Carrier 38MHRCQ Ductless Mini-Split System

Product Data

INDUSTRY LEADING FEATURES / BENEFITS

A PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN BUDGET LIMITS, ENERGY SAVINGS AND COMFORT.

The 38MHRCQ series ductless systems are a matched combination of an outdoor condensing unit and an indoor fan coil unit connected only by refrigerant tubing and wires.

The ductless system permits creative solutions to design problems such as:

• Add-ons to current space (an office or family room addition)
• Special space requirements
• When changes in the load cannot be handled by the existing system
• When adding air conditioning to spaces that are heated by hydronic or electric heat and have no ductwork
• Historical renovations or any application where preserving the look of the original structure is essential.

The ideal compliment to your ducted system when it is impractical or prohibitively expensive to use ductwork.

The compact indoor fan coil units take up very little space in the room and do not obstruct windows. The fan coils are attractively styled to blend with most room decors. Advanced system components incorporate innovative technology to provide reliable cooling performance at low sound levels.

Key Features and Benefits

Inverter Technology

The inverter driven compressor is designed to run at various input power frequencies (Hz) which controls the compressor's motor speed.

• Even Temperature: The control package, including the inverter, monitors outdoor and indoor temperatures and adjusts compressor speed to match the load, keeping the system operating continuously for higher comfort levels.
• Rapid Pull Down/Warm-Up: The system can ramp up compressor speed to reach the selected room temperature set point quicker.
• Humidity Control: Running the system for longer periods and continuously varying compressor speed enhances humidity control.
• Individual Room Comfort: Maximum comfort is provided as each space can be controlled individually.
• Low Sound Levels: Indoor units are whisper quiet. There are no compressors indoors, and no noise from air being forced through ductwork. The 38MHRCQ units run at lower speeds, resulting in reduced sound levels.
• Enhanced Economical Operation: Ductless systems are economical to operate, heating or cooling only when required. This is further enhanced when the inverter system output matches the load for greater efficiency.
• Easy-To-Use Controls: Microprocessor-based controls with user-friendly wired and wireless remote controls provide comfort and efficiency.
• Secure Operation: Outdoor and indoor units are connected only by refrigerant piping and wiring, preventing intruders from crawling through openings. Outdoor units can be installed close to an outside wall, protecting coils from vandals and severe weather.

Fast Installation

This compact ductless system is simple to install, requiring only wires and piping between indoor and outdoor units. This ensures minimal disruption for retrofit applications.

Simple Servicing and Maintenance

The outdoor unit's top panel provides access to the control compartment for troubleshooting. The draw-thru design allows coils to be cleaned easily from the inside. Indoor units have permanent, easy-to-clean filters, and error codes are displayed on the front panel.

Built-in Reliability

Units are designed for years of trouble-free operation. The microprocessor detects abnormal conditions and stops the unit, displaying an error code. Inverter systems offer additional reliability with soft start, which reduces voltage and current during startup, minimizing electrical stress and wear on components.

Agency Listings

All systems are listed with AHRI (Air conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) and are UL certified per UL 60335-2-40 standard.

Model Number Nomenclature

The model number indicates key features of the unit:

• 38: Outdoor Unit
• MH: Series (All)
• R: Unit Type (Outdoor Unit)
• C/Q: System Type (Cooling Only / Heat Pump)
• 09, 12, 18, 24: Nominal Capacity (3/4 Ton to 2 Ton)
• A: Voltage (e.g., 1=115-1-60, 3=208/230-1-60)
• A: Variations (Standard)

Standard Features and Accessories

Outdoor Units

• Crankcase Heater: Standard on all unit sizes.
• Base Pan Heater: Standard on all unit sizes.

Accessories

Note: The base pan has multiple holes for proper draining. Rubber plugs are available to seal these holes and redirect condensate drain.

Dimensions

Detailed dimensions for various system sizes are provided in tables and diagrams. Key dimensions include Height, Width, and Depth for the unit and packaging, along with Net and Gross Weight.

(Refer to page 5, 6, and 7 for detailed dimension tables and diagrams)

Clearances

Minimum clearances are required around the outdoor unit for proper airflow and service access. Specific clearance requirements are detailed for single units and multiple unit arrangements.

(Refer to page 8 for detailed clearance diagrams and requirements)

Specifications

Comprehensive specifications are provided, including:

• Electrical Data: Voltage, Phase, Cycle, MCA, Recommended Fuse Size, MOCP, RLA, FLA.
• Operating Range: Cooling and Heating outdoor dry bulb temperature limits.
• Piping: Total piping length, piping lift, pipe connection sizes (liquid and suction).
• Refrigerant: Type (R410A), Charge (lbs/kg), Metering Device (Capillary).
• Outdoor Coil: Face Area, No. Rows, Fins per inch.
• Compressor: Type, Model, Oil Type, Oil Charge, Rated Current (RLA), Unit Width, Height, Depth, Net Weight, Airflow (CFM), Sound Pressure (dB(A)).
• Compatibility: Lists compatible indoor unit models for each outdoor unit size.

(Refer to page 9 for detailed specifications)

Performance Data

Cooling and Heating performance data is provided in detailed tables, including:

• Cooling: Total Capacity (TC), Sensible Capacity (SC), Input (kW), SEER, EER.
• Heating: Total Capacity (TC), Input (kW), COP (Coefficient of Performance) at various temperature conditions.

(Refer to page 10-14 for detailed performance data tables)

Application Data

Unit Selection

Select equipment that matches or slightly exceeds the anticipated peak load for better humidity control and reduced part-load operation. For high sensible loads, base selection on unit sensible load.

Unit Mounting (Outdoor)

Units should be level in all planes. Minimum clearances must be provided for airflow. Locations should be convenient for installation, not exposed to strong winds, and capable of supporting the unit's weight. Avoid special environmental conditions.

Metering Devices

The outdoor unit uses a capillary tube to manage refrigerant flow to the fan coil.

Drain Connections

Install drains according to local sanitation codes.

Refrigerant Lines

Outdoor units are shipped with R410A refrigerant. Line sizing and capacities are based on 25 ft. (7.6 m) runs. For longer runs, refer to Long Line Applications for charge adjustments. Refrigerant lines should not be buried; if necessary, bury no more than 36 inches (914 mm) and provide a minimum 6-inch (152 mm) vertical rise. Use at least 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) thick closed-cell insulation. Isolate tubing to prevent vibration transmission.

Long Line Applications

• No change in line sizing is required.
• Add refrigerant per the Additional Charge table.

(Refer to page 15 for Application Data details)

Wiring

All wires must be sized per NEC or CEC and local codes. Use the Electrical Data table for MCA and MOCP to size wires and disconnects. Power and communication wiring from the outdoor to indoor unit consists of four wires (line voltage AC power, communication, and ground). Wiring is polarity sensitive. BX wire is not recommended. For high EMF areas, a shielded wire can be used, landing the shield to ground in the outdoor unit only.

CAUTION: Failure to follow wiring precautions may result in equipment damage or improper operation. Ensure all wiring is tightly connected and no wires touch refrigerant tubing, compressor, or moving parts. Disconnecting means must be provided and located within sight and accessible.

(Refer to page 16 for detailed wiring information)

Wiring Diagrams

Wiring diagrams are provided for different unit sizes (12K 115V, 9-18K 208-230V, and 24K 230V), illustrating connections for the main board, sensors, fan, compressor, and power supply.

(Refer to page 19, 20, and 21 for detailed wiring diagrams)

Electrical Data

Detailed electrical data is presented in a table, including:

• Power Supply: System Size, Volts-PH-Hz, Max/Min Voltage, MCA, Recommended Fuse Size, MOCP.
• Compressor: Volts-PH-Hz, RLA, FLA.
• Outdoor Fan Motor: Rated HP, Output, Type, Diameter, Height, Model, Volts, Phase, Hertz, FLA, Rated HP, Output, Type, Insulation Class, Safe Class, Input, Range of Current, Rated Current, Capacitor, Speed, Rated RPM, Max Input.

(Refer to page 18 for detailed Electrical Data)

Sound Data

Sound pressure and sound power levels are provided for various unit sizes and operating conditions (cooling and heating). Sound pressure in octave bands is also detailed.

(Refer to page 17 for detailed Sound Data)

Guide Specifications

This section provides a comprehensive overview of the unit's design and components:

• System Description: Outdoor air-cooled split system units suitable for various mounting types, consisting of rotary compressor, air-cooled coil, fan, reversing valve, accumulator, and controls. Units function as the outdoor component of an air-to-air heat pump system and are matched to ductless heat pump fan coil units.
• Agency Listings: Compliance with ANSI/ASHRAE 15, NEC, UL standard 60335-2-40, and CEC directory. Unit cabinet tested for 500-hour salt spray and coils leak tested.
• Delivery, Storage, And Handling: Units shipped in one piece and handled per manufacturer's recommendations.
• Warranty: For inclusion by specifying engineer.
• Equipment:
• General: Factory assembled outdoor unit with all wiring, piping, controls, and compressor.
• Unit Cabinet: Galvanized steel, bonderized, and coated with baked-enamel finish. Removable access panels for full access. Acoustic lining for quiet operation.
• Fans: Direct drive propeller type, discharges air horizontally. Totally enclosed, single-phase motors with Class E insulation and permanent ball bearings, protected by internal thermal overload. Shafts have corrosion resistance. Fan blades are non-metallic, balanced. PVC metal/mesh coated protection grille over the fan.
• Compressor: Fully hermetic rotary type with oil system, operating oil charge, and NEMA Class E motor. Mounted on rubber vibration isolators.
• Outdoor Coil: Aluminum hydrophilic pre-coated fins bonded to seamless copper tubes. Tubes are cleaned, dehydrated, and sealed.
• Refrigeration Components: Brass external liquid line service valve with service gage port, suction line service valve with service gage port, service gage ports on compressor suction and discharge lines, Schrader type fittings, accumulator, reversing valve.
• Controls and Safeties: Factory selected and tested. Includes time delay control, automatic outdoor fan motor protection, system diagnostics, compressor motor current/temperature overload protection, and outdoor fan failure protection.
• Electrical Requirements: Operates on single-phase, 60 Hz power (115V or 208/230V). Single point electrical power connection. Unit control voltage to indoor fan coil is 0-15V DC. All wiring per NEC and local codes. High and low voltage terminal block connections.

(Refer to page 22 for detailed Guide Specifications)