Data Manual

26
SUB-BASE (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 sleeve 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 38). When this type of installation is made,
there must be provision in the grille work for condensate
water to drain to the exterior (including the overflow relief
drain holes) 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 43.
The wall sleeve should be anchored to the architectural
window/louver section to reduce air infiltration and
excessive vibration of the chassis and wall sleeve during
unit operation. Field-fabricated and -installed sleeve angles
are the recommended method of securing the wall sleeve
to the window/louver framework.
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 sleeve. This
additional support should be located both near the wall
and at the front of the wall sleeve. Sub-base (RAK204
Series) with four leveling legs provides an excellent
support for the unit in this type of installation.
(See page 30 for details of this type of installation.)
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 sleeve. Similar filler
panel material may be installed around the sleeve for
appearance and weather seal.
MASONRY WALL CONSTRUCTION
The wall sleeve should be installed during construction
and lintels must be used to support the blocks above the
wall sleeve. The wall sleeve will not support the concrete
block. The installation instructions show how the wall
sleeve must be secured to the masonry and caulked. Do
not remove the cardboard stiffener supplied with the wall
sleeve until ready to install the chassis. (See page 31 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 sleeve.
Anchor bolts are normally required to secure the sleeve to
the wall and shims may be required to prevent distortion
of the wall sleeve when securing the wall sleeve to the
wall. Field- supplied sleeve angles can be used to position
and secure the wall sleeve to the wall and to cover
oversized wall openings.
BRICK, FRAME, STUCCO AND
SHINGLE CONSTRUCTION
For new construction, the opening for the wall sleeve
should be framed and the wall sleeve inserted into the
opening during construction. Lintels must be used when
the building material is heavy and is not self-supporting
(such as brick). The wall sleeve will fit an opening of six
courses of standard brick or five courses of jumbo brick.
Wall framing in this type construction is normally on
16" centers and the wall sleeve will fit a framed opening
spanning three 16" O.C. 2" x 4" stud spaces.
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 sleeve. 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 sleeve and provide adequate support for sleeve and
chassis.
As shipped, the RAB71B Series or RAB77B is ready
for installation.
WALL SLEEVE INSTALLATION DATA (CONTINUED)
ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS DATA MANUAL AZ45/AZ65 SERIES