Architect and Engineering Manual

10
STANDARD SIZE AIR FILTER
A number of filters, providing varying degrees of
filtering efficiency, are available on the market today.
GE Appliances has designed the Zoneline® Vertical
chassis to accommodate a number of filter placement
options. The filter provided with the unit is a standard
size 18" W x 20" H x 1" D filter.
The unit must not be operated without a filter in place,
even during construction.
GE Appliances provides three filter placement options
for design and installation flexibility. Filter brackets are
provided on the front of the Zoneline vertical unit chassis
(18" x 20" x 1"), which allow for the filter to be directly
mounted to the unit.
An access panel, accessory model number RAVRG4,
for the closet enclosure is the second filter placement
option (20" x 24" x 1 to 2"). The access panel requires
a cutout in the unit closet enclosure wall and provides
access to the unit for servicing and removal. The access
panel should be located in the wall such that the
centerline of the access panel matches the centerline
of the chassis. The bottom of the access panel should
be at least 1" below the top edge of the drain platform
to allow for easy removal of the Zoneline Vertical unit.
The third filter placement option is incorporated in return
air grille RAVRG2. A 20" x 20" x 1" filter fits inside the
grille. The RAVRG2 can be installed in a solid closet
access door or in a closet side wall. A 20-3/8" x 20-3/8"
cutout in the closet wall or door is required to install
this option.
A different size filter may also be used in a field-supplied
frame installed in a return air grille mounted in the closet
enclosure door or wall.
Only one filter is to be used in the installation. Multiple
filters will reduce the air flow and affect unit performance.
A clean filter is essential to efficient unit operation.
The filter should be checked at least every 30 days and
replaced if dirty.
EXTERIOR GRILLE
The architectural louver exterior grille
is mounted to the exterior of the
plenum and held in place with four
screws inserted from inside enclosure
closet. The grille is designed specifically
for use with the Zoneline Vertical
chassis, and the use of any other grille
must be approved by GE Appliances
Air Conditioning Applications
Engineering.
OUTDOOR CLEARANCES
Since the GE Zoneline Vertical chassis is an air exchange
system, it is critical that the exterior grille, which provides
both intake and exhaust, not be covered or impeded
in any way.
Small or minor obstacles, such as poles or small shrubs,
should be a minimum of two feet away (radius in all
directions). Larger obstructions, such as a solid fence/wall
and heat-generating sources, like a condensing unit,
should be kept away a minimum distance of six feet.
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL TREATMENTS AND
SPECIAL OUTDOOR GRILLES
The architectural design of a building may dictate the
use of special or oversized louvers for aesthetic reasons.
Louvers other than standard Zoneline exterior grilles
may be used on the Zoneline unit; however, these special
louvers, or any special exterior architectural treatments
of the building facade that may restrict the free circulation
of condenser airflow, should be referred to GE Appliances
Application Engineering for evaluation and approval. The
following guidelines should be followed in selecting
a louver:
1. The louver must have a minimum of 65% free area.
ASHRAE defines "free area" as the minimum area of
the opening in an air inlet or outlet through which air
can pass. Percent (%) free area equals the X dimension
divided by the Y dimension. (See examples below).
2. The louver should be attached to the wall case in
a manner that will prevent recirculation of condenser
discharge air into the air inlet. If the louver is not
attached directly to the wall case, a field-supplied
splitter or gasket is required between the chassis
and the louver to prevent recirculation.
It is important that the above criteria be followed since
a louver that is too restrictive or allows recirculation will
reduce the unit’s capacity and efficiency, increase the
electrical current draw, cause intermittent operation
due to the compressor overload protector shutting the
compressor off, and cause failure of the compressor
overload protector and shorten compressor life. Using
the unit with a grille that is too restrictive or allows
recirculation may constitute improper installation and
will void the unit's warranty. Since the Zoneline unit complies
with Underwriters Laboratories® requirements, it may be
necessary to send a full-size sample louver section to an
independent lab to be tested with the Zoneline unit.
COMPONENTS & INSTALLATION
SAMPLE CALCULATIONS
Free Area (%) =
x
y
x 100 x = 1" y = 1.5"
F.A. % =
1
1.5
x 100 = 66.7%
Preliminary specifications. Subject to change.