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mini-split brands that come with pre-insulated lines?

Does anyone know which mini-splits come with the pre-insulated lines? I really like working with those lines, but when you order a mini-split set, it comes with lines, often not those nice pre-insulated ones. rather than buy lines twice, I'd like to find makes/models that have them by default.

Comments

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 10,315
    can't you buy the equipment and lineset separately?
  • weil_fail
    weil_fail Member Posts: 84
    yes, I could buy them separately. I'm just curious which ones bundle those lines by default. separate might be the way to go.
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,747
    I'm unaware of a commercially sold brand that comes packaged with a lineset, but I suppose the internet brands may do that. We typically order one at the same time we order the equipment, of an appropriate length (& size) for the installation. Mitsubishi has a duplexed lineset, the insulation is like a figure-eight. It's not any easier IMHO to run, and it's more difficult to make the terminations look good. Roll copper and sticks of Armaflex™ are a possibility too, occasionally ACR with fittings for long exposed runs. Don't forget to flow N2 if you're soldering, and switch to soft copper to make your flares.
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,094
    weil_fail said:

    yes, I could buy them separately. I'm just curious which ones bundle those lines by default. separate might be the way to go.

    So what do you plan on doing with the extra length?

    Hope your not planning on line purchasing and self install!

  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,793
    All mini line sets come pre insulated. I wonder if we are misunderstanding something. I’ve never heard of a ductless system that “comes with a line set”. Maybe an online retailer does? I buy lines sets in bulk, the last purchase was over 3000 feet. I stopped buying the white stuff, we’ve had too many leaks with the white. I buy black stuff now
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,747
    @GW, all white linesets, or just one/few brands? I've seen several styles around here, one that's got a shiny white skin on the outside, one that's got a coarse textured skin (knurled comes to mind), & one that's white outside & grey inside.
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,793
    The white on white sets. We did a tiny bit of White and gray but no issues at this time. When I had one job leak just 12 months after we installed it, that was it! Black sets cost more, but they must weight a good 30% more. I am convinced the copper is a heavier wall
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
    ratio
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,046
    @ratio
    why switch to soft copper to flare? Just heat the hard stuff and anneal it.
    mattmia2
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,747
    @GW, does the black stuff you use have a thicker skin or harder outer layer? I haven't seen any black like that at out distributors. It makes some of the pulls a lot easier.

    @EBERATT-Ed, I do sometimes, but usually I'm dropping down inside a wall, soft just makes that easier.

  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,793
    @ratio yes it’s tough- just a tad less tough than the white, but it’s very strong. Plus it compresses- which is nice when flaring. With the white we need to slit it then zip tie it back together
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,747
    What brand is it? Sounds like something I want to try out.
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,793
    There’s no name on these line sets. I will try to investigate.
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
    ratio
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,793
    More stuff going on today
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,747
    Thanks. Those look like they'd pull a lot better than straight Armaflex.
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,094
    Those line sets had Major leaking issues several years ago.

    Cost a lot of contractors a huge amount. I was lucky we didn’t use them but we’ve scrapped a lot.
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 10,315
    Were they thinner copper or did they just have issues with how they were drawn? It seems like there is no one other than the manufacturer that is saving by making the copper thinner.
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,094
    > @mattmia2 said:
    > Were they thinner copper or did they just have issues with how they were drawn? It seems like there is no one other than the manufacturer that is saving by making the copper thinner.
    We feel

    It was a chemical reaction between the insulation and moisture attacking the copper. Only the suction line developed leaks.
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,747
    pecmsg said:

    It was a chemical reaction between the insulation and moisture attacking the copper. Only the suction line developed leaks.

    I'd like to know more about this, if you've any references.
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,793
    That’s funny, all of our leaks were on the quarter-inch liquid
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 10,315
    i have 2 dehumidifiers with leaks in the 1/4" copper that makes up the evaporator
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,793
    edited April 2020
    @ratio There’s already a thread on this whole topic. Just search line sets.
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,094
    GW said:

    @ratio There’s already a thread on this whole topic. Just search line sets.

    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1605236#Comment_1605236
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,747
    Ah, I remember reading that thread.

    I guess it's true what they say about memory…