UNIT II

MATERIALS SPECIFICATIONS

•Indicative locations of utility elements

Air Conditioning Units

Owing to the steep humidity levels in tropical countries air-conditioners are
fast becoming essential rather than a luxury commodity. A critical point to
remember here is where to install AC units in a room to maximize their
cooling. The air-conditioner market is replete with cooling options –
Window ACs, Central Units, Split ACs, Wall Mounted ACs, et al …of these
the last variant.
Air Conditioning Units

Wall Mounted Air Conditioning Unit of Split AC

Placement of Wall Check whether the wall meets the criteria for installing the
Mounted Air Conditioning indoor AC unit on it. If the wall passes the test, follow these tips
Unit of Split AC to select the wall on the basis of the layout of the room. There
The location of your AC are certain things that can affect how your AC performs based on
unit is very crucial as the its position. These tips will definitely ensure the placement of
right position of your Split AC in your room turns out helpful to you:
indoor unit translates into
the winning combination 1. Place the AC unit away from heat sources. Heat sources in a
of efficient performance room can be any appliances like kitchenware or any external
and cost-saving. Hence, portion that enjoys exposure to sunlight, etc. If the AC unit is
you can have your wall placed too close to these, then the thermostat will receive a
mounted air conditioning false reading leading to no cut-off of the compressor.
unit regulating the room
temperature without 2. Install the indoor AC where there is no interruption in the
costing you much by airflow from the unit. In short, do not place it behind any
something as simple as furniture or a door that will obstruct the flow from the unit. An
selecting the proper place interrupted flow in a unit can affect the lifespan of the AC.
on your wall for your
indoor AC unit.
Air Conditioning Units

3. Place the indoor AC unit at a proper height

ensuring that it does not block the passageway.
The ideal height of the indoor unit should be 7 feet
from floor level for split type ACs. Indoor AC unit
must be installed high on the wall to ensure that
cool air is distributed evenly throughout the room.

4. Try installing the indoor AC unit away from

electrical appliances. A Split AC unit above an
electrical appliance can cause unwanted trouble by
leaking water into the unit.

5. Universal law of spaces suggests that, the central

location of an AC unit in a room can ensure a
uniform flow throughout the room. The airflow
from the unit falls at a distance of 3-5 feet from the
unit depending upon the range of the model. The
furniture layout, the openings, the size and the
shape of a room govern the location of the AC.
Air Conditioning Units

Four Different Layouts and Preferable AC Locations

Placing AC on a Longer Wall
If there are multiple openings in the room, then it is advisable
In case of a room of a rectangular shape,
to place the split AC unit in such a way that the flow hits a plain
the indoor AC unit should be preferably
wall instead of hitting the wall having openings in it. The airflow
placed on the longer wall to trap the
towards the opening leads to more load on the compressor and
cooling in the room.
hence more power consumption.
Air Conditioning Units

Four Different Layouts for Long Rooms and Preferable AC Locations

In case of a rectangular room having a wall-length twice larger than

the width – it is strongly recommended to place the indoor unit on
the shorter wall to cover the long space of the room.

Placing 2 ACs in a room

For rooms with a 30 feet plus
length, Gharpedia advises placing
two indoor AC units on the same
wall. Placing the AC units opposite
to each other can create non-
uniform air circulation leading to
overloading one of the ACs.
Air Conditioning Units

Placing AC in a Weird-shaped Angular Room

In case of a room that has different areas

and not a rectangular shaped plan, the AC
should be installed in the larger section of
the room.

6. Place the AC unit according to furniture

layout.
Air Conditioning Units

Placing AC According to Furniture Layout

We usually install the AC at the centre of the space we use and
not at the centre of the wall. The aim is to create a uniform
flow of air in the utilized space.

Placing AC According to Bedroom Furniture Layout

We prefer receiving an indirect flow from AC; as a direct flow
from the AC can create a discomfort zone. Long-term direct
flow can cause health problems like dry skin, pain in joints, sore
throat, etc. For these reasons it is advisable to place the AC on
the farthest side-wall of the bed in a bedroom.
Electrical outlets

Electrical outlets are what keep your appliances running. If

you’re going to spend money on expensive devices, it’s
essential that you also focus on outlet installation.

Height & spacing of electrical receptacles or

"outlets" in buildings:

Requirements for electrical receptacle (outlet or

wall plug) spacing, height, and clearances in
buildings. In general electrical receptacles are
installed along building walls such that at no point Proper eletrical outlet location in bathrooms (C) Carson
along the wall is the distance to the nearest Dunlop AssociatesAn electrical outlet must be properly
electrical receptacle more than six feet - i.e. located on the wall, according to local electrical codes and
receptacles can be spacesd 12 ft. on center. the National Electrical Code. Examples of proper electrical
outlet locations are shown in our two sketches below,
courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates and in the following
list of electrical outlet location requirements:

Tub-Shower clearance: Keep electrical receptacles at least

three feet (one meter) away from a tub or shower.
Electrical outlets

Electric baseboard clearance: Keep electrical outlets offset above and to the side of vanity
sinks, not right over the sink.

Electric baseboard clearance: Keep electrical receptacles off to one side, not right over electric
heating baseboards to avoid overheating and possibly melting electrical cords draped over the
heater (a fire risk)

Outlets along countertops (kitchen): no more than 48" apart, no point along the countertop is
more than 24" from a receptacle, countertops of 12" or more wide get a receptacle.

Outlets in floors, in countertops: Generally we do not mount electrical outlets flush in

countertops or floors, though in some codes and jurisdictions the inspector may require that
special (protected) floor-mount electrical receptacles be installed in order to meet the
requirement that electrical outlets are available within six feet in any direction along a wall,
and where no "wall" is available to install such receptacles (such as along a sleeping loft).

Garage electrical outlet location: In the garage electrical outlets should be 18" or more above
floor level.