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Bracing my HP

I have just purchased a new PUZ-HA30NKA Hyper heat 2 1/2 t

I am concerned that it might need some means of securing it to the house in case of earthquake or someone inadvertantly pushing it over

Has anyone got some pics on how this can be done DIY

It sits on a fiber type pad,and is bolted to this,but seems tippy to me

Thank you d

Comments

  • WMno57
    WMno57 Member Posts: 1,408
    edited April 27

    Cover-Tech in New Brunswick, Canada sells a snow cover. Nicely made, but fundamentally just a pipe or conduit frame with a tarp for a roof and mesh for the sides. You could make your own frame and secure the HP to the frame with ratchet straps. Secure the frame to the house or ground. That would keep the HP from tipping.

    https://www.cover-tech.com/heat-pump-covers

    (click on these images for larger versions)

  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,773

    They are tippy, especially with a lightweight pad like those plastic or fiberglass ones. If it's located like the one @WMno57 shows above, it probably isn't going to be an issue, but if the wind can hit it full on without the house to block it, you might want to swap that light pad out for a concrete pad (poured in place or premade) or maybe a few pavers & reanchor.

  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    Thank you. I appreciate these replies !!

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,224

    a couple of PT 4x4’s under the ground surface and 12” lag bolts.

    I’ve seen 1/8” stainless steel cables between the house and the cabinet

  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    I have heard of the 1/8 cables. Do you know how they were attached to the HP body?

    I think that this would be the way to go,as my unit is near 5 ft tall, and does not pass my anal need to be extra fussy.

    If you can give me a clear idea of where these attach to the top of the unit,woohoo I am ready to secure it from tip over dark

  • WMno57
    WMno57 Member Posts: 1,408

    Check out the garage door parts and chain/cable accessories at your favorite hardware, farm, or big box store. They have fittings such as eyelets and thimbles you can swage or clamp to cable. Swaging can be a simple as smashing with a hammer.

    You might be able to attach a couple L shaped brackets to the cabinet of the HP with some screws or bolts. Be careful where you drill the holes. Maybe use some existing holes or screws in the cabinet?

    The install manual for the HP may have some suggestions.

  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    Thank you, I will look into your suggestions dark

  • PRR
    PRR Member Posts: 223

    The install manual for the HP may have some suggestions.

    It does, and that should normally be our first stop.

    It wants 120mm (nominal five inches) concrete. Not those light pads for little $500 machines.

    (However it is not clear how "wide" the concrete must be- but does say "As long as possible" and "Set deep in ground.")

    WMno57
  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    Very helpful indeed. Here I thought I was over thinking this issue.

    I will refer to my install manual,and call the installer out on this. 😁

  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,245

    Two 3/8" straight Sammy Super screws into the house.

    Two 3/8" all thread rods from house to unit upper corners with an extra inch of length.

    4 fender washers, and 4 nuts to secure.

    Never fall over in either direction.

    WMno57Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    Thank you. I am unable to find these screws in Canada. What or how do I attach to upper corners with the rod to pump. Some form of bracket?

    Not so technical here so do not want to fly at it without knowing how to

    Might wait and see what the dealer says next week as his option.then bounce this off him.

    I like the threaded rod idea if for nothing more than looks over cheap crap tin strapping

    I welcome all input people dark

  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,773

    Screws into the case must be carefully planned. A hole in the refrigerant system will make you very sad.

  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    I agree I will have the installer out here and ask for a re do of the pad in concrete,failing that they can take care of all the drilling and mounting of any braces

  • WMno57
    WMno57 Member Posts: 1,408
    edited April 29

    @darkgohan asked: What or how do I attach to upper corners with the rod to pump. Some form of bracket?

    One of the beauties of @JUGHNE solution is no bracket needed. Drill two 25/64 holes through the cabinet. Threaded rod then goes through the holes with a nut and fender washer on each side to secure the rod.

    Tip: use a different size washer on each side to avoid a shearing force on the sheet metal of the cabinet.

    I had not heard of those Sammy screws. Neat! Now I'm trying to think of a project where I can try them out.

    https://www.sammysanchors.com/

  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,245

    If the corners are too close to the AC coil, then small angles secured to the top cover.

    The top covers are pretty secured to the unit.

    Your HVAC/plumber person should be aware of this hardware.

    The Sammy "Sidewinders" are very helpful for hanging steam piping and fine tuning the pitch without having to have the exact rod length.

  • Mustangman
    Mustangman Member Posts: 113

    Seismic bracing has been required on larger commercial jobs for many years now. It is finding its way into the residential market. Look up Seismic bracing for HVAC equipment and you will get more than a few ideas.

    Good Luck

    Steve

  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    Thank you for more great options

    My dealer is supposed to show sometime.

    I am gong to see if I can convince him to remove the HP and pour a concrete pad??

    As well I can bring up these great ideas here!!

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,225

    If it was mine I wouldn't want to remove it unless I had absolutely no choice.

    Opening a system to atmosphere is never a good thing but is often unavoidable, so you do what you need to do and get it sealed back up. In your case I think it's very avoidable.

    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    Not sure what you are saying here. Very avoidable,do you mean that I should at this point only look at bracing methods as have been suggested here? TY dark…

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,225

    Consider only methods that do not require evacuation and disconnecting the copper line sets.

    There's plenty of options to anchor the unit without moving it much.

    Keep the system sealed unless you have no choice.

    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    Thank you for the clarification. Good advice ! I may have to connect with other installers to see what they normally do for bracing. Small town not much in choices,so it is nice to have all this feedback dark….

  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,773

    There's no reason to remove it. Just lift it up a little & do the work underneath it.

  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    Dealer showed up,and agreed with my assessment of the shoddy install.

    Has measured up for a stainless pump to wall bracket and will come by to install,and while here they will lift the unit and work on the pad.

    Will take a pic once it is done and post. dark….

    WMno57ratio
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,224

    The outdoor unit should be mounted ABOVE the estimated snow level for drainage during heat mode operation.

  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,773

    Thanks for telling us about this. So many times we hear about the cases where the installer refuses to make corrections, it's encouraging to hear about those who will.

  • darkgohan
    darkgohan Member Posts: 12

    I appreciate all of the good ideas dark