Nortek B5BM, Installation Instructions Manual

7

Figure 5. Unit Horizontally Suspended

Threaded 

Rod

Lag
Bolt

Nuts (x2)

Washer 

and 

Lockwasher

Nuts (x2)

from the factory with all the parts required for horizontal 
left applications and horizontal right applications. If your 
unit does not have parts for a horizontal application, a 
kit is available.

NOTE: In all horizontal applications in which the unit is 
installed above a finished ceiling and/or living space, a 
secondary drain pan must be installed under the entire unit 
to avoid damage to the ceiling in the event of condensate 
overflow. Additionally, it is recommended that an approved 
water level indicator or float switch device be used to 
shut down the unit in the event water is detected in the 
auxiliary drain pan.

If suspending the air handler from the ceiling, assemble 
a support frame (Figure 5) using slotted iron channel and 
full threaded rod. Fasten the frame together with nuts, 
washers, and lockwashers. Secure the support frame 
to the rafters with lag bolts. The air handler can also be 
suspended using steel straps around each end of the 
unit. The straps should be attached to the air handler with 
sheet metal screws and to the rafters with bolts.

Horizontal Left Installations:
1. Remove the coil access door.
2. Remove the plug from one of the threaded holes in the 

horizontal drain pan. Completely remove the webbing 
located in the threaded holes of the horizontal drain 
pan. IMPORTANT: If the webbing is not removed, the 
condensate will not drain properly and ceiling damage 
may occur.

3. Insert the plug (from horizontal drain pan) into the open 

and unused drain hole in the drain pan at the bottom 
of the unit to block bypass air.

4. Remove the corresponding drain line knockout from 

the coil access door to allow access to the horizontal 
drain.

5. Replace the door and attach the drain line.

Horizontal Right Installations:
1. Remove the coil access door. Unscrew the line-set tube 

close-off plate from the front left cabinet rail.

2. Slide the coil and drain pan assembly out of the unit.
3. Remove the sheet metal hairpin covers (if supplied) 

from the back of the coil and discard.

4. Place the horizontal drain pan on the opposite side of 

the coil. On units with 2 sets of knockouts, remove the 
other set of knockouts in the coil spacing plates and 
insert support rod.

5. Slide the coil and the horizontal drain pan assembly 

back into the unit. Re-attach the tube close off plate.

6. Remove the plug from one of the threaded holes 

in the horizontal drain pan. Completely remove the 
webbing located in the threaded holes of the drain 
pan. IMPORTANT: If the webbing is not removed, the 
condensate will not drain properly and ceiling damage 
may occur.

7. Insert the plug (from horizontal drain pan) into the open 

and unused drain hole in the drain pan at the bottom 
of the unit to block bypass air.

8. Remove the corresponding drain line knockout from 

the coil access door to allow access to the horizontal 
drain.

9. Replace the door and attach the drain line.

The unit may also be installed in a horizontal application 
with the unit suspended from the ceiling. A typical 
installation of the unit in a suspended horizontal application 
is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 4. Horizontal Configurations

HORIZONTAL RIGHT

HORIZONTAL LEFT

RETURN

AIR

RETURN

AIR