firstco IOM5901 Series Fan Coil Unit Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- FIRSTCO
Table of Contents
firstco IOM5901 Series Fan Coil Unit
WARNING TO INSTALLER, SERVICE PERSONNEL, AND OWNER
Altering the product, improper installation, or replacing parts with unauthorized parts voids all warranty or implied warranty and may result in adverse operational performance or possible hazardous conditions to service personnel and occupants. Company employees or contractors are not authorized to waive this warning.
NOTES:
- Read the entire installation instruction manual before starting the installation.
- These instructions are intended as a general guide and do not supersede national, state, or local codes in any way.
- These instructions must be left with the property owner.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, maintenance, or use can cause explosion, fire, electrical shock, or other conditions which may cause personal injury or property damage. Consult a qualified licensed installer, service agency, or your distributor for information or assistance. The qualified licensed installer or service agency must use factory-authorized kits or accessories when modifying this product. Refer to the individual instructions packaged with kits or accessories when installing.
Follow all safety codes. Wear safety glasses and work gloves. Use quenching cloth for brazing operations. Have fire extinguisher available. Read these instructions thoroughly and follow all warnings or cautions attached to the unit. Consult local building codes and National Electrical Code (NEC) for special requirements.
Recognize safety information. This is the general safety-alert symbol.
When you see this symbol on the unit and in instruction manuals, be alert to
the potential for personal injury or damage to equipment. The lightning bolt
symbol signifies an electrical shock hazard.
WARNING: This WARNING signifies general hazards which could result in
personal
injury or death.
WARNING: This WARNING signifies electrical shock hazards which could
result in
personal injury or death
CAUTION: CAUTION is used to identify unsafe practices which would result
in
product and property damage.
NOTE: NOTE is used to highlight suggestions which may result in enhanced installation, reliability, or operation.
GENERAL
The manufacturer does not warrant equipment subjected to abuse. Metal chips,
dust, drywall tape, paint over spray, etc. can void warranties and liability
for equipment failure, personal injury, and property damage.
The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for equipment installed in
violation of any code requirement.
WARNINGS :
• Always wear eye protection when working on equipment.
• Before servicing unit, always turn off all power to unit. There may be more
than one disconnect switch. Electrical shock can cause personal injury or
death.
• When fan coil is operating, some components are operating at high speeds.
Personal injury can result from touching these items with any object.
• All electrical and service access panels must be secured in their proper
place before operating equipment.
• Clear surrounding area of all tools, equipment and debris before operating
unit.
CAUTION: Unit must not be operated during building construction due to
excessive airborne dust and debris. Also, the unit must never run under any
circumstances without an air filter in place.
These instructions give information for installation of MBE fan coil units
only. For other related equipment, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Material in this shipment has been inspected at the factory and released to
the transportation agency in good condition. When received, a visual
inspection of all cartons should be made immediately. Any evidence of rough
handling or apparent damage should be noted on the delivery receipt and the
material inspected in the presence of the carrier’s representative. If damage
is found, a claim should be filed against the carrier immediately.
All models are designed for indoor installation only. The installation of this
unit, field wiring, duct system, and other related equipment must conform to
the requirements the National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70 (latest edition)
in the United States, as well as any state laws and local codes. Local
authorities having jurisdiction should be consulted before installation is
made. Such applicable regulations take precedence over the general
instructions contained in this manual.
Extreme caution must be taken that no internal damage will result if screws or
holes are drilled into the cabinet.
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
Some units are very heavy. Use two or more people when moving and installing
these units. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or death.
Contact with metal edges and corners while applying excessive force can result
in personal injury. Use gloves when handling equipment. Use caution during
installation or while servicing equipment.
Installation of this fan coil should be performed only by a licensed
contractor to ensure proper installation and the safety of the installer.
Observe the following precautions for typical installations:
- Always use proper tools and equipment.
- No wiring or other work should be attempted without first ensuring fan coil is completely disconnected from the power source and locked out. Always verify that a good permanent, uninterrupted ground connection exists prior to energizing any power sources.
- Always review the nameplate and wiring diagram on each unit for proper voltage and control configurations. This information is determined from the components and wiring of the unit and may vary from unit to unit.
- When soldering or brazing to the unit, it is recommended to have a fire extinguisher readily available. When soldering close to water valves or other components, heat shields or wet rags are required to prevent damage.
- When the fan coil unit is in operation components are rotating at high speeds.
- Units must be installed level or angled toward the drain nipple to ensure proper drainage and operation.
- Check unit prior to operation to ensure that the condensate water will drain toward the drain connection. An overflow drain or an auxiliary drain pan under the fan coil may be required as a back up to a clogged primary drain.
- Be sure that the drain pan is free from foreign material prior to start up.
- Check filter media installation to ensure that it is installed correctly. Use the directional arrows or other information on the filter to determine the proper flow direction.
- Ensure air distribution system does not exceed the external static rating of the unit.
Insulation is installed in indoor equipment to provide a barrier between outside air conditions surrounding the unit and the varying conditions inside the unit. If the insulating barrier is damaged, the surrounding ambient air will affect the inside surface temperature of the cabinet. The temperature/ humidity difference between the inside and outside can cause condensation to form on the inside and outside of the cabinet which leads to sheet metal corrosion and subsequently component failure.
Damaged insulation must be repaired or replaced before the unit is placed back into operation. Insulation loses its insulation value when wet, damaged, separated, or torn.
FAN COIL UNIT
The installer must adhere strictly to all local and national code requirements pertaining to the installation of this equipment. All units are designed for indoor use only, and are agency listed for installation with zero clearance to combustible materials. This includes the fan coil cabinet, discharge plenum, and connecting ducts. These units are designed to be installed in either an upflow or horizontal position.
HORIZONTAL APPLICATION
The MBE fan coil units are factory assembled for horizontal left side down
application without any modification required. To convert to horizontal right
side down, remove horizontal drain pan and A-coil assembly, flip horizontal
drain pan over to right side and reinstall horizontal drain pan and A-coil
into cabinet. Secure forward edge of horizontal drain pan with angle bracket.
The unit should be leveled in such a way that there is slope toward the
condensate drain nipple to assure positive drainage.
CAUTION: It is highly recommended that an auxiliary drain pan be located beneath the fan coil to prevent damage which may result from an overflow of the condensate pan.
VERTICAL APPLICATION
Fan coil may be set on a platform and secured by screws or nails. Sufficient
space for drain piping is required under the platform.
Sufficient clearance must be provided at the front of the fan coil to allow
access to electrical controls and removal of the motor/ blower assembly for
servicing. This clearance distance should be approximately the same as the
depth dimension of the fan coil unit.
NOTE:
- A field-fabricated secondary drain pan, with a drain pipe routed to the outside of the building, may be required in installations over a finished living space or in any area that may be damaged by water overflow from the main drain pan. In some localities local codes may require a secondary drain pan for any horizontal installation.
- If a condensate overflow shut off switch, that is designed to be installed in the drain line, is used in place of a secondary drain line then place it in the primary drain line between the fan coil and the P-trap.
MOUNTING
It is important to ensure that the fan coils are securely mounted and the
structure is sufficient to support the weight of the equipment. All anchors
for mounting the equipment must be placed and sized to ensure a safe and
durable installation.
FAN COIL CONFIGURATION
The MBE fan coil units are supplied with a single water coil that incorporates
a 1/4 inch bleed for air venting.
AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS
All duct work must be installed in accordance with National Fire Protection
Association Codes 90A and 90B. Supply and return duct system must be
adequately sized to meet the system’s air requirements and static pressure
capabilities. Ducts should be adequately insulated to prevent condensation
during the cooling cycle and to minimize heat loss during the heating cycle.
The ducts should be insulated with a minimum of 1-inch insulation with a vapor
barrier in conditioned areas or 2-inches minimum in unconditioned areas. All
return air must be filtered to prevent dirt buildup on the coil surface. If
there is no ducted return, applicable installation codes may limit the unit to
installation only in a single story residence. In many cases it is acceptable
to use ducting of the same size as the fan coil connections. However, unique
arrangements or long duct runs must be confirmed by a local professional. The
manufacturer will not be responsible for misapplied equipment.
ELECTRICAL
WARNINGS: Electric Shock Hazard
- Disconnect all power supplies before servicing; lock out/tag out to prevent accidental electrical shock. Note: There may be multiple power sources.
- Use copper conductors only.
- Install all parts and panels before operating.
- Failure to follow these warnings can result in injury or death.
All wiring must comply with local and national code requirements. Units are
provided with wiring diagrams and nameplate data to provide information
required for necessary field wiring.
These units are provided with a Class 2 transformer for 24-volt control
circuits. Should any add-on equipment also have a Class 2 transformer
furnished, care must be taken to prevent interconnecting outputs of the two
transformers by using a thermostat with isolating contacts.
Fan coil units with 10kW or less electric heat are provided with a terminal
block for connection of 1 electrical service. Units with 15kW and 20kW are
provided with dual circuit breakers for the connection of 2 electrical. (See
Figure 1).
WARNING: Units with ECM motors have line voltage power applied at all times. Make sure power is disconnected before servicing
FIGURE 1. Field Wiring Connections
FIGURE 2. Low Voltage Wiring
PIPING
PIPING PRECAUTIONS
-
Flush all field piping prior to connection to remove all debris.
-
Use wet cotton rags to cool valve bodies when soldering.
-
Open all valves (mid-way for hand valves, manually open on motorized valves) prior to soldering.
-
When soldering to bronze or brass, heat the piping while in the socket/cup and begin introducing the solder when the flux boils rapidly. Avoid direct flame into the solder joint.
-
Heat can only be applied to the cup of the valve body for a minimal time before damage occurs (even with the use of wet rags).
-
Avoid rapid quenching of solder joints as this will produce joints of inferior quality
-
Provisions must be made for expansion and contraction of piping systems.
All horizontal and vertical risers, including runouts, must be able to withstand significant movement with temperature changes. Failure to do so will result in damage and failure of piping, fittings and valves throughout the building. -
Never insulate the heads or motorized portion of control valves. Damage can occur in the form of excessive heat build up and interference to the operation and moving parts will result.
-
All piping made in the field should be installed with consideration of additional space for any electrical routing that may be required.
-
Connect all piping per accepted industry standards and observe all regulations governing installation of piping systems.
CAUTION: Hydronic systems are not designed to hold pressurized air and should only be tested with water. Pressurizing system with air could damage equipment. -
When all connections are complete, pressure test system. Repair any solder joint leaks and gently tighten any leaking valve packing nuts and piping accessories, as required.
PIPING INSTALLATION
These units employ a hydronic coil designed for use with either hot or chilled water.
-
All piping must be adequately sized to meet the design water flow requirements as specified for the specific installation. Piping must be installed in accordance with all applicable codes.
-
The piping connections on the equipment are not necessarily indicative of the proper supply and return line sizes. To minimize restrictions, piping design should be kept as simple as possible.
CAUTIONS: -
When connecting piping to fan coil units, do not bend or reposition the coil header tubing for alignment purposes. This could cause a tubing fracture resulting in a water leak when pressure is applied to the system.
-
Prior to connecting to the fan coil all external piping must be purged of debris.
-
All chilled water piping must be insulated to prevent property damage from condensation and it is also recommended that all piping be insulated to prevent freezing when piping is run in an unconditioned space.
NOTE: Coil freeze protection is recommended for applications where the fan coil is located in ambient air locations (attics, crawl spaces, etc.) or within structures that may be unoccupied during freezing conditions. Consult the factory for additional information.
Condensate drain lines must be installed with adequate slope away from the unit to assure positive drainage. Since the drain pan is located on the suction side of the blower, a negative pressure exists at the drain pan and a minimum trap of 1-1/2 inches provided in the drain line to assure proper drainage.
WARNING: On units with plastic drain pans the drain connections must be made hand tight only.
AUXILIARY CONDENSATE SWITCH
Auxiliary condensate switch may be installed in lieu on auxiliary drain line
as permitted by local code.
PIPING INSULATION
Installing Contractor – After the system has been proven leak free, all lines
and valve control packages must be insulated to prevent condensate drippage or
insulated, as specified on the building plans.
NOTE: Many valve packages will not physically allow all components to fit over an auxiliary drain pan. It is the installers responsibility to insulate all piping to ensure adequate condensation prevention.
NOISE
These fan coil units are designed for quiet operation, however, all air
conditioning equipment will transfer some amount of noise to the conditioned
space. This should be taken into consideration when planning the location of
the equipment.
PRE-STARTUP CHECKS
WARNINGS:
- Electrically ground fan coil. Connect ground wire to ground terminal marked “GND”. Failure to do so can result in injury or death.
- Do not touch any rotating component with any object. Damage to the equipment and personal injury can occur.
CAUTION: Any device such as a fan switch or thermostat that has been
furnished by the factory for field installation must be wired in strict
accordance with the wiring diagram that is supplied with the unit. Failure to
do so could result in damage to components and will void all warranties.
Before start-up, all of the components should be given a thorough check.
Optimal operation of this equipment requires cleanliness. Often after
installation of this equipment additional construction activities occur. Care
must be taken to protect the equipment from debris during these construction
phases.
Prior to starting the unit:
- Ensure supply voltage matches nameplate data.
- Ensure unit is properly grounded.
- With power off, check blower wheel set-screws for tightness and ensure blower wheels rotate freely and quietly.
- Ensure fan coil is properly and securely installed.
- Ensure unit is sloped toward drain line.
- Ensure unit will be accessible for servicing.
- Ensure condensate line is properly sized, run, trapped, pitched and tested.
- Ensure all cabinet openings and wiring connections have been sealed.
- Ensure a clean filter is in place and of adequate size.
- Ensure all access panels are in place and secured.
- Check that the water coil, valves and piping have been leak checked and insulated as required.
- Ensure that all air has been vented from the water coil.
MAINTAINING LOW AIR LEAKAGE RATE
During installation, ensure that all grommets and gaskets remain intact on all
surfaces as shipped with the unit. Any knockouts, penetrations, and holes that
were exposed must be sealed to prevent air leakage. All access panels and
covers must be flush with each other and the cabinet. With these requirements
satisfied, the unit will maintain and achieve less than 2% air flow leakage
when tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 193.
MAINTENANCE
FAN
The fan should be inspected and cleaned annually, in conjunction with
maintenance of the motor and bearings. It is important to keep the wheels
clean in order to avoid imbalance and vibration.
MOTOR
Check motor connections to ensure that they are secure and made in accordance
with the wiring diagram.
The blower motor should be cleaned annually.
WARNING: Units with ECM motors have line voltage power applied at all times. Make sure power is disconnected before servicing.
FILTER
The air filter should be cleaned or replaced every 30 days or more frequently
if severe conditions exist. Always replace the filter with the same type as
originally furnished.
COIL
Any dust or other contaminants which accumulate on the heat transfer surfaces
interferes with the air flow and impairs heat transfer. The coil must be kept
clean by any of the following methods.
- Cleaning with low-pressure compressed air.
- Flushing or rinsing with water (a detergent is advisable for greasy surfaces).
DRAIN PIPING
The drain should always be:
- Connected or piped to an acceptable disposal point sloped away from the unit at least 1/8-inch per foot.
- Checked before summer operation.
- Periodically checked during summer operation.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
To achieve maximum performance and service life of each piece of equipment, a
formal schedule of regular maintenance should be established and maintained.
MAINTENANCE UPDATES
Contact factory for Maintenance Program information.
P.O. BOX 270969, Dallas, TX 75227
www.firstco.com or www.ae-air.com
The manufacturer works to continually improve its products. It reserves the
right to change design and specifications without notice.
©2022 First Co., Applied Environmental Air