Hello,
First I will level with you and say...I am not from NY and am not aware of the local code. BUT....I think it is pretty much a national standard that the equipment must be readily accessible and safe to work on.
Even on roof tops, if the equipment is within 10 feet of the edge a rail must be installed.
How to you plan to service or repair the units ?
Billy
Hey Billy,
It's very important for me to have the NYC building code for using/installing this equipment because an electric inspector gave me a violation for mounting these units against the wall on each floor claiming that i won't be able to service it when necessary.
When i answered that a ladder can be used he said that it's unsafe.
I really need to know the code so i'll be able to present it and get my sign off.
Maybe i should have told him that i can put a scaffold or even bring a man lift but i don't know if it would solve it. i really need to find the right code regarding that or any literature that can show that this type of installation is safe.
I would appreciate your response.
Jay
Ok Jay,
What I will do is opt out and let the other experts here have a look at your issue.
I thank you for your time.
ok, i'll wait.
Thank you
Hi,
Like Bill I'll leave a comment and leave it open for others to look at. You can usually get a variance if you can realistically get a man-lift in there on solid ground, I've seen this in condos and they were always able to get the variance. I have nothing to quote for you in your area though. Has the mechanical inspector seen it yet ? I would think that the plans were approved before they let you build it, that is usually how its done.
Thanks
Mark
from a hvac plumbing contractor who works in the 5 boroughs
no you cant. you also cannot obtain a variance it is not allowed to to hang a condenser more then 18 inches above grade in NYC at all
the units can go in the roof or on the ground.
Plumber 171,
Not even if i service the units with a man lift? can you please refer me to the related DOB code? If would help a lot.
I would like to have the NYC construction code regarding my question.
Thank you.
I'd appreciate if you can find the code for me, it's not easy dealing with the dep. of building.
Im having some issues passing inspection for these units at its current height location (3rd floor) but im sure that the code doesn't specify that it should be installed on ground.
Anyway, if you can locate the code i'll be able to "ACCEPT" your answer.
no, i will only hit "Accept" when i have what im looking for.
I need to see the nyc dep. of building code regarding that.
If you are located in GA you can pass it to someone from NY.
Thank you!
the code states a A.C condencer can only be placed as high as 18 inches and not above a window well and must be suported from its base to a solid base made of concreet or placed on a a.c condencer pad if on dirt made of an approved material or on a concreet slab a.c units can not be set on patios or overhangs a/s units can be placed on roofs providing they sit on steal i beams that are 25% larger then the unit length and the i beams mist be crossed
i install thease units every day in the spring and summer i have been asked to install them everywhere they are not suposta be and i have removed them and relocated from aeras where they should not
almost every inspector has a diffrent view of how the code is writen and in the end they win i highly recomend especaly in queens you place the unit on the ground or build a shed and put beams on top to suport the unit its the only way you will get around keeping it off the floor unless you install a duckless split system and only then can you mount the condenser be mounted on th side of the building using an approved mounting kit sold at a supply house
i am not only a master plumber and a/c tec but a fire fighter aswell and rest asure if we pull up to your house for a fire and see this condenser on your wall it just may be the first thing we pull off the wall for safty reasons and if a building inspector wants to make points at the office he will just wright you up for a safty violation
and just for your info lets say you sell the house and the new owner wont go up in a m,an lift and i dont know one contractor who brings a man lift with them the dob looks for the next guy not the guy who is there now be lucky that the dob dont make you turn your building handi capt accasable beacuse anything over 3 floors must have the 1st floor reddy for a handy capt person
look i know you dont want to conform but if you need the sign off do as you are told the dob is undergoing major changes and fighting only makes things worse
plumbing and heating mec
Master Plumber, Fire Sprinkler, and Jobbing Spec.