Nortek B5BM, Installation Instructions Manual

4

GENERAL INFORMATION

This appliance has been tested for capacity and efficiency 
in accordance with AHRI Standards and will provide 
many years of safe and dependable comfort, providing 
it is properly installed and maintained. Abuse, improper 
use, and/or improper maintenance can shorten the life 
of the appliance and create unsafe hazards. Please read 
all instructions before installing the unit.

Before You Install this Unit

√

 This equipment is securely packaged at the time of 

shipment and upon arrival should be carefully inspected 
for damage prior to installing the equipment at the job 
site. Claims for damage (apparent or concealed) should 
be filed immediately with the carrier.

√

  The cooling load of the area to be conditioned must be 

calculated and a system of the proper capacity selected. 
It is recommended that the area to be conditioned be 
completely insulated and vapor sealed.

√

  Check the electrical supply and verify the power supply 

is adequate for unit operation. The system must be wired 
and provided with circuit protection in accordance with 
local building codes. If there is any question concerning 
the power supply, contact the local power company.

√

 Verify the static pressure drop of the coil, filter, and 

duct work do not exceed the air delivery specs of the 
air handler.

Figure 1. Minimum Unit Clearances

INSTALLATION CLEARANCES

Left Side ......... 0 Inches

Right Side ...... 0 Inches

Back ............... 0 Inches

Front ...........

†

See Notes

†

NOTES:

Alcove Installations - Allow 24 in. minimum clearance 
from front of unit to nearest wall or partition for servicing. 
Recommended clearance is 36 in.

Closet installations - require a return air grill installed in 
the door or a partially louvered door across the opening 
for proper air circulation. For clearances 6” or greater, the 
closet must have an open free area of 235 in

2

 minimum. 

For special clearances between 1” - 5”, requirements 
are a louvered door with a minimum of 250 in

2

 (1613 

cm

2

) free area. A fully louvered closet door is strongly 

recommended for both installation types.

REAR

RIGHT

SIDE

LEFT
SIDE

FRONT

Locating the Air Handler

•  Survey the job site to determine the best location for 

mounting the unit. Consideration should be given to 
availability of electric power, service access, and noise.

•  The dimensions of the room or alcove must be able 

to accommodate the overall size of the unit and the 
installation clearances listed in Figure 1. Physical 
dimensions for this air handler are also shown in Figure 
11 (page 16).

•  The air handler should be installed before routing the 

refrigerant tubing.

Minimum Clearances

•  This  appliance  must  be  installed  in  accordance  with 

clearances listed in Figure 1. The air handler must be 
installed with ample clearance for easy access to the 
air filter, blower assembly, heater assembly, controls, 
and vent connections.

•  Sufficient clearance for unobstructed airflow through a 

louvered door must be maintained in order to achieve 
rated performance.

Operation of Air Handler During Construction

 CAUTION:

Failure to follow these instructions will void the 
factory warranty and may significantly reduce 
the life or the performance of the air handler, 
and/or result in other unsafe conditions. It is 
the responsibility of the installing contractor 
to insure these provisions are met.

Operating an air handler in a construction environment 
can cause the appliance a variety of problems. Proper 
use of commercial portable space heating equipment 
during construction is recommended. This air handler 
may be used during construction if it is not in violation of 
any applicable codes and the following criteria are met:

•  The  installation  must  meet  all  applicable  codes  and 

be permanently installed according to the instructions 
supplied with the air handler. This includes electrical 
supply, gas supply, and duct work.

•  The air handler must be controlled by a properly installed 

thermostat that complies with the current provisions 
of the NEC (ANSI/NFPA 70) and all applicable codes 
having jurisdiction. Thermostat connections must be 
made in accordance with instructions supplied with the 
air handler and thermostat. See pages 11 - 12.

•  The installation must include a properly installed filter in 

the return air system with no by-pass air. The filter must 
be inspected frequently and replaced when necessary.

•  Return air must be supplied unrestricted and located 

such that dust and gases from construction activity are 
not introduced into the circulating air system.

•  Before  occupying  the  structure:  The  filter  must  be 

replaced or cleaned, the duct work must be inspected 
and cleaned of any construction debris, and the air