Secure Your Building: Suspended Air Conditioning Units

Dare to Prepare

Earthquake Readiness Campaign

Disclaimer: The effects, descriptions, recommendations, and suggestions included in this web site are intended to improve earthquake preparedness; however, they do not guarantee the safety of an individual or a structure. The Earthquake Country Alliance (ECA) takes responsibility for the inclusion of materials from various sources on these pages. The State of California, the Seismic Safety Commission, the ECA and all contributors to this document do not assume liability for any injury, death, property damage, loss of revenue, or any other effect of an earthquake.

Suspended Air Conditioning Units

Larger imageSuspended Air Conditioning Unit Braced with Angle

Source: Noson, Perbix, SSD

Purpose

To secure suspended air conditioning units.

Caution

When anchoring to post-tensioned slab, locate and avoid reinforcing.

Recommendation

Strengthen the existing supports with angle brace.

Supplies Required

Angle—1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 1/4"
U-bolts—1/4" (if applicable at piping) (see Piping)
Sheet metal screws—No. 10 x 3/4"

Installation

Brace air conditioning (AC) unit with angles, installed diagonally at every other or on alternate sides.

OR

Screw top and bottom of each angle to the supports with sheet metal screws.

Note

If the space between the ceiling and the bottom of any unit exceeds twice the minimum base dimension, move heater up so that space is less than two times the base dimension.

OR

Consult a structural engineer for bracing design for other conditions.

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Created in the SCEC

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Last modified: April 12 2007 17:13

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Southern California Earthquake Center @