38 CKC—50 Hz

Air Conditioning Unit

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Installation and Start-Up Instructions

NOTE: Read the entire instruction manual before starting the

installation.
This symbol → indicates a change since the last issue.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, maintenance,
or use can cause explosion, fire, electrical shock, or other
conditions which may cause death, personal injury, or property
damage. Consult a qualified installer, service agency, or your
distributor or branch for information or assistance. The qualified
installer or agency must use factory-authorized kits or accessories
when modifying this product. Refer to the individual instructions
packaged with the kits or accessories when installing.
Follow all safety codes. Wear safety glasses, protective clothing,
and work gloves. Use quenching cloth for brazing operations.
Have fire extinguisher available. Read these instructions thor-
oughly and follow all warnings or cautions included in literature
and attached to the unit. Consult local building codes and National
Electrical Code (NEC) for special requirements.
Recognize safety information. This is the safety-alert symbol .
A97005
When you see this symbol on the unit and in instructions or
manuals, be alert to the potential for personal injury. Fig. 1—Model 38CKX
Understand the signal words DANGER, WARNING, and CAU- Step 2—Install on a Solid, Level Mounting Pad
TION. These words are used with the safety-alert symbol. DAN-
If conditions or local codes require the unit be attached to pad,
GER identifies the most serious hazards which will result in severe
tie-down bolts should be used and fastened through knockouts
personal injury or death. WARNING signifies hazards which
provided in unit base pan. Refer to unit-mounting pattern in Fig. 2
could result in personal injury or death. CAUTION is used to
to determine base-pan size and knockout-hole location.
identify unsafe practices which would result in minor personal
injury or product and property damage. NOTE is used to highlight When installing, allow sufficient space for airflow clearance,
suggestions which will result in enhanced installation, reliability, wiring, refrigerant piping, and service. Allow 30-in. (762mm)
or operation. clearance to service end of unit and 48 in. (1219mm) above unit.
For proper airflow, a 6-in. (152mm) clearance on 1 side of unit and
12 in. (305mm) on all remaining sides must be maintained.
Maintain a distance of 24 in. (610mm) between air conditioners.
Before installing, modifying, or servicing system, main elec-
Position so water, snow, or ice from roof or eaves cannot fall
trical disconnect switch must be in the OFF position. There
directly on unit.
may be more than 1 disconnect switch. Lock out and tag
switch with a suitable warning label. Electrical shock can On rooftop applications, locate unit 6 in. (152mm) above roof
cause personal injury or death. surface. Where possible, place unit above a load-bearing wall.
Arrange supporting members to adequately support unit and
INTRODUCTION minimize transmission of vibration to building. Consult local
These are the Installation and Start-Up Instructions for the codes governing rooftop applications.
38CKC—50 Hz Air Conditioning Unit.
Step 3—Replace Indoor AccuRater® Piston, if Required
INSTALLATION
Step 1—Check Equipment and Job Site Check indoor coil piston to see if it matches the required piston
shown on outdoor unit rating plate. If it does not match, replace
UNPACK UNIT
indoor coil piston with piston shipped with the outdoor unit. The
Move to final location. Remove carton, taking care not to damage piston shipped with outdoor unit is correct for any approved indoor
unit. coil combination.
INSPECT EQUIPMENT Step 4—Make Piping Connections
File claim with shipping company prior to installation if shipment Outdoor units may be connected to indoor sections using accessory
is damaged or incomplete. Locate unit-rating plate on unit service tubing package or field-supplied refrigerant grade tubing of correct
panel. (See Fig. 2.) It contains information needed to properly size and condition. For tubing requirements beyond 50 ft (15.24m),
install unit. Check rating plate to be sure unit matches job or 20 ft vertical differential, consult Long-Line Application
specifications. Guideline which is available at your local distributor.

Manufacturer reserves the right to discontinue, or change at any time, specifications or designs without notice and without incurring obligations.
Book 1 4 PC 101 Catalog No. 003-840 Printed in U.S.A. Form 38CKC-C2SI Pg 1 4-01 Replaces: 38CKC-C1SI
Tab 3a 2a
 AIR IN
AIR
DISCHARGE

NOTES:
1. Allow 30 in. (762 mm) clearance to service end of unit, 48 in. (1219 mm) above
unit, 6 in. (152 mm) on one side, 12 in. (305 mm) on remaining side, and
AIR IN 24 in. (610 mm) between units for proper airflow.
AIR IN 2. Minimum outdoor operating ambient in cooling mode is 55° F (12.8° C),
MAX. 125° F (51.7° C).
3. Dimensions in parentheses are in millimeters.
AIR 4. Series designation is the 13th position of the unit model number.
DISCHARGE

AIR IN
AIR DISCHARGE
A

RATING LABEL E
B
FIELD POWER SUPPLY CONN
G 7/8 IN. DIA (22.22) HOLE WITH
1 1/8 IN. DIA (28.57) KNOCKOUT
AND 1 3/8 IN. DIA (34.92) KNOCKOUT

FIELD CONTROL
SUPPLY CONN C
7/8 IN. DIA (22.22) HOLE D
F DIA SUCTION LINE CONN 3/8 IN. DIA (9.53)
LIQUID LINE CONN
A97003

A/B C D E F G
UNITSIZE
In. mm In. mm In. mm In. mm In. mm In. mm
018 18 457.2 3 76.2 15 381.0 10-3/16 258.8 5/8 15.9 25-15/16 658.8
024 22-1/2 571.5 3-11/16 93.6 18-1/8 460.4 14-3/8 365.1 5/8 15.9 21-15/16 557.2
036 22-1/2 571.5 3-11/16 93.6 18-1/8 460.4 14-3/8 365.1 3/4 19.1 33-15/16 862.0
048 30 762.0 6-1/2 165.1 23-1/2 596.9 20 508.0 7/8 22.2 27-15/16 709.6
060 30 762.0 6-1/2 165.1 23-1/2 596.9 20 508.0 7/8 22.2 39-15/16 1014.4
Fig. 2—Unit Reference Drawing

NOTE: In some cases, noise in the living area has been traced to 9. When necessary, use hanger straps which are 1 in. (25mm)
gas pulsations from improper installation of equipment. wide and conform to shape of tubing insulation. (See Fig. 3.)
10. Isolate hanger straps from insulation by using metal sleeves
INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS bent to conform to shape of insulation.
1. Locate unit away from windows. If refrigerant tubes or indoor coil is exposed to atmospheric
2. Ensure that vapor- and liquid-tube diameters are appropriate to conditions, it must be evacuated to 500 microns to eliminate
capacity of unit. (See Table 1.) contamination and moisture in the system.
3. Run refrigerant tubes as directly as possible by avoiding
unnecessary turns and bends.
To prevent compressor damage DO NOT bury more than 36
4. Leave some slack between structure and unit to absorb
in. (914mm) of refrigerant tubing. If ANY tubing is buried,
vibration.
provide 6 in. (152mm) vertical rise at service valve.
5. When passing refrigerant tubes through the wall, seal opening
with RTV or other pliable silicon-based caulk. (See Fig. 3.) OUTDOOR UNITS CONNECTED TO FACTORY-APPROVED
INDOOR UNITS
6. Avoid direct tubing contact with water pipes, duct work, floor
joists, wall studs, floors, and walls. Outdoor unit contains correct system refrigerant charge for opera-
tion with indoor unit of same size when connected by 15 ft (4.55m)
7. Do not suspend refrigerant tubing from joists and studs with a of field-supplied or factory-accessory tubing. Check refrigerant
rigid wire or strap that comes in direct contact with tubing. charge for maximum efficiency.
(See Fig. 3.)
REFRIGERANT TUBING
8. Ensure that tubing insulation is pliable and completely sur- Connect tubing to fittings on outdoor unit vapor and liquid service
rounds vapor tube. valves. (See Fig. 2.)
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 Table 1—Refrigerant Connections and Recommended Liquid and Vapor Tube Diameters
LIQUID VAPOR
UNITSIZE Connection Dia Tube Dia Connection Dia Tube Dia
In. mm In. mm In. mm In. mm
018/024 3/8 9.53 3/8 9.53 5/8 15.88 5/8 15.88
036 3/8 9.53 3/8 9.53 3/4 19.05 3/4 19.05
048 3/8 9.53 3/8 9.53 7/8 22.23 7/8 22.23
060 3/8 9.53 3/8 9.53 7/8 22.23 1-1/8 28.58
NOTES: 1. Tube diameters are for lengths up to 50 ft (15.24m). For tube sets over 50 ft (15.24m), consult Long-Line Application Guideline.
2. Do not apply capillary tube indoor coils to these units.

Step 5—Make Electrical Connections

Be sure field wiring complies with local and national fire, safety,
Relieve pressure and recover all refrigerant before system and electrical codes, and voltage to system is within limits shown
repair or final unit disposal to avoid personal injury or death. on unit rating plate. Contact local power company for correction of
Use all service ports and open all flow-control devices, improper voltage. See unit rating plate for recommended circuit
including solenoid valves. protection device.
NOTE: Operation of unit on improper line voltage constitutes
abuse and could affect unit reliability. See unit rating plate. Do not
install unit in system where voltage or phase imbalance may
To prevent damage to unit or service valves observe the
fluctuate above or below permissible limits.
following:
• Use a brazing shield. NOTE: Use copper wire only between disconnect switch and
• Wrap service valves with wet cloth or use a heat sink unit.
material. NOTE: Install branch circuit disconnect per local codes of
adequate size to handle unit starting current. Locate disconnect
SWEAT CONNECTION within sight from and readily accessible from unit per local codes.
Use refrigerant grade tubing. Service valves are closed from
factory and ready for brazing. After wrapping service valve with a
wet cloth, braze sweat connections using industry accepted meth-
To avoid personal injury or death, do not supply power to unit
ods and materials. Consult local code requirements. Refrigerant
with compressor terminal box cover removed.
tubing and indoor coil are now ready for leak testing. This check
should include all field and factory joints.

NOTE: Avoid contact between tubing and structure.

The unit cabinet must have an uninterrupted or unbroken
OUTDOOR WALL INDOOR WALL ground to minimize personal injury if an electrical fault
should occur. The ground may consist of electrical wire or
CAULK
LIQUID TUBE metal conduit when installed in accordance with existing
electrical codes. Failure to follow this warning can result in an
electric shock, fire, or death.

ROUTE GROUND AND POWER WIRES

VAPOR TUBE Remove access panel and control box cover to gain access to unit
INSULATION wiring. Extend wires from disconnect through power wiring hole
THROUGH THE WALL provided and into unit control box. (See Fig. 2.) Size wires per
local codes, but not smaller than minimum wire size shown on unit
JOIST
rating plate.

HANGER STRAP CONNECT GROUND AND POWER WIRES

(AROUND VAPOR Connect ground wire to ground connection in control box for
TUBE ONLY) INSULATION
VAPOR TUBE safety. Connect power wiring to contactor as shown in Fig. 4.
NOTE: Use No. 18 AWG (American Wire Gage) color-coded,
insulated (35° C minimum) wire. If thermostat is located more than
100 ft (30.5m) from unit as measured along the control voltage
wires, use No. 16 AWG color-coded wires to avoid excessive
voltage drop.
1″ MIN
(25 mm) LIQUID TUBE CONNECT CONTROL WIRING
SUSPENSION Route 24-v control wires through control wiring grommet and
connect to brown and blue pigtails supplied in unit splice box. (See
A94330
Fig. 5.)
Use furnace transformer, fan-coil transformer, or accessory trans-
Fig. 3—Piping Installation former for control power, 24-v/40-va minimum.

3
 DISCONNECT PER erant flow (back seated). Replace caps finger-tight and tighten
IEC AND/OR additional 1/6 turn with wrench.
LOCAL CODES
FIELD POWER
3. Close electrical disconnects to energize system.
WIRING CONTACTOR
4. Set room thermostat at desired temperature. Be sure set point
L1 L1 is below indoor ambient temperature.
5. Set room thermostat to COOL and fan to ON or AUTO mode,
N FOR 1-PHASE ONLY as desired. Operate unit for 15 minutes. Check system
L2/N L2/N
refrigerant charge.
3-PHASE ONLY 6. Factory charge is shown on unit rating plate. Adjust charge by
L3 L3
following procedure shown on charging tables located on unit.
PE PE

GROUND → • 3-phase scroll compressors are rotation sensitive.

LUG • A flashing LED on phase monitor indicates reverse rotation.
(See Fig. 6 and Table 3.)
A96650
• This will not allow contactor to be energized.
Fig. 4—Line Power Connections • Disconnect power to unit and interchange 2 field wiring
leads on unit contactor.
NOTE: Use of available 24-v accessories may exceed the mini-
mum 40-va power requirement. Determine total transformer load- → SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
ing and increase the transformer capacity or split the load with
Turn on power to indoor and outdoor units. Transformer is
accessory transformer as required.
energized.
Step 6—Compressor Crankcase Heat On a call for cooling, thermostat makes circuits R-Y and R-G. On
When equipped with a crankcase heater, energize heater a mini- three phase models with scroll compressors, the units are equipped
mum of 24 hr before starting unit. To energize heater only, set with a phase monitor to detect if the incoming power is correctly
thermostat to OFF and close electrical disconnect to outdoor unit. phased for compressor operation. (See Fig. 5 and Table 2.)If the
A crankcase heater is required if the refrigerant tubing is longer phasing is correct, circuit R-Y energizes contactor, starting out-
than 50 ft (15.24m). door fan motor and compressor circuit. R-G energizes indoor unit
blower relay, starting indoor blower motor on high speed.
Step 7—Install Electrical Accessories, If Any
Refer to the individual instructions packaged with the kit or
accessory when installing.
Step 8—Start-Up and Check Charge

To prevent compressor damage or personal injury, observe

the following:
• Do not overcharge system with refrigerant.
• Do not operate unit in a vacuum or at negative pressure.
• Do not disable low-pressure switch.
In scroll compressor applications:
• Dome temperatures may be hot.

To prevent personal injury wear safety glasses, protective

clothing, and gloves when handling refrigerant and observe A00010
the following:
Fig. 5—Phase Monitor Control
• Back seating service valves are not equipped with Schrader
valves. Fully back seat (counter clockwise) valve stem before
removing gage port cap. Table 2—Phase Monitor LED Indicators
• Front seating service valves are equipped with Schrader LED STATUS
valves. OFF No call for compressor operation
FLASHING Reversed phase
ON Normal

Do not vent refrigerant to atmosphere. Recover during system

repair or final unit disposal. NOTE: If the phasing is incorrect, the contactor will not be
energized. To correct the phasing, interchange any two of the three
1. Fully back seat (open) liquid and vapor tube service valves. power connections on the field side.
2. Unit is shipped with valve stem(s) front seated and caps When thermostat is satisfied, its contacts open, de-energizing
installed. Replace stem caps after system is opened to refrig- contactor and blower relay. Compressor and motors stop.
4
 THERMOSTAT THERMOSTAT FURNACE

R R R
MOTOR
POWER C
M SUPPLY
G G G C
IFR TRANS
Y C Y Y

W W/
W1

COOLING ONLY ONE STAGE COOLING / GAS HEATING

THERMOSTAT FAN COIL THERMOSTAT INDOOR UNIT

R R R R

C C

G G C G G LLS C

Y Y Y Y

W W2 W W

ONE STAGE COOLING / ELECTRIC HEAT ONE STAGE COOLING / HEATING

ACCESSORY LIQUID LINE SOLENOID

NOTES:
1. Wiring must conform to local codes.
2. LLS required on some units. See specific unit instructions.
3. Transformer required is 24-v, 40-va minimum. A 60-va or external power source may
be necessary when installing accessories.
4. When installing electronic thermostat, connect transformer common to thermostat C.

LEGEND:

C – COMPRESSOR CONTACTOR M – INDOOR FAN MOTOR

LLS – LIQUID LINE SOLENOID TRANS – TRANSFORMER

IFR – INDOOR FAN RELAY

A94331

Fig. 6—24-v Control Circuit Connections

If indoor unit is equipped with an off-delay circuit, the indoor Leave User’s Manual with owner. Explain system operation and
blower can run up to an additional 120 sec to increase system periodic maintenance requirements outlined in manual. Frequency
efficiency. of maintenance may vary depending on geographic areas, such as
coastal applications which require more frequent maintenance.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
For continued high performance and to minimize possible equip-
ment failure, periodic maintenance must be performed on this
equipment.

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Copyright 2001 CARRIER Corp. • 7310 W. Morris St. • Indianapolis, IN 46231 38ckcc2si

Manufacturer reserves the right to discontinue, or change at any time, specifications or designs without notice and without incurring obligations.
Book 1 4 PC 101 Catalog No. 003-840 Printed in U.S.A. Form 38CKC-C2SI Pg 8 4-01 Replaces: 38CKC-C1SI
Tab 3a 2a