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Install the Condensate Drain Hose for RYB-20 Ducted Ceiling Concealed SystemsUpdated 15 minutes ago

Introduction

This article explains how to install the condensate drain hose for RYB-20 ducted ceiling concealed systems

The condensate drain hose, also called a drain line, directs water away from the unit. Improper installation may cause property damage.

Prerequisites

Caution

  • Ensure the drain line installation complies with all local and national codes and regulations.
  • Verify that the drain line is insulated to prevent condensation and potential water damage. If it is not, insulate it properly.
  • If the drain line is bent or installed incorrectly, water may leak and cause a water-level switch malfunction.
  • Do not pull the drain hose forcefully. This could disconnect it.

Installation Notes

  • When using an extended drain line, tighten the indoor connection with an additional protection tube to prevent accidental disconnection. 
  • The drain line should slope downward at a gradient of at least 1/100 to prevent water from flowing back into the air conditioner. 
  • If the drain line outlet is higher than the pump joint, install a lift pipe for the indoor unit's exhaust outlet. Do not install the lift pipe higher than 2-feet, 5-1/2-inches (750 mm) from the ceiling board. The distance between the unit and lift pipe must be less than 11-3/4 inches (300 mm). Improper installation may result in water backflow, potentially flooding the unit.
  • To prevent air bubbles, keep the drain hose level or slightly titled up by 3 inches (less than 75 mm).
  • Installation requires a polyethylene tube (exterior diameter = 1 in / 25 mm), which can be obtained at a local hardware store or dealer. 

A. Plan the Drain Line Layout

Before beginning the installation, plan the drain line layout and connection. 

B. Cut the Drain Line (If Needed)

If necessary, cut the drain line to fit your layout and connection. 

C. Insulate the Drain Line (If Needed)

Verify that the drain line is insulated to prevent condensation and potential water damage. If it is not, insulate it properly. Insufficient insulation may allow dew to form due to low condensate temperatures, resulting in potential water damage.

Insulate the drain line before beginning the connection, excluding the joint sections. These will be insulated at the end of the procedure. 

Ensure the insulation material is fitted tightly with no gaps. Do not over-tighten the insulation material. This may compress the air out of the material, causing poor insulation and early aging.

The insulation material must be made of flame-retardant material. Select a material that complies with local regulations. 

The thickness of the insulation material must be more than 3/8 of an inch (10 mm). 

Apply specialized adhesive to the insulation seams, then secure them with tape. Ensure the tape is at least 2 inches (51 mm) wide and applied firmly to prevent condensation. 

D. Connect the Drain Hose

Attach the drain hose to the indoor unit's drain line connection. 

Unlike wall-mounted systems, ceiling concealed units and other light commercial air conditioning systems require a PVC drain line. The flexible drain hoses are not suitable for these applications. 

Use a rubber coupler to connect the drain hose to the PVC drain line, ensuring a secure, water-tight seal. The rubber coupler and PVC drain line are sold separately from the system.

This is how the drainpipe assembly should look when attached to the PVC line with the rubber coupler. 

Install the drain line assembly as illustrated: 

These units operate with a negative pressure at the drain connections, meaning a drain trap is required. The trap needs to be installed as close to the unit as possible. Make sure the top of the trap is below the connection to the drain pan, allowing complete drainage of the pan. 

Install the drain line with a pump as illustrated: 

  • a: Metal clamp (accessory)
  • b: Drain hose (accessory)
  • c: Rising drain piping - vinyl pipe with a nominal diameter of 1 inch/25 mm and outer diameter of 1-1/4 inches/32 mm (field supply) 
  • d: Hanging bars (field supply)

When connecting multiple drain hoses, install them as illustrated: 

E. Pass the Drain Line Through the Wall Hole

When passing the drain line through the wall hole, make sure the water drains to a safe location where it will not cause water damage or a slipping hazard.

The drain line outlet should be at least 1-7/8 inches (50 mm) above the ground. If it touches the ground, the unit may become blocked, potentially leading to a malfunction. 

If the water is discharged directly into the sewer, ensure the drain has a U or S pipe to prevent odors from coming back into the house. 

F. Complete a Drainage Test

For information on completing a drainage test for ducted ceiling concealed systems, click this link. New buildings should perform this test before finishing the ceiling. 

G. Insulate the Joint Sections

The pipe joint insulation should 2-4 inches (51-102 mm) longer than the gap to ensure a proper seal. 

Insert the pipe joint insulation into the gap of the existing insulation. 

Ensure the pipe joint insulation is securely fastened to the suction and liquid pipes to prevent gaps. Use glue to paste together the linking part. Do not over-tighten the insulation material. This may compress the air out of the material, causing poor insulation and early aging. 

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