A gas company facility in Glendale required a reliable HVAC system upgrade, as it operates in a region with hot weather year-round. The facility’s air conditioning system is crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and it was renovated to provide proper temperature control.
Project Info
| Location: Glendale, CA |
| Building type: Commercial |
| Project type: Office building, HVAC retrofit |
| VRF Manufacturer: Daikan |
| Mechanical contractor: Allied Mechanical Air Systems |
Challenge
The HVAC renovation project involved installing a mini-split system with two indoor fan coils and a condenser unit located on the roof. Critical to the system’s functionality were the condensate and refrigerant lines running above the T-bar ceiling, which needed robust support throughout their path. The condensate lines were installed to channel moisture from the AC unit and connected to a janitor’s mop sink for disposal. Allied Mechanical Air Systems, the contractor assigned to the job, faced the challenge of securely supporting the lines within the facility building. Traditionally, this involved using labor-intensive methods such as running two threaded rods connected to a strut channel which would cradle the copper lines
Solution
Through their search for a more efficient solution that could expedite installation without compromising reliability, they came across SuperLock.
SuperLock is an innovative pipe hanger support system designed for quick and secure installations. Featuring a one-touch clip mechanism that is securely attached to threaded rods, it enables rapid setup with minimal labor. This system proved ideal for supporting the refrigerant lines and condensate pipes above the T-bar ceiling, ensuring they were securely held in place throughout their trajectory to the roof termination point.
Ralph De Anda, a sheet metal foreman with Allied Mechanical Air Systems, appreciated the efficiency and effectiveness of SuperLock in facilitating the HVAC system installation. He noted that SuperLock significantly simplified the installation process compared to traditional methods. By streamlining the setup of pipe supports, SuperLock not only reduced labor costs but also accelerated the overall project timeline.
Approximately two dozen SuperLocks were utilized in this commercial retrofit project. According to De Anda, the SuperLocks replaced the previously used trapeze-style pipe supports, which required the use of two all-thread bolts each. This substitution significantly accelerated the project’s timeline.
De Anda expressed satisfaction with SuperLock’s performance.“I thought it saved time and was pretty easy to use,” he said. “I would absolutely use it again.”
“A lot less hardware needed to be used,” he added. “I was surprised that a brand-new, fresh product was very quick and easy to use.”
“As far as installing it, I would recommend the product because it does make the job a lot quicker.”
Outcome
The implementation of SuperLock pipe hangers demonstrated a clear advantage in efficiency and effectiveness compard to other HVAC system installations. By streamlining the setup of horizontal pipe support, SuperLock enabled Allied Mechanical Air Systems to complete the project with reduced labor costs and an accelerated timeline. The positive feedback from Ralph De Anda underscores the value of adopting innovative solutions in HVAC installations to enhance overall project outcomes.
SRV SuperLock Features
• Easy to install
• Quick install
• One touch clip
• Back-to-back horizontal pipe support
• Comes in many sizes
• Gold Winner in 2024 ACHR Dealer Design Awards
About
Inaba Denko America supplies HVAC accessory solutions engineered by Inaba Denko of Japan and provides support for distributors and contractors throughout North America. Our brands represent quality, precision, and durability. Primary products include copper line sets, line set covers, drain hoses, and mounting systems ideal for mini split, VRF, ducted, ductless and heat pump installations