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October 2, 2009
AC on the Roof
Does anybody know if all AC units mounted on the roof need a permit no matter what size? I think a disgruntled subcontractor has dropped a dime on a new 25 ton unit (it has permits). FDNY wants to see the 25 ton paper work which I can produce but there is a little 3 ton unit behind it and I'm thinking I'll pretend the 3 ton doesn't exist. The asshole also said the sprinkler system is "defective" what ever that means. That's not a civilian complaint, that's someone who knows violation nomenclature. Apparently anyone can call in a complaint regarding a leaking sprinkler head or closed valve and the fire department has to check it out.
Comments
all roof mounted a/c units need a mechanical permit and signoff.. the spinkler system should have an inspection history showing that it conforms to code and meets standards..when was your last sprinkler test?
Posted by: eman1234 at October 1, 2009 8:40 PM
all roof mounted a/c units need a mechanical permit and signoff.. the sprinkler system should have an inspection history showing that it conforms to code and meets standards..when was your last sprinkler test?
Posted by: eman1234 at October 1, 2009 8:40 PM
my electrician recently told me that all units, even small residential units, need a permit.
At one time I managed a commercial building with several split 5 ton (2.5 ton x2) units on the roof and we had to have permits for those.
My guess is yes, but let's wait and see what some HVAC pro's say.
Steve
www.thetinkerswagon.com
Posted by: thetinkerswagon at October 1, 2009 8:42 PM
Thanks, eman. I actually have a certificate to do the monthly inspects and I do a 2" drain test quarterly for the insurance co. Hydrostatic is due soon. It's just odd that these 2 things were called in on the same day. Maybe I'm paranoid???
I'm choosing to ignore the 3 ton for now anyway.
Posted by: modsquad at October 1, 2009 8:51 PM
Steve, you're probably right. The funny thing is that I inspect about 150 building sprinkler systems a month which requires trips to the roof in about half of them. I can't tell you how many AC units I see simply sitting on the roof, not on steel, just sitting on the roof! Some of them even have the freon lines simply going over the parapet and down through a window!
Posted by: modsquad at October 1, 2009 9:02 PM
Yea, I too got some nice stuff that I can be alert next time.
Posted by: rebeccamartin at October 2, 2009 4:20 AM
Thanks, rebeccamartin, your answer makes the most cents.
Posted by: modsquad at October 2, 2009 9:49 AM
LOL
Posted by: IMBY at October 2, 2009 11:24 AM
my office is in an old building in Soho, and we did put a unit on the roof to come down into our space. even getting permits, our architect and contractor got it in and done within a few weeks.
Posted by: wine lover at October 2, 2009 4:08 PM
Modsquad:
I believe that you do not need an equipment use permit for a unit (3 or less tons) that serves only one floor. That piece of information is buried in the Building Code but not always appreciated by inspectors and the like.
Posted by: jmcg at October 3, 2009 4:36 PM
Interesting you should say that jmcg, I spoke to the Lt. at the engine company on 18th and he was only interested in the 25 ton unit paperwork. He wasn't sure if the cut off was 3 or 5 tons however. Good to know.
Posted by: modsquad at October 3, 2009 8:12 PM
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