BEST PRACTICES FOR LG HVAC SYSTEM INSTALLATION
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Selecting Field-Supplied Copper Piping ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Copper Expansion and Contraction �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5-7 Piping Materials and Handling �����������������������������������������������
SELECTING FIELD-SUPPLIED COPPER PIPING Selecting Field-Supplied Copper Piping Always follow local codes when selecting and installing copper pipe and piping system components. Approved piping for use with LG HVAC products will be marked “R410 RATED” along the length of the pipe. Piping wall thickness should meet local code requirements and be approved for a maximum operating pressure of 551 psi.
COPPER EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION Copper Expansion and Contraction Under normal operating conditions, the vapor pipe temperature of a Multi V system can vary as much as 180°F. With this large variance in pipe temperature, the designer must consider pipe expansion and contraction to avoid pipe and fitting fatigue failures. Refrigerant pipe along with the insulation jacket form a cohesive unit that expands and contracts together.
COPPER EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION See table below for precalculated anticipated expansion for various pipe sizes and lengths of refrigerant tubing. To find the anticipated expansion value: 1. From the table below, find the row corresponding with the actual feet of the straight pipe segment. 2. Estimate the minimum and maximum temperature of the pipe. 3. In the column showing the minimum pipe temperature, look up the anticipated expansion distance corresponding to the segment length.
COPPER EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION Figure 1: Coiled Expansion Loops and Offsets (Plan View). L L R L R Loop Small Tubing U-bend (<3/4 in.) All expansion loops and offsets should be installed in the horizontal plane to prevent the possibility of trapping oil. Loops and offsets in vertical risers should also be installed in a horizontal plane. Table 5: Radii of Coiled Expansion Loops and Developed Lengths of Expansion Offsets. Anticipated Linear Expansion (LE) (in.
PIPING HANDLING Piping Handling Pipes used for the refrigerant piping system must include the specified thickness, and the interior must be clean. While handling and storing, do not bend or damage the pipes, and take care not to contaminate the interior with dust, moisture, etc. Keep Pipes Capped While Storing. Best Practices for LG HVAC System Installation Keep refrigerant pipe dry, clean, and airtight. No moisture should be inside the piping.
FLARING AND BRAZING PROCEDURES Flaring and Brazing Procedures One of the main causes of refrigerant leaks is a defective connection. For VRF systems, the installer needs to know how perform both flared and brazed connections successfully. • During installation, it is imperative to keep the piping system free of contaminants and debris such as copper burrs, slag, or carbon dust. • Do not use kinked pipe caused by excessive bending in one specific area on its length. Flaring Procedure 1.
FLARING AND BRAZING PROCEDURES Tightening the Flare Nuts Tightening Torque for Flare Nuts. Pipe Size (in� O�D�) Outside Diameter (mm) Tightening Torque (ft-lbs�) 13.0 - 18.0 1/4 6.35 9.52 24.6 - 30.4 3/8 39.8 - 47.7 1/2 12.7 45.4 - 59.3 15.88 5/8 71.5 - 87.5 19.05 3/4 Best Practices for LG HVAC System Installation 1. When connecting the flare nuts, coat the flare (outside only) with polyvinyl ether (PVE) refrigeration oil only.
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM ENGINEERING Proper system operation depends on the installer using utmost care while assembling the piping system. The following pages are an overview of best practices when installing the refrigerant piping system. LG Electronics U.S.A.,Inc.
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM ENGINEERING Obstacles Figure 3: Installing Piping Above and Below an Obstacle. When an obstacle, such as an I-beam or concrete T, is in the path of the planned refrigerant pipe run, it is best practice to route the pipe over the obstacle. If adequate space is not available to route the insulated pipe over the obstacle, then route the pipe under the obstacle.
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM ENGINEERING Pipe Sleeves at Penetrations LG requires that all pipe penetrations through walls, floors, and pipes buried underground be properly insulated and routed through an appropriate wall sleeve of sufficient size to prevent compression of refrigerant pipe insulation and promote free movement of the pipe within the sleeve. Use 4"+ curved sheet metal saddles between the bottom surface of the pipe and the bottom surface of the penetration. Figure 9: Pipe Sleeve Options.
INSULATION Refrigerant Piping System Insulation Best Practices for LG HVAC System Installation All refrigerant piping from the outdoor unit to the indoor units must be insulated correctly for safety and usage. Y-branch connections, header branch connections, refrigerant piping, field-provided isolation ball valves (if present), service valves, and elbows must be properly and completely insulated using closed cell pipe insulation (up to the indoor unit piping connections).
INSULATION • Always properly insulate the piping. Insufficient insulation will result in condensation, reduced heating/cooling performance, etc. Also, if the pipes aren't insulated properly, condensation could potentially cause damage to building finishes. Pay special attention to insulating the pipes installed in the ceiling plenum. • Follow locals codes and the designer’s instructions when selecting EPDM insulation wall thickness.
LG Electronics Commercial Products Support 1-888-865-3026 USA Follow the prompts for commercial A/C products. LG Electronics, U.S.A., Inc. Commercial Air Conditioning Division 4300 North Point Parkway Alpharetta, Georgia 30022 www.lghvac.
