When installing climate equipment, they try to install it in an accessible place in order to carry out after-sales service. In addition to specialists, attackers or hooligans can infiltrate the outdoor unit. The compressor located in the outdoor unit is the most expensive part of the device, the cost of which can be compared to buying a new split system. If the outdoor unit is low above the ground or can be reached by the fire escape, a special fence will not be amiss. For this, several types of protection are provided - from a simple visor that protects the unit from rain or debris falling from above, to stationary gratings that prevent penetration to the device.
An external box for the air conditioner protects the device from mechanical damage, theft of equipment, natural phenomena, such as falling blocks of ice from the roof.
Purpose and functions of the basket for air conditioning
The anti-vandal basket for the air conditioner is a metal frame, which is covered with a grill on all sides. There is access in the form of a door on leaves with a lock - hanging or built-in. Complete protection includes the installation of an alarm that emits a sound that the guard or responsible person should call for help.
Protection on all sides by a grill made of metal or durable stainless steel is a guarantee of the safety of expensive equipment. There are cheaper and easier options - protective visors made of light aluminum or thin steel. Their function is to protect against cigarette butts or bird droppings falling from above. In the event of snow or ice falling from the roof - such a device the air conditioner will not save. There are cases when a block weighing 60 kg tore off a light visor along with the legs on which the air conditioner was installed. The external unit was held by pipes connecting it to the internal equipment.
The visor is installed when the outdoor unit is under the roof of the building, there is no danger of falling heavy bricks or debris from above.
Violate the position of the block located near the roadway, can trucks that accidentally hooked equipment. This happens near stores when goods are unloaded and the driver tries to drive closer. Even the strongest protection will suffer from a multi-ton object, but in some cases the driver, having heard the rattle of metal, stops and breakages can be avoided.
The street cover for the air conditioner simultaneously performs a decorative function. In this case, they try to perform it in a certain technique: forged, painted bronze or with the effect of antiquity. Finishing options are different, based on the style of the building and the location of the device.
The box must be opened so that the craftsmen can inspect the equipment, repair or replace parts.
Cons of the installation are:
- restriction of access for service;
- to repair the compressor, you will need to dismantle the grill, and this is an additional cost.
The need to install a protective box must be determined based on the location of the external unit, its accessibility to unauthorized persons, and the roof structure.
Size range of baskets
The size of the grill for the outdoor unit depends on the power of the split system. The more powerful, the more external equipment that needs to be protected. There are special requirements for the gap between the walls of the air conditioner and the protective box to be at least 10 cm.Based on this, standard models are selected or ordered according to their own sizes. Standard boxes already assembled and ready for installation can be bought at the store. Non-standard require preliminary measurements and execution of the drawing at the request of the customer.
Standard basket size:
- height - 80 cm;
- width - 90 cm;
- depth - 50 cm.
Sold fully collapsible and partially: only the side part opens. Suitable for air conditioner models 7 to 18.
For more powerful installations (model from 24 to 30) other standard sizes:
- width - 100 cm;
- height - 60 cm;
- depth - 80 cm.
The consumption of materials is greater, so the cost of the box is more expensive.
Non-standard protection models are custom-made in the following cases:
- when several external units are located in a row and there is a need to close them with one grid;
- the blocks are located one above the other on the facade of the building, which requires the installation of a decorative common grill for all equipment;
- protection is required for the chiller, which is much larger in size than a conventional split system;
- angular arrangement of wall-mounted external devices requiring the manufacture of drawings and individual installation work.
Custom grilles with individual selection of materials, design solutions, complex installation are the most expensive in the price rating.
Standard visors
Visors and wall mounts are available in the following sizes:
- 80x50 cm for models from 7 to 9;
- 90x50 for models from 7 to 18;
- 100x60 for models from 18 to 24.
For fastening, anchor bolts of 4 pcs of modification M12 are used. Corner frame made of metal 25x25 in size. 0.8 mm thick sheet is used for the roof.
Cladding options
The following protection options for outdoor units are available:
- Anti-vandal. Protect the device from unauthorized entry and damage. They are made of durable materials with a distance between the parts of 2 - 3 cm. It can be a forged lattice made to order, or a mesh box closed on all sides.
- Decorative. Their function is to hide the main components of the equipment: air ducts, pipes. If the split system is located in a conspicuous place, but is not accessible to unauthorized persons, less durable materials are used. The main emphasis is on the aesthetic appearance of the structure. On the first floors you need to combine anti-vandal and decorative protection functions.
- Protective. Designed to protect operation under adverse environmental conditions.
The main requirement is the integrity of the equipment and access to the external unit for inspection and repair. The manufacturing materials are subject to increased requirements for reliability and strength.
If we consider the installation process of gratings from the point of view of financial investments, then first of all you need to take care of anti-vandal protection and ensure safety from mechanical damage. The aesthetic side in this matter is secondary.
Installation of baskets for outdoor units of air conditioners
Baskets for air conditioners on the facade are installed together with the equipment, because during installation it is sometimes necessary to move the external unit, which is associated with additional work and payment.
Steps for installing the box:
- Preliminary marking of the location of fixtures and technological holes.
- Box installation and concreting of iron fasteners. Not necessary, but desirable for ground floors located close to the roadway.
Technological openings are carried out according to the installation instructions to ensure reliable fastening of the basket.
