Protection; Obstructions; Skirt Supports; Mounting (Skirt) - Carrier Transport Air Conditioning Installation Procedures Manual

3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.1.1 Description
Condensers are normally located in the bus skirt or on
the bus roof. Their primary function is to reject heat from
the refrigerant to the exterior of the vehicle.
3.1.2 Location
Assure that the condenser will mount properly in the
location of choice. Always try to fit skirt mounted
condensers between the front and back wheels and
always as close to the bus skirt as possible. This
assures adequate air flow and avoids recirculating heat
from under the bus.
NOTE
To minimize air recirculation, install condenser
as close to skirt as possible. If distance is 3
Inches or greater, skirting is required to prevent
recirculation of air.
3.1.3 Cap Plugs
Carrier Transport Air Conditioning condensers are
leak-checked and shipped with a charge of inert gas to
keep the coil dry. Do not remove any of the caps/plugs
from the condensers until you are ready to connect the
refrigerant lines to them.

3.1.4 Protection

When a skirt condenser must be mounted close to a
vehicle wheel, Carrier Transport Air Conditioning
recommends that the condenser be protected from
wheel-sling (mud, water, road salts, etc.) by a splash
guard. Failure to properly locate and protect the
condenser may cause a variety of problems, from
corrosion to inefficient cooling, pressure increases, and
compressor failure.
SECTION 3

CONDENSERS

3.1.5 Obstructions

To function efficiently the air inlet and outlet of the skirt
condenser must be free of any obstruction, including the
bus chassis rail and the bus skirt. Failure to have free air
flow will restrict the rate of heat rejection causing a
pressure rise in the system. Excessive pressure may
cause cooling inefficiencies and possible compressor
failure. The bus skirt must always be cut out when
installing a skirt mounted condenser.

3.1.6 Skirt Supports

Whenever a bus skirt support must be removed in order
to mount the condenser, the skirt must be resupported
by the condenser assembly or by attaching an alternate
skirt support. All skirt mounted condenser screens must
be flat against the vehicle skirt.

3.1.7 Mounting (Skirt)

All Carrier Transport Air Conditioning condensers are
supplied with the proper mounting hardware. Never
substitute mounting hardware. Always insure that the
skirt mounted condensers are mounted on a flat surface
and are level. Carrier highly recommends that "OEM's
(original equipment manufacturers) provide condenser
mounting brackets in order that the bus floor does not
have to be drilled through when mounting/installing the
skirt condenser.

3.1.8 Mounting (Rooftop)

When mounting a roof top condenser, alterations must
be made to the bus roof. The installation instructions
include sealing instructions which must be followed.
Failure to follow these instructions will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment.

3.1.9 Voltage

Carrier Transport Air Conditioning condensers are
designed to operate efficiently at 12.5 and 25 Volts
respectively. Condensers operating at less than the
required voltage will cause the fans to run slower and
may cause pressure buildup and possible compressor
failure.
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