On 9/19/2012 1:19 PM, Evan wrote:
On Sep 18, 8:54 pm, The Daring Dufas the-daring-du...@stinky-
finger.net wrote:
On 9/18/2012 5:22 PM, wrote:

Hi,

Is there such thing as PEX that you can use instead of copper for HVAC refrigerant?

Thanks!

Sam

I do a lot of refrigeration and AC work and I've never come across any
line sets that were anything but metal. I've had to braze copper to
steel fittings and copper can't be used with ammonia refrigerants you
must use steel pipe. PEX could used for an evaporator drain line but
it depends on the jurisdiction. The last commercial job I was on had
the PVC drain lines removed and replaced with copper as per inspector
order. O_o

TDD

Which is why if you were designing a good system, your
process liquid would be treated water and the refrigerant
charge would only be located in the chilling machine...


Not sure what you're referring to but PVC for condensate drain lines is
perfectly acceptable in most jurisdictions but for some reason the
inspector wanted the PVC drain lines on that particular job replaced
with copper. It was in a clothing store and I think it had something to
do with the fact that the drain lines were in what is technically a
return air plenum and the plastic was not plenum rated. If I had been
involved with the AC system I would have checked on that myself but I
was installing the point of sale system, phone system and wiring for the
traffic counter. The poor fellows installing the AC units were quite
flummoxed by the requirement for copper drains which is why the
GC brought in another sub to fix it. All the wiring I installed was
plenum rated as per code requirements. Come to think of it, I believe
the thermostat wire had to be replaced with plenum rated cable too. ^_^

TDD