the street.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Not attached here either.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by dedwards

Same way here in Florida. Of course everything in CA has to nailed or strapped down so when the ground starts shaking it doesn't walk off down the street.

Uuhhyep.

It's also in the manufacturers installation instructions. Movement of the unit due to internal vibration (or earthquake) can damage the refrigerant lines and their connections.

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

With a degree in HVAC, tenure as a Factory Rep, and 28 years inspection experience, I wish I could tell you it mattered, but I'd be lying to you. Other than on Commercial Jobs, I have never seen one strapped down and would probably laugh myself silly if I did. But I urge all of you that because of the seismic activity in your areas need to strap them down to report on it.

I just wish more guys in my area did that.

[David A. Andersen]

Movement of the unit due to internal vibration

That much vibration (which will make noise) would be grounds to replace the unit under most equipment manufacturers warranty!

I ran this by my Geologist. He just smiled and laughed! I guess he doesn't think it will stay put in an earthquake no matter...

[lewens]

Most of them around here are mounted on a patio stone. I am seeing more mounted on a rack attached to the building. The patio stone jobs usually are out of level before long.
Larry

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

So you guys have never seen a secured condenser unit? Not even one located on a roof top? Hmmm.

Probably 75% of the ground units I see are secured to their pad. I don't think I've ever seen a roof top unit that wasn't secured.

When the units are not level, I report that as well.

[Michael R. Boyett]

No, I never have seen one secured, no one has ever mentioned it, I was never taught to look for it, etc, etc. It must be a regional thing or maybe just a CA earthquake requirement. Jeff, you said it was in the mfg installation instructions as well. Do you have access to a copy of that? I'd like to see that and then it would be defensible, even then I don't think I'll spend much time looking for it.
Now, on the other hand, I did run across this condenser a week or so ago that I wrote up. It was a 1st for me and I wasn't sure whether it moved after original installation or if it was installed this way from the get-go.
Attachment 4366

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I used to carry a copy with me which showed the clearance requirements for condensers (I don't recall the brand) and it also showed how they are required to be attached to their pad.

I'll find another one that I can post. . .

[ccbrands1]

Never seen one attatched to a pad before.

Most retrofits lacking an acceptable concrete pad around here are being put down on plastic "duraguard" pads.

Work well, but ground has to be quite level, else it will slide off.

[Bruce A. King]

The manual for mine says to consider attaching if conditions or local codes require it. Wind baffles may be required for roof top locations where winds could exceed 5 mph.

I think 5 mph is low, may be a typo or they are just covering themselves as all manufacturers do these days.