Packaged Rooftop Units

Rev 3 · Updated Jun 4, 2026 · View history

1 Scope

NOTE This specification covers factory-assembled, self-contained packaged rooftop units (RTUs) with integral direct-expansion refrigerant cooling, mounted on a roof curb and connected to a ducted air distribution system. (1.1)
NOTE Equipment covered includes the cabinet, compressors and refrigerant circuits, air-cooled condenser coil and condenser fans, indoor DX evaporator (cooling) coil, supply fan and motor, integral heating section, outdoor-air and economizer dampers, filtration, condensate management, unit-mounted controls, and the roof curb and vibration isolation interface. (1.2)
NOTE A packaged rooftop unit is distinguished from a central station air handler by its integral, factory-charged refrigerant system contained within a single weatherproof cabinet, eliminating the field-installed chilled water plant and the associated hydronic piping. (1.3)
1.4Equipment shall comply with ANSI/AHRI 340/360 for performance rating of commercial and industrial unitary equipment (65,000 Btu/h and above), ANSI/AHRI 210/240 for unitary equipment below 65,000 Btu/h, ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1 for energy efficiency and economizer requirements, ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1 for outdoor-air ventilation, ANSI/ASHRAE 15 and ANSI/ASHRAE 34 for refrigerant safety and classification, ANSI Z21.47 / CSA 2.3 for gas-fired heating sections, NFPA 90A for fire and smoke safety, and UL 60335-2-40 for electrical and refrigerant-system safety listing.
1.5The Contractor shall coordinate RTU installation with the roof curb and structural roof framing, the roofing and flashing system, ductwork connections through the curb, electrical power and control wiring, gas piping (where gas heat is provided), condensate drainage, and vibration isolation.
1.6Coordination with Building Automation System is required for controls integration, and ductwork shall conform to Hvac Ductwork.

2 Referenced Standards

2.1Equipment, materials, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited.
Standard Title
ANSI/AHRI 340/360 (I-P) Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air-conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment
ANSI/AHRI 210/240 Performance Rating of Unitary Air-conditioning and Air-source Heat Pump Equipment (below 65,000 Btu/h)
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1 Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1 Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
ANSI/ASHRAE 15 Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems
ANSI/ASHRAE 34 Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants
ANSI/ASHRAE 52.2 Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size
UL 60335-2-40 Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances — Particular Requirements for Electrical Heat Pumps, Air-Conditioners, and Dehumidifiers
UL 1995 Heating and Cooling Equipment (where accepted by the AHJ in lieu of UL 60335-2-40)
ANSI Z21.47 / CSA 2.3 Gas-Fired Central Furnaces (applicable to gas-fired heating sections)
ANSI/AMCA 210 / ASHRAE 51 Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating
ANSI/AMCA 300 Reverberation Room Methods of Sound Testing of Fans
NFPA 90A Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems
NFPA 70 (NEC) National Electrical Code
IMC International Mechanical Code, adopted edition
IECC International Energy Conservation Code, adopted edition
ASCE 7 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible
EPA AIM Act / 40 CFR Part 84 American Innovation and Manufacturing Act — HFC phasedown and refrigerant transition rules
2.2Where conflicts exist between referenced standards, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.

3 Submittals

3.1 Action Submittals

3.1.1Contractor shall submit the following for review and acceptance prior to ordering equipment; fabrication and procurement shall not proceed until action submittals have been reviewed and returned.
  • Manufacturer's product data for each RTU, including model designation, configuration, capacity ratings, and a unit weight and dimensional drawing showing the roof curb interface, supply and return openings, and required service clearances
  • Certified performance data per AHRI 340/360 (or AHRI 210/240 for units below 65,000 Btu/h), including net total and sensible cooling capacity at design conditions, EER, IEER, and heating capacity and efficiency
  • Refrigerant designation, ASHRAE 34 safety classification, total factory charge by circuit, and, for A2L refrigerants, the calculated charge limit and the leak-detection and mitigation provisions per UL 60335-2-40
  • Supply fan performance data at the design external static pressure, including fan brake horsepower and ASHRAE 90.1 fan-power compliance documentation
  • Compressor data including type, number of stages or capacity-modulation range, and minimum step of unloading
  • Heating section data: for gas heat, input and output capacity, turndown, and ANSI Z21.47 certification; for electric heat, kW and stage count; for heat pump, integrated heating capacity and supplemental heat
  • Economizer assembly data including damper leakage class, actuator type, changeover control method, and FDD provisions per ASHRAE 90.1
  • Sound power level data per AMCA 300 in octave bands, for both supply discharge and outdoor (condenser) radiated sound
  • Roof curb drawing showing curb height, dimensions, gasketing, supply and return duct openings, and the curb-to-unit interface; seismic and wind restraint details where required
  • Electrical data including unit minimum circuit ampacity (MCA), maximum overcurrent protection (MOCP), voltage, phase, and disconnect configuration
  • Filter data including MERV rating certification per ASHRAE 52.2 and rack configuration
Action Submittals Requiredcheckbox
Product data, dimensional and weight drawing, clearances
AHRI certified performance data (cooling, EER, IEER, heating)
Refrigerant type, charge, and A2L leak-detection provisions
Supply fan performance and ASHRAE 90.1 fan-power compliance
Compressor staging / modulation data
Heating section data and gas/electric/heat-pump certification
Economizer and FDD data
Sound power levels (AMCA 300)
Roof curb drawing and restraint details
Electrical data (MCA, MOCP, voltage, disconnect)
Filter MERV certification (ASHRAE 52.2)

3.2 Closeout Submittals

3.2.1Contractor shall provide the following at or before substantial completion:
  • Operation and maintenance manuals with manufacturer's installation, operation, and maintenance instructions for the unit and all major components
  • As-built wiring diagrams and the BAS points list with terminal designations
  • Factory and field test reports, including the startup report by the manufacturer's representative
  • Refrigerant charge record (type, total charge by circuit, and any field charge adjustment)
  • Commissioning records, including economizer and FDD functional test results
  • Air balance report from the TAB agent per Testing Adjusting And Balancing
  • Filter media installed at substantial completion with MERV certification and a change-out date tag
  • Warranty documentation, including the separate compressor and heat exchanger warranties
Required Closeout Submittalscheckbox
Operation and maintenance manuals
As-built wiring diagrams and BAS points list
Factory and field test reports including startup report
Refrigerant charge record
Commissioning records (economizer and FDD functional tests)
Air balance report from TAB agent
Filter media with MERV certification and change-out date tag
Warranty documentation (including compressor and heat exchanger)

4 Quality Assurance

4.1 Manufacturer Qualifications

4.1.1RTUs shall be produced by a manufacturer regularly engaged in the production of packaged unitary equipment for a minimum of ten years, with a documented quality management system.
4.1.2The manufacturer shall provide the capability to supply replacement parts and factory-authorized service within the project region for a minimum of fifteen years after the date of manufacture.

4.2 AHRI Certification

AHRI Certification Basisradio
AHRI 340/360 (units 65,000 Btu/h and above)
AHRI 210/240 (units below 65,000 Btu/h)
4.2.1Units rated 65,000 Btu/h and above shall be certified under the AHRI Unitary Large Equipment (ULE) or applicable certification program to AHRI 340/360, and published EER and IEER ratings shall bear the AHRI certification mark.
4.2.2Units below 65,000 Btu/h shall be certified to AHRI 210/240.
4.2.3Published capacities and efficiency ratings shall reflect AHRI-certified ratings, not uncertified catalog selections.

4.3 NRTL Listing

4.3.1The complete unit, including all electrical and refrigerant-system components, shall be listed and labeled by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to UL 60335-2-40.
4.3.2Where the AHJ continues to accept UL 1995 listings for equipment manufactured before the transition date, UL 1995-listed equipment is acceptable.
4.3.3Gas-fired heating sections shall additionally be certified to ANSI Z21.47 / CSA 2.3.

4.4 Pre-Installation Conference

4.4.1A pre-installation conference shall be held before setting any RTU, attended by the Contractor, the roofing sub-contractor, the controls sub-contractor, the TAB agent, and the Owner's representative.
4.4.2The agenda shall include crane and rigging plan, curb setting and flashing sequence, structural load verification, utility connections, refrigerant A2L safety provisions, controls interface points, and the commissioning schedule.

5 Environmental and Service Conditions

5.1RTUs shall be selected and rated for the operating conditions at the installation site.
NOTE Design conditions are as indicated on the mechanical schedules. (5.2)
5.3Because the entire unit, including compressors and the condenser, is exposed to outdoor weather, the cabinet, coatings, and components shall be suitable for continuous outdoor service.

5.4 Ambient Operating Range

Low-Ambient Mechanical Coolingselect
Not required — economizer provides cooling below 55°F outdoor
Condenser fan cycling — to approximately 35°F outdoor
Condenser fan speed control — to approximately 0°F outdoor
Low-ambient head-pressure control — below 0°F outdoor
5.4.1The unit shall provide rated mechanical cooling at outdoor ambient temperatures up to 115°F and shall be capable of operation at the design summer ambient for the project climate zone.
5.4.2Where mechanical cooling is required at outdoor temperatures below 55°F (e.g., to serve interior loads in cold weather), low-ambient cooling provisions such as condenser fan cycling, condenser fan speed control, or head-pressure control shall be specified.

5.5 Corrosive and Coastal Environments

Coil Corrosion Protectionselect
Standard — uncoated aluminum fin / copper tube
E-coat (epoxy) applied coil — coastal and industrial
Microchannel aluminum with protective coating
Copper fin / copper tube
5.5.1Where the unit is installed within approximately three miles of a saltwater coast, or in an industrial atmosphere with corrosive contaminants, the condenser and evaporator coils shall be protected with a corrosion-resistant coil treatment and the cabinet exterior shall receive an enhanced corrosion-resistant finish.
NOTE Uncoated aluminum-fin condenser coils corrode rapidly in salt-laden air, reducing heat rejection and shortening compressor life. (5.5.2)

6 Performance and Efficiency

6.1 Cooling Capacity

Nominal Cooling Capacityrange
tons
3150
34567.51012.51520253040506075100150
Default: 20 tons
6.1.1Net total and net sensible cooling capacity at the design entering conditions shall be as indicated on the mechanical schedules.
6.1.2Capacity shall be the net value after deduction of supply fan heat, certified per AHRI 340/360.
6.1.3Sensible heat ratio shall be appropriate for the space load; selecting a unit by total capacity alone, without confirming sensible capacity, is a common cause of poor humidity control in spaces with high latent load.

6.2 Efficiency Ratings

Cooling Efficiency Compliance Basisradio
ASHRAE 90.1 minimum EER and IEER
IECC minimum EER and IEER
Exceeds code minimum — life-cycle optimized (project goal)
Minimum Full-Load Efficiency (EER)range
EER
9.514
Default: 11 EER
Minimum Part-Load Efficiency (IEER)range
IEER
1120
Default: 14 IEER
6.2.1Cooling efficiency shall meet or exceed the minimum EER and IEER required by ASHRAE 90.1 (or the adopted IECC) for the unit's capacity category and heating type.
6.2.2Units below 65,000 Btu/h are additionally rated by SEER2 and EER2 per AHRI 210/240.
6.2.3Selections that exceed the code minimum should be evaluated on life-cycle cost where energy rates or operating hours are high.
NOTE Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER) represents weighted part-load performance across four load points and is the controlling metric for most commercial RTUs, which spend the majority of operating hours at part load. (6.2.4)

7 Refrigerant System

7.1 Refrigerant Selection

Refrigerant Typeradio
R-454B (A2L, low-GWP) — current commercial standard
R-32 (A2L, low-GWP)
R-410A (legacy — existing-equipment replacement only)
7.1.1Specifying R-410A on new units is no longer aligned with current production and should be limited to replacement components for existing equipment.
NOTE Under the EPA AIM Act HFC phasedown, new packaged unitary equipment manufactured for the US market has transitioned away from R-410A to lower-GWP A2L refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32, both of which carry an ASHRAE 34 A2L (lower-toxicity, lower-flammability) classification and a global warming potential substantially below R-410A. (7.1.2)

7.2 A2L Safety Provisions

A2L Leak Detection and Mitigationradio
Factory-installed leak detector with mitigation (required above charge limit)
Not required — charge below A2L threshold for the cabinet
Not applicable — non-flammable (A1) refrigerant
7.2.1For units charged with an A2L refrigerant, the unit shall comply with the charge-limit, leak-detection, and mitigation requirements of UL 60335-2-40 and ASHRAE 15.
7.2.2Where the refrigerant charge in a circuit exceeds the applicable limit, the unit shall include a factory-installed refrigerant leak detector that, on detection, initiates supply fan operation to dissipate refrigerant and de-energizes ignition sources.
7.2.3The Contractor shall not field-modify A2L charge or relocate detectors.
7.2.4Service personnel shall be trained for A2L equipment.

7.3 Compressor Type and Capacity Control

Compressor Capacity Controlselect
Single-stage (one compressor, on/off)
Two-stage (staged compressors or two-step unloading)
Multi-stage (three or more capacity steps)
Variable-capacity (digital scroll or inverter-driven)
Number of Independent Refrigerant Circuitsselect
1 — single circuit (small units)
2 — dual circuit (redundancy and staging)
3 or more — large-capacity units
7.3.1Compressors shall be hermetic or semi-hermetic scroll type.
7.3.2Each refrigerant circuit shall be independent, with its own compressor, expansion device, and condenser section, so a single circuit failure does not disable all cooling.
NOTE Capacity control determines part-load efficiency and comfort: single-stage compressors cycle fully on and off, multiple staged compressors provide stepped capacity, and variable-capacity (digital scroll or inverter) compressors modulate continuously to match load, with variable-capacity compression delivering the highest part-load efficiency at higher first cost while staged compression remains the common choice for most commercial applications. (7.3.3)

8 Heating

8.1 Heating Source

Heating Sourceselect
Gas-fired (natural gas)
Gas-fired (propane / LP)
Electric resistance
Heat pump (reverse-cycle) with supplemental electric heat
Hydronic hot water coil
Cooling only — no integral heat
8.1.1The integral heating source shall be selected for the building's heating load, available fuel, and energy strategy.
NOTE Gas-fired heating is the most common selection for commercial RTUs where natural gas is available; electric resistance heat is used where gas is unavailable or for small heating loads; heat pump (reverse-cycle) units provide efficient heating above the balance point and typically include supplemental electric heat for cold weather; and a hydronic heating coil allows the unit to be served by a building hot water plant where one exists. (8.1.2)

8.2 Gas-Fired Heating Section

Gas Heat Exchanger Materialradio
Aluminized steel — standard service
Type 409 stainless steel — extended life / condensing risk
Type 304/316 stainless steel — corrosive or high-cycling service
Gas Burner Controlselect
Single-stage
Two-stage
Modulating (high turndown)
Heating Input Capacityrange
MBH
501500
Default: 250 MBH
8.2.1Gas-fired heating sections shall be certified to ANSI Z21.47 / CSA 2.3 with a stainless steel or aluminized steel heat exchanger as specified.
8.2.2Burners shall be staged or modulating to provide turndown that reduces temperature swing and short cycling.
8.2.3Combustion air and flue products shall be handled per the manufacturer's listing.
8.2.4The heat exchanger shall be warranted separately against failure from thermal cracking.

8.3 Electric and Heat Pump Heating

Electric / Supplemental Heat Capacityrange
kW
5150
Default: 30 kW
8.3.1Electric resistance heating elements shall be staged and protected by automatic-reset and manual-reset high-limit thermal cutouts.
8.3.2Heat pump units shall report the integrated heating capacity at the design heating ambient and shall include supplemental electric resistance heat sized for the balance-point shortfall and for defrost recovery.
8.3.3Supplemental heat shall be locked out by the controls above the balance-point temperature to avoid unnecessary electric heating.

9 Economizer and Ventilation

9.1 Air-Side Economizer

Economizerselect
Integrated air-side economizer — modulating to 100% OA
Economizer with powered exhaust / relief fan
No economizer (only where code-exempt)
Economizer Changeover Controlselect
Differential dry-bulb (OA temp below RA temp)
Fixed dry-bulb (OA below fixed high-limit setpoint)
Differential enthalpy (OA enthalpy below RA enthalpy)
Fixed enthalpy (OA enthalpy below fixed setpoint)
9.1.1Where required by ASHRAE 90.1 Section 6.5.1 (or the adopted energy code) for the unit's capacity and climate zone, the unit shall include an integrated air-side economizer capable of modulating outdoor-air dampers to 100% outdoor air for free cooling when outdoor conditions are favorable.
9.1.2The economizer shall include a barometric or powered relief path to maintain building pressure at high outdoor-air fractions.
9.1.3The design team shall select the changeover strategy appropriate to the climate zone and the Owner's maintenance capability.
NOTE A low-leakage outdoor-air damper is essential: a leaky economizer damper admits unconditioned air during mechanical cooling and heating, wasting energy year-round. (9.1.4)
NOTE Differential enthalpy control captures the most economizer hours in humid climates but requires enthalpy sensors that need periodic calibration, while fixed or differential dry-bulb control is simpler and more reliable in dry climates. (9.1.5)

9.2 Economizer Fault Detection and Diagnostics

Economizer Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD)radio
FDD with fault reporting to BAS (per ASHRAE 90.1 6.4.3.12)
FDD with local annunciation only
Not required (code-exempt unit)
9.2.1Where required by ASHRAE 90.1 Section 6.4.3.12, the economizer shall include fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) capable of detecting and reporting faulty changeover sensors, damper-not-modulating conditions, excess or deficient outdoor air, and economizer-disabled-when-it-should-be-enabled conditions.
9.2.2Faults shall be reported to the BAS or annunciated locally so service personnel can act on them.
NOTE Economizers without FDD are a frequent source of silent energy waste because a failed damper or sensor goes unnoticed for years. (9.2.3)

9.3 Outdoor-Air Ventilation

Minimum Outdoor-Air Control Methodselect
Fixed minimum damper position (constant-volume units)
Outdoor-air measurement station with damper control (VAV units)
Differential-pressure / flow-station control
Design Minimum Outdoor Airflowrange
CFM
10020000
Default: 2000 CFM
9.3.1The unit shall deliver the minimum outdoor airflow required by ASHRAE 62.1 for the served occupancy at all operating conditions, including reduced supply airflow on VAV systems.
NOTE Reliable minimum outdoor-air control on a VAV unit generally requires an outdoor-air measurement and control method rather than a fixed damper position, because the outdoor-air fraction at a fixed damper position varies with supply fan speed and building pressure. (9.3.2)

9.4 Demand-Controlled Ventilation

Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV)radio
CO2-based DCV (required for high-density spaces per 90.1 6.4.3.8)
Occupancy-based DCV (scheduled or sensor)
Not provided (low-density occupancy)
9.4.1Where required by ASHRAE 90.1 Section 6.4.3.8 for densely occupied spaces, the unit shall provide demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) that resets outdoor airflow based on space CO2 concentration in proportion to actual occupancy.
9.4.2DCV shall not reduce outdoor air below the area-based (base) ventilation rate required for the space.
NOTE DCV reduces the energy penalty of ventilating for peak occupancy when a space is partly occupied, while maintaining ASHRAE 62.1 ventilation per person. (9.4.3)

10 Supply Fan and Air Distribution

10.1 Supply Fan Type and Volume Control

Supply Fan Volume Controlselect
Constant volume — fixed speed
Variable air volume — VFD-driven
Variable air volume — ECM (electronically commutated motor)
Two-speed
Supply Fan Typeselect
Forward-curved centrifugal (smaller units)
Backward-curved / airfoil centrifugal
Plenum (plug) fan — direct drive
10.1.1Constant-volume units shall use a fixed-speed fan and are appropriate for single-zone applications.
10.1.2VAV units shall modulate supply airflow to match zone loads and shall use a variable-speed fan.
10.1.3Electronically commutated motor (ECM) and variable-frequency-drive (VFD) driven fans shall deliver the part-load energy savings that ASHRAE 90.1 requires for VAV and for multi-stage units.
NOTE Forward-curved fans remain common in smaller packaged units, but backward-curved and ECM plenum fans provide higher efficiency and lower sound in larger units. (10.1.4)

10.2 Design External Static Pressure and Fan Power

Design Supply Airflowrange
CFM
100060000
Default: 8000 CFM
Design External Static Pressurerange
in. w.g.
0.34
0.30.50.7511.251.522.534
Default: 1 in. w.g.
Supply Fan Motor Voltageselect
208V / 3-phase
460V / 3-phase
575V / 3-phase
208V / 1-phase (small units only)
10.2.1Supply airflow and design external static pressure shall be as indicated on the mechanical schedules.
10.2.2Fan brake horsepower at design conditions shall comply with the ASHRAE 90.1 fan-power limits.
10.2.3The fan shall be selected at the design point with margin for the loaded-filter condition so that the unit delivers design airflow throughout the filter service interval.

11 Cabinet and Construction

11.1 Cabinet Construction

Cabinet Panel Constructionradio
Double-wall insulated panels (foam or fiber, with inner liner)
Single-wall with internal insulation liner (small units only)
Cabinet Insulation R-valueselect
R-4 to R-6 (standard commercial)
R-8 to R-13 (cold climate / energy-conscious)
11.1.1The cabinet shall be weatherproof, of double-wall insulated panel construction for all conditioned-air sections, with a galvanized steel structure and a corrosion-resistant exterior finish suitable for continuous outdoor exposure.
11.1.2Panels shall be insulated to limit thermal loss and surface condensation.
NOTE Double-wall construction prevents exterior sweating, protects the insulation from erosion and moisture, and improves cabinet rigidity and sound attenuation. (11.1.3)

11.2 Exterior Finish

Exterior Finish Salt-Spray Ratingradio
Standard — minimum 500-hour ASTM B117
Enhanced — minimum 1,000-hour ASTM B117 (coastal / industrial)
11.2.1Exterior cabinet panels shall receive a factory-applied, UV-resistant, corrosion-resistant finish demonstrated to withstand a minimum 1,000-hour salt-spray exposure per ASTM B117.
11.2.2Fasteners and hardware exposed to weather shall be corrosion-resistant.
11.2.3All field cuts and penetrations made during installation shall receive touch-up coating.

11.3 Access Panels

Access Panel Typeradio
Hinged, gasketed, with quarter-turn latches
Removable bolted gasketed panels
11.3.1Hinged or removable access panels shall be provided at the filter, evaporator coil and drain pan, supply fan, compressor, and heating sections.
11.3.2Panels shall be gasketed and shall seal against air leakage.
11.3.3Access shall permit filter change, compressor service, and component replacement without removing the unit from the curb.

11.4 Filtration

Filter MERV Ratingselect
MERV 8 — minimum for commercial occupied spaces
MERV 11 — improved particulate removal
MERV 13 — enhanced IAQ (recommended; code/green-building)
11.4.1The unit shall include a filter section upstream of the evaporator coil with a rack sized for the specified filter.
11.4.2Air filtration shall comply with ASHRAE 52.2.
11.4.3The fan selection shall account for the final (loaded) filter resistance.

11.5 Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate Drain Pan Materialradio
Stainless steel
Corrosion-resistant coated steel
Molded composite / polymer
11.5.1A sloped, corrosion-resistant condensate drain pan shall be provided beneath the evaporator coil, extending downstream of the coil face to capture carryover.
11.5.2The pan shall fully drain after each cooling cycle to prevent the standing water that promotes biological growth.
11.5.3A condensate trap sized for the negative static pressure at the pan shall be provided so the pan drains freely and unconditioned air is not drawn in through the drain.

12 Roof Curb and Vibration Isolation

12.1 Roof Curb

Roof Curb Typeselect
Factory-supplied insulated curb matched to unit
Factory-supplied curb with integral vibration isolation rails
Field-fabricated curb to manufacturer's dimensions (only where unavoidable)
Roof Curb Heightrange
in.
836
8121418243036
Default: 14 in.
12.1.1The unit shall be set on a factory-supplied roof curb matched to the unit footprint and supply and return openings.
12.1.2The curb shall be a fully welded or mechanically fastened galvanized steel assembly with integral wood nailer for roof flashing, internal cross-supports under the duct openings, and gasketing at the unit-to-curb joint.
12.1.3The curb height shall provide the roofing flashing height required by the roofing system and shall be coordinated with Hvac Ductwork for the supply and return duct transitions.
12.1.4Curb dimensions, height, and duct opening locations are as detailed on the roof plan and curb detail.

12.2 Vibration Isolation

Vibration Isolationselect
Unit integral isolation on standard curb (typical)
Spring-isolation rail curb (noise-sensitive occupancy below)
Elastomeric-isolation rail curb
12.2.1Where the unit serves noise-sensitive spaces or is mounted over occupied areas with limited structural mass, vibration isolation shall be provided between the unit and the curb (isolation curb with spring or elastomeric rails) or integral to the unit base.
NOTE Rigid mounting transmits compressor and fan vibration into the roof deck and the structure below; an isolation curb breaks that path, while for units over heavy structural slabs remote from occupancy a standard curb with the unit's integral isolation is generally adequate. (12.2.2)

12.3 Seismic and Wind Restraint

Seismic / Wind Restraintradio
Required — per ASCE 7 and applicable building code
Not required
12.3.1Where required by the applicable building code and ASCE 7 for the seismic design category and wind exposure, the unit and curb shall be restrained to resist the design seismic and wind forces while preserving the function of any vibration isolation.
12.3.2Restraint details and anchorage are as detailed on the structural drawings.

13 Electrical

13.1 Power Connection

Unit Disconnectradio
Factory-installed non-fused disconnect switch
Factory-installed fused disconnect / HACR breaker
Field-provided disconnect within sight of unit
13.1.1Unit electrical characteristics, including minimum circuit ampacity (MCA), maximum overcurrent protection (MOCP), voltage, and phase, shall be as published by the manufacturer for the selected configuration and shall be coordinated with the branch circuit per NFPA 70.
13.1.2A factory-installed, lockable unit-mounted disconnect shall be provided.
13.1.3Field power, branch circuit sizing, and overcurrent protection are as indicated on the electrical drawings.

13.2 Convenience and Service Provisions

Service Receptacleradio
Factory-installed unit-powered GFCI receptacle
Field-provided independent GFCI receptacle
13.2.1A unit-mounted GFCI service receptacle shall be provided where required by NFPA 70 (Article 210.63) for HVAC equipment on rooftops.
NOTE A service receptacle powered independently from the unit disconnect allows safe servicing with the unit de-energized. (13.2.2)

14 Controls Integration

14.1 Unit Controller and BAS Interface

BAS Communication Protocolselect
BACnet MS/TP (RS-485)
BACnet IP (Ethernet)
Modbus RTU (RS-485)
Modbus TCP/IP (Ethernet)
Hardwired I/O only (no network)
14.1.1The unit shall be furnished with a factory-installed, microprocessor-based unit controller that sequences cooling, heating, economizer, and ventilation, and that communicates with the project building automation system per Building Automation System.
14.1.2The Contractor shall coordinate the communication protocol and the physical interface points with the BAS contractor before submittal.
14.1.3All field control terminations shall be labeled to match the points list.

14.2 Minimum Control Points

14.2.1At minimum, the unit controls interface shall make the following points available to the BAS:
  • Supply (discharge) air temperature
  • Return air temperature
  • Mixed air temperature (economizer-equipped units)
  • Outdoor air temperature and humidity (economizer changeover and DCV)
  • Space CO2 (DCV-equipped units)
  • Supply fan start/stop, speed command (VAV), and status
  • Compressor stage / capacity command and status by circuit
  • Heating stage / modulation command and status
  • Economizer damper position and FDD fault status
  • Outdoor-air damper position or measured outdoor airflow
  • Filter differential pressure / dirty-filter alarm
  • Refrigerant leak-detection alarm (A2L units)
  • General unit alarm and lockout status
Controls Points Packagecheckbox
Supply (discharge) air temperature
Return air temperature
Mixed air temperature
Outdoor air temperature and humidity
Space CO2 (DCV)
Supply fan start/stop, speed, status
Compressor stage / capacity and status
Heating stage / modulation and status
Economizer position and FDD fault status
Outdoor-air damper position / measured OA airflow
Filter differential pressure / dirty-filter alarm
Refrigerant leak-detection alarm (A2L)
General alarm and lockout status

14.3 Smoke Detection

Duct Smoke Detectorselect
Supply duct detector (per NFPA 90A)
Supply and return duct detectors
Return duct detector only (where required by return-air quantity)
14.3.1Duct smoke detection shall be provided per NFPA 90A and the IMC.
14.3.2Smoke detection shall initiate unit shutdown.
14.3.3Where return-air quantity exceeds the code threshold, a return-air duct smoke detector shall be provided.
14.3.4Smoke detectors shall be listed for in-duct use and installed per the manufacturer's instructions for the duct cross-section.

15 Factory Testing

Factory Test Documentationradio
Standard factory run-test report furnished
Witnessed factory test (provide 10 business days notice)
15.1Every unit shall be factory run-tested before shipment, including evacuating, charging, and leak-testing the refrigerant circuit(s); each compressor and condenser fan shall be operated; the heating section shall be fired or energized and checked; and the controls shall be verified.
15.2A factory run-test report shall be furnished as a closeout submittal.
15.3Units that fail any test shall be corrected and retested before shipment.

16 Installation and Startup

16.1 Rigging and Setting

Pre-Startup Inspection Checklistcheckbox
Structural / curb load verified before pick
Unit level — condensate pan drains
Unit-to-curb gasket continuous and sealed
Shipping restraints removed; fan and compressor mounts free
Supply and return duct connections complete
Condensate trap installed, sized for negative pressure, and primed
Roof flashing and counterflashing complete and watertight
Electrical, disconnect, and service receptacle connected
Gas piping connected and leak-tested (gas units)
Filters installed; service clearances maintained
16.1.1The unit shall be rigged and set on the curb per the manufacturer's instructions using the furnished lifting points and spreader bars; rigging shall not bear on cabinet panels or coils.
16.1.2Before lifting, the Contractor shall verify the structural roof framing and curb are adequate for the unit operating weight, confirm the crane reach and pick plan, and verify the unit and curb supply and return openings align.
16.1.3After setting, the unit shall be level so the condensate pan drains, and the unit-to-curb gasket shall be continuous and sealed.

16.2 Roofing, Flashing, and Penetrations

16.2.1Roof flashing and counterflashing at the curb shall be completed by the roofing trade and shall be watertight before startup.
16.2.2Duct, refrigerant (where applicable), electrical, gas, and condensate penetrations through the roof and curb shall be flashed and sealed weathertight.
16.2.3The Contractor shall coordinate the flashing sequence so the curb is dried-in before the unit is set.

16.3 Duct, Gas, and Condensate Connections

16.3.1Supply and return ductwork shall connect to the unit through the curb per Hvac Ductwork, independently supported so duct weight is not carried by the cabinet.
16.3.2Gas piping to gas-fired units shall include a shutoff valve, sediment trap, and union at the unit, and shall be leak-tested before firing.
16.3.3The condensate drain shall include a trap sized for the unit's negative static pressure and shall be routed to an approved point of disposal with the slope and freeze protection required by the climate.

16.4 Startup and Commissioning

Commissioning Levelselect
Manufacturer startup with TAB verification (standard)
Manufacturer startup, TAB, and functional performance testing by commissioning agent
Manufacturer startup only — no TAB (not recommended)
16.4.1Initial startup shall be performed by a factory-trained representative of the manufacturer.
16.4.2After startup, TAB shall be performed by an independent certified agency per Testing Adjusting And Balancing to set supply, return, and outdoor airflow to design.
16.4.3Startup and commissioning shall verify refrigerant charge, compressor and condenser-fan operation by stage, heating operation and turndown, economizer modulation and changeover, FDD fault reporting, minimum and demand-controlled outdoor air, safety lockouts (high-pressure, low-temperature, A2L leak detection), and correct reporting of all BAS points.

17 Warranty

17.1 Equipment Warranty

Equipment Warranty Periodselect
1 year parts and labor
2 years parts and labor
1 year parts and labor, extended compressor/heat-exchanger coverage
17.1.1The manufacturer shall warrant the unit against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from substantial completion, covering the complete assembly.
17.1.2Factory-authorized service shall be available within the project region during the warranty period.

17.2 Compressor Warranty

Compressor Warrantyradio
1 year (same as equipment warranty)
5 years on compressor
17.2.1Each compressor shall carry an extended warranty separate from the base equipment warranty.

17.3 Heat Exchanger Warranty

Gas Heat Exchanger Warrantyselect
Not applicable (electric / heat pump / cooling-only unit)
5 years on heat exchanger
10 years on heat exchanger
15 years / limited lifetime on heat exchanger
17.3.1The gas-fired heat exchanger shall carry an extended warranty against thermal failure.

17.4 Installation Warranty

17.4.1The Contractor shall warrant the installation workmanship — including curb flashing, duct and utility connections, vibration isolation, sealing, and refrigerant and condensate connections — for one year from substantial completion.

18 Spare Parts

18.1Spare filters shall be stored on site in sealed packaging labeled with the unit designation and MERV rating.
Spare Parts at Substantial Completioncheckbox
One complete set of spare filters (each unit)
One set of drive belts (belt-driven supply fans)
Set of spare fuses for all fuse types installed
One spare set of access-panel gaskets

19 Identification and Labeling

Unit Nameplate Materialradio
Stainless steel — outdoor rooftop service
Anodized aluminum or laminated phenolic
19.1Each unit shall bear a permanent nameplate listing the manufacturer's model and serial number, nominal cooling capacity, heating input or capacity, supply airflow, refrigerant type and total charge, electrical characteristics (voltage, phase, MCA, MOCP), and date of manufacture.
19.2Units charged with an A2L refrigerant shall bear the flammable-refrigerant marking required by UL 60335-2-40 and ASHRAE 15.
19.3Access panels shall be labeled to identify the section behind each panel.

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