Single Zone Outdoor Condenser Installation Manual
DURASTAR.COM
15
OIL TRAPS
Oil traps are necessary for the continued performance of the system if the indoor and outdoor
units are installed at significantly different heights.
If the indoor unit is installed higher than the outdoor unit:
Oil may flow back into the outdoor unit's compressor and cause liquid compression. This will lead
to deterioration of performance and shorten the life of the compressor. Oil traps in the rising gas
piping can prevent this and should be installed every 32'10" (10m) of vertical rise.
If the outdoor unit is installed higher than the indoor unit:
Proper oil return to the compressor must be maintained with the suction gas velocity. If velocities
drop below 1500fpm, oil return will be decreased and lead to deterioration of performance and
shorten the life of the compressor. Oil traps in the rising gas piping can prevent this and should be
installed every 19'9" (6m) of vertical rise.
Indoor Unit
Indoor Unit
Outdoor Unit
Outdoor Unit
Oil Trap
Oil Trap
Gas Pipe
Gas Pipe
Liquid
Pipe
Liquid
Pipe
32’ 10” (10m)
32’ 10” (10m)
19’ 9” (6m)
19’ 9” (6m)
Required distance between oil traps when
the indoor unit is installed higher than the
outdoor unit.
Required distance between oil traps when
the outdoor unit is installed higher than the
indoor unit.