Condensate Secondary Drain

[STYMIEDPIPER]

Industrial Application
Roof mount AC unit

Are there any applicable code requirements to have a secondary containment to the condensate tray in the event that the drain becomes plugged??

 

[RossABQ]

See IMC §M307.2.3 (2000) : Auxiliary and secondary drain systems.
In addition to the requirements of §M307.2.1, a secondary drain or auxiliary drain pan shall be required for each cooling or evaporator coil where damage to any building components will occur as a result of overflow from the equipment drain pan or stoppage in the condensate drain piping. One of the following methods shall be used:

1. An auxiliary drain pan with a separate drain shall be provided under the coils on which condensation will occur. The auxiliary pan drain shall discharge to a conspicuous point of disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of the primary drain. The pan shall have a minimum depth of 1.5 inches (38 mm), shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) larger than the unit or the coil dimensions in width and length and shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant material. Metallic pans shall have a minimum thickness of not less than 0.0276-inch (0.7 mm) galvanized sheet metal. Nonmetallic pans shall have a minimum thickness of not less than 0.0625 inch (1.6 mm).

That what you mean? Up to you (or the AHJ) to determine if there is really "potential for damage" if the primary pan plugs.

 

[lilliput1]

If your unit is roof mounted what is your worry? First pipe the condensate drain to the neares roof drain. If it plugs up & the unit overflows, condensate will just spill out the roof.

 

[STYMIEDPIPER]

ROSS
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction

LILLIPUT1
Thanks for your input. The AHU is located on roof of a large electrical room at an industrial facility. If 'Murphys Law' prevailed then severe consequences would result which obviously dictates additional precautions are necessary to answer the 'what if?'. I inquired to see what Codes were applicable.

 

[lilliput1]

Consider also putting water on the floor detectors (at low points of the floor) to alarm the BAS.