The Lighter Side This month’s Lighter Side brought to you by:
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1 WINNER 2 3 FAULT FINDER Keith stumbled across this “lovely piece of work” while walking across a shopping centre roof in Adelaide. Graham says: The wiring draped across a metal roof between the two units probably should be protected by conduit. The broken pressure control cover on the left unit is held together with tape. The suction and liquid lines from both units use the same roof penetration and the pipe insulation is breaking down due to UV radiation. I have a suspicion that the cover on the compressor terminal box on the left unit isn’t fitted correctly, although it’s a bit hard to see. The suction line on the left unit isn’t insulated or the insulation has fallen off. I would suggest that the wiring across the roof is plain illegal and that this was piggy-backed off an existing installation by someone with enough knowledge to be dangerous!
1 WHITE CHRISTMAS John replaced this ducted unit over the festive period. “The customer said it hasn’t been cooling for a few weeks but they just turned down the temperature and let it run,” says John. “Apparently just knowing it’s on even if it’s not doing anything helps you feel cool! The suction on the outdoor was a ball of ice and the pipes were covered in ice the entire length. They also had some Christmas decorations so it seemed appropriate.” Graham says: From the looks of things, the unit has possibly been operating without a filter, and maybe even with the return air disconnected.
2 SET AND FORGET Jamie was working in Lalor Park NSW when he got a service call for an AC not working. “When I saw this I could not believe my eyes,” says Jamie. “I’ve attached two photos to show you it was still in service. Scary!”
4 FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK … “Someone was too lazy to grab their spanners and adjust this evap’s v-belt,” says Callan, who found this rock just wedged under the motor. Graham says: I think he is correct about the rock!
5 BAREFOOT INSTALL Nick spotted this situation in Launceston. “A worker 5m up a ladder attempting to remove an old aircon unit by hand – with limited assistance from another guy inside the building,” Nick says. “It’s so hot in Launceston over summer (it was 22°C) he wasn’t wearing shoes.” Graham says: A WH&S nightmare. Not only no PPE but using a ladder to work off. To do this safely and properly would probably cost more than the unit he is removing, but no reason to risk life and limb.
Additional comments and observations provided by Graham Boyle, F.AIRAH, portfolio manager, heavy automotive and refrigeration at South Metropolitan TAFE. Please note that the comments are provided on the basis of the photos only and should be read with this in mind – not all issues or solutions are apparent from a 2D image.
HAVE YOU COME ACROSS SOMETHING SCARY, UGLY OR JUST PLAIN FUNNY? If your entry is deemed the monthly winner, a 700ml bottle of Jim Beam will be on its way to your door. Please include a postal address with your entry. Entrants must be 18 or over. Send your hi-res (>500KB) photos to Editor, Mark Vender at mark.vender@airah.org.au
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HVAC&R Nation
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www.airah.org.au/nation
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February–March 2021
