Set the Condensing Unit

Pad, level, clearances, hold-downs, disconnect, and whip — set it right so it drains and breathes.

Approx. 60 min

Before you start

•Location chosen with adequate airflow clearance and away from bedroom windows / dryer vents.
•Pad or stand on hand (composite pad on stable, drained base; brackets for flood/snow zones).
•Disconnect, whip, and correct breaker sized to the unit's MCA/MOCP available.

Tools & materials

Composite/concrete pad or wall brackets · 4-ft level · Drill / impact + masonry or tapcon hardware · Refrigerant-rated whip / liquid-tight conduit · Hurricane / seismic hold-down straps where required by code

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Site & base

Prepare and set the pad
Set the pad on firm, drained ground or a roof curb. The unit must sit level so the compressor oil returns and the base drains — shim or re-bed rather than living with a tilt.
Target: Level within ~1/4 in across the unit footprint
Verify service and airflow clearances
Honor the manufacturer's clearances: typically 12 in minimum on the coil sides, 24 in on the service-access side, and 48–60 in overhead with nothing recirculating discharge air. Tight clearances raise head pressure and kill capacity.
Target: Sides ≥ 12 in, service side ≥ 24 in, top ≥ 48 in (verify per nameplate)

Secure the unit

Fasten the unit to the pad/brackets
Bolt the unit feet to the pad or brackets. In high-wind, flood, or seismic zones add the required hold-down straps and elevate above the flood/snow line.
⚠ An unsecured unit can walk off the pad and stress/break the line set, releasing refrigerant.

Disconnect & whip

Mount the disconnect within sight
Mount the disconnect on the wall within sight of and readily accessible to the unit (per NEC 440.14) — not behind it.
⚠ Code requires the disconnect be within sight of the equipment so a tech can lock it out safely.
Run the whip and confirm overcurrent protection
Land the liquid-tight whip from disconnect to unit. Confirm conductor ampacity ≥ MCA and the breaker/fuse ≤ MOCP on the nameplate.
Target: Conductor ampacity ≥ MCA; OCPD ≤ MOCP (nameplate)