Pre-gassed split airconditioning units.

[jakelepeg]

I have managed to source a few units which, hopefully, with a bit of care and a lot of attention I should be able to instal myself. However, I am limited to 4 metres being the length of the supplied pre-gassed pipework. The pipework is already connected to the internal unit.

Some of my aircon requirements need to exceed 4 metres quite considerably and I assume I will have to arrange for a suitably qualified engineer to replace the existing pipework and install new pipework. Is there a limit to how long pipework can be run between external and internal units?

Whilst a competent DIYer restoring an ancient farmhouse in France over the past 6 years, is there anything I should be aware of and any precautions I should be taking before undertaking this task. My face isn't too handsome but it's the only one I've got and I would like to keep it in its present condition.

 

[rinkerdink]

I have managed to source a few units which, hopefully, with a bit of care and a lot of attention I should be able to instal myself. However, I am limited to 4 metres being the length of the supplied pre-gassed pipework. The pipework is already connected to the internal unit.

Some of my aircon requirements need to exceed 4 metres quite considerably and I assume I will have to arrange for a suitably qualified engineer to replace the existing pipework and install new pipework. Is there a limit to how long pipework can be run between external and internal units?

Whilst a competent DIYer restoring an ancient farmhouse in France over the past 6 years, is there anything I should be aware of and any precautions I should be taking before undertaking this task. My face isn't too handsome but it's the only one I've got and I would like to keep it in its present condition.

Unfortunately this is a specialist job requiring specialist equipment, if you intend to break the manufacturer pipework and extend it you must pressure test the system and evacuate all air, moisture and other contaminants, this is all covered under the Fgas regulations that are enforceable EU wide and you are liable to a cracking fine if found out, the extended pipework on these kind of systems takes it out of the 'critical' refrigerant charge limits and the additional weight of refrigerant must be added after it's been calculated.

All this said split bashing fridge engineers are two a penny and you won't pay through the nose for the right service.

The dangers associated with refrigerants include sudden death syndrome and cardiac arrest if exposed. There is a limit to run of pipework but you will need to refer to the manufacturers specification which should detail this

 

[Corgigrouch]

Just to add to Dinks comments, The refrigerant inside the units will boil at roughly minus 30 centigrade if released, which is enough to freeze human tissue... I'm told that frozen eyeballs are very painful.... And I know first hand how painful it is to freeze the skin on my hands and wrists.

Ditch the cheap units and get some decent quality kit installed.. They will work out cheaper in the long run

 

[jakelepeg]

Thank you for your replies. I certainly have no intention of interfering with the pipework and will only be undertaking the installation of the "quick connection" units which falls within the length of the supplied pipework. Even here I will be proceeding with extreme caution given the inherent dangers mentioned.

Where I need extended runs I will certainly leave that to the professionals as, indeed, I am required to do so by law.

I believe the units are manufactured in Germany so should be of reasonable quality. (Of course, that may be the Germany in China !!)

 

[Corgigrouch]

I think that you will find that the stickers were applied in Germany. I don't think that even Vaillant units are German made.

 

[jakelepeg]

You are probably right, just about everything now comes from China. I really don't know much about the quality. The units are BODNER & MANN 17,000 BTUs and are sold in Castorama out here in France for Euros 800 each. Castorama is part of the Kingfisher group (B&Q, Screwfix etc) They don't carry any "made in Germany" stickers, it was just something someone suggested.

 

[Corgigrouch]

Yup... Chinese. You buy them by the container load and the chinks stick on whatever name you want. Don't expect to find spares should you need them.

Castorama is going down a bit... Once upon a time they would have Carrier on their shelves