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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 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.
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 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.
A scale drawing of the louver section should be sent to GE
Application Engineering. To assure the proper performance of
the Zoneline unit and comply with Underwriters Laboratories
requirements, it may be necessary to send a sample louver
section (at least 16" x 42") to an independent lab to be tested
with the Zoneline unit.
Sample Calculations
Free Area (%) =
x
y
x 100 x = 1" y = 1.5"
F.A. % =
1
1.5
x 100 = 66.7%
Exterior Architectural Treatments
and Special Outdoor Grilles