Access and Maintenance of Ductwork/Equipment

[mjkey]

Hi all,

I am working on a project where we are positioning a set of duty/standby fans and ductwork right up against a wall.

My question is, has anyone done this before, and if so, were there any difficulties with access and maintenance, removal/installation of any of the equipment.

I ask this because, with the ductwork sitting right up against the wall, how can you access the connections that are sitting against the wall? Have you had to have access after installation?

Attached are some screenshots of the model.

Cheers

 

[willard3]

You can put access panels in the wall.

 

[dbill74]

Access panels in the wall is one option. Another is select equipment that has electrical connections, motor, and belts on the side away from the wall.

Assuming the fans are belt driven, access will be required at some point to inspect and replace the belts, adjust sheaves, etc.

 

[mjkey]

@willard3 - The wall are thick concrete walls. Are you trying to say put access panels in the ducts?

@dbill74 - Yes all electrical connections will be away from the wall. Access panels can be put on the fan for access to the internal.

Thanks for the replies guys, I guess my question really is, do we need access to the wall side of the ductwork? I understand that once the duct is installed, it is very rare that it would need to be replace (fan replacement much more likely).

Cheers

 

[EnergyProfessional]

You should consult manufacturer's documents to see clearance requirements. Note that their requirements sometimes are less than NEC requirements - use the more strict of any requirements.

I put clearance lines around my equipment families. that way i and the installer see right away from where to stay away.