Nordyne P3RA-030K - User Manual

This document is a user's manual and installation guide for 10 and 12 SEER Single Package Air Conditioners. It provides comprehensive information for both owners and installers, covering operation, installation, and maintenance.

Function Description

The device is a single package air conditioner designed for outdoor installation, providing efficient cooling for homes. It works by drawing in return air, passing it through an evaporator coil where it is cooled and dehumidified, and then delivering the conditioned air through a main duct system into the home. The system is designed for quiet and efficient operation, aiming to reduce energy costs while maintaining comfort.

Important Technical Specifications

The manual covers 10 SEER and 12 SEER models, with capacities ranging from 2 Ton to 5 Ton.

Ducting System: Supply ducts for all units are 12 inches in diameter. Return ducts can be 12 inches or 14 inches in diameter, depending on the unit size (refer to the table on page 4).
Electrical Service: Requires a branch circuit disconnect of adequate size per NEC, located within sight of the unit. High voltage leads (L1 and L2) connect directly to the contactor, and the unit must be grounded using the green grounding screw in the control panel. Low voltage control wires (24V) connect to specific leads in the low voltage area.
Overcurrent Protection: The smallest fuse or breaker size that allows normal operation without nuisance trips is recommended for maximum equipment protection. Time-delay type fuses/breakers are specified to prevent nuisance trips during startup. The maximum size listed on the unit's data label should not be exceeded.
Refrigerant Charging Tables: Detailed tables are provided for 10 SEER (2 Ton to 5 Ton) and 12 SEER (2 Ton to 4 Ton) models, outlining suction pressure, discharge pressure, and discharge temperature at various outdoor temperatures (70°F to 105°F). These tables are crucial for proper refrigerant charging and system performance verification. Shaded boxes in the tables indicate flooded conditions, while discharge temperatures greater than charted values indicate an undercharged system. Rated design values for suction pressure are lower if indoor airflow, entering dry bulb, or wet bulb temperatures are lower than design.
Blower Speed: Factory preset for heating and cooling. Adjustable for optimum system performance and comfort. Wire color codes (Black for High, Red for Low) are provided for changing blower speed.
Condensate Drain: A 3/4" condensate fitting extends from the side of the unit. A drain trap, shipped in the electrical compartment, must be installed to prevent water collection inside the unit, ensuring proper drainage.

Usage Features

Thermostat Control: The unit can be controlled by a heating/cooling thermostat or separate heating and cooling thermostats.
- Heating/Cooling Thermostat: Set system switch to "Cool" and desired temperature. The unit starts when room temperature rises above the setting. To shut off, set system switch to "Heat" or "Off" and desired heating temperature, or turn off power for extended periods.
- Separate Thermostats: If using separate thermostats for heating and cooling, they must be interlocked to prevent simultaneous operation. Turn heating thermostat to lowest possible setting, turn cooling thermostat "On" (if applicable) and set to desired temperature. The unit starts when room temperature exceeds the thermostat setting. To shut off, turn cooling thermostat "Off" or to its highest setting, turn heating thermostat to desired temperature, or turn off power for extended periods.
Fan Operation: Heat-cool thermostats are equipped with an ON-AUTO fan switch, allowing the homeowner to operate the indoor blower for air circulation even when cooling is not active.
Optional Electric Heat Package: The air conditioner is shipped without an auxiliary electric heat kit. An accessory Heater Kit can be field installed if electric heat is desired. Proper sizing of the heat package is essential for installation.
Outdoor Thermostat (Optional): Can be installed for two-stage heating, connecting to the orange low voltage wire and the W terminal on the indoor thermostat base.

Maintenance Features

Filter Maintenance: Filters should be checked every ten days in summer for cleanliness. Washable filters can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water; non-washable filters should be replaced. The system should never be run without a filter to prevent cooling coils from getting dirty and clogged.
Outdoor Condenser Coil: Keep the outdoor condenser coil clean. It can be hosed down when dirty, ensuring it is not clogged with grass or leaves.
Duct System: Ensure free airflow by checking that return registers are not covered and that filters are clean. Ducts should be leak-tight to prevent loss of cooling capacity. Collapsed or restricted ducts, or those with foreign objects, will prevent adequate airflow.
Professional Servicing: It is recommended to have a serviceman check the system at the start of each air conditioning season to ensure proper operation, clean/change filters, and make necessary adjustments.
Troubleshooting: Before calling a serviceman, check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, ensure the thermostat is set correctly ("Cool" mode, desired temperature), verify free airflow, and check the outdoor condenser coil for cleanliness.
Damper Installation: When installing with a furnace, a damper must be installed in the furnace base assembly to prevent cold air discharge around the heat exchanger, which could cause damage to the heat exchanger and asphyxiation. Check furnace manufacturer for specific damper requirements. Failure to install the required damper may invalidate code agency listing and limited warranty.
Unit Placement: The unit should be placed on a solid, level position, preferably a concrete slab, slightly above grade level, and parallel to the home. The hot condenser air must discharge up and away from the home, ideally with the prevailing wind. Avoid confined spaces. If possible, place the unit where it and the ducts will be shaded from afternoon sun. Minimize duct length and sharp bends.
Condensate Drain Maintenance: Ensure the condensate drain is properly installed and functions correctly.
Compressor Protection: If the unit has been tipped on its side, it must be restored to an upright position and not run for several hours to allow oil to settle in the compressor cylinders. Then, run the unit for a few seconds, repeating this three or four times with five-minute intervals.