Panasonic VRF System Air Conditioner Installation Instructions

R410A Models

Indoor Units

*Panel (optional parts)

Outdoor Units

• LE1 mini: U-4LE1E5, U-5LE1E5, U-6LE1E5, U-4LE1E8, U-5LE1E8, U-6LE1E8
• ME1 2WAY: U-8ME1E81, U-10ME1E81, U-12ME1E81, U-14ME1E81, U-16ME1E81, U-18ME1E81, U-20ME1E81
• MF2 3WAY: U-8MF2E8, U-10MF2E8, U-12MF2E8, U-14MF2E8, U-16MF2E8

Important Information and Precautions

WARNING!

• Read these installation instructions carefully before starting installation.
• Follow each installation or repair instruction precisely.
• Install the air conditioner in accordance with national wiring regulations.
• Carefully study all warnings and cautions provided in this manual.
• The symbol ⚠️ indicates dangerous or incorrect procedures that could result in serious injury or death.
• The symbol ⚠️ indicates dangerous or incorrect procedures that could result in injury or property damage.

During Wiring

• Ensure all wiring is securely connected. Loose wiring can cause overheating at connection points and potential fire hazards.
• Ensure each unit has a separate power outlet.
• Ensure each unit has a separate power outlet and that the stationary electrical wiring includes a complete disconnecting device with contact separation on all poles in accordance with wiring regulations.
• Ground the unit to prevent potential hazards from insulation failure.
• Improper connections and inadequate grounding can lead to accidental injury or death.

During Transportation

• Handle indoor and outdoor units with care during lifting and moving. Bend your knees when lifting to reduce back strain. Sharp edges or thin aluminum fins on the air conditioner can cause finger cuts.

During Installation

• Select a firm and sufficiently strong installation location to support or hold the unit, and choose a location for easy maintenance.
• Indoors: Properly insulate all piping within the room to prevent condensation, which can cause dripping and water damage to walls and floors.
• In wet or unstable locations: Use high support plates or concrete blocks to ensure a stable, level foundation for the outdoor unit. This will prevent water ingress or abnormal vibration.
• In windy locations: Securely fasten the outdoor unit with bolts and a metal frame. Install a suitable wind protection screen.
• In snowy regions (for heat pump systems): Install the outdoor unit on a high platform above the snow line. Install fans with snow guards.
• In laundry rooms: Do not install in laundry rooms. The indoor unit is not drip-proof.
• Fire alarms and air duct outlets should be located at least 1.5 meters away from the unit.

Refrigerant Information

This product contains fluorinated greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol. Do not release gases into the atmosphere.

• Refrigerant Type: R410A
• GWP Value: 1975 (Global Warming Potential)

Periodic inspections for refrigerant leaks may be regulated depending on European or local legislation. Contact your local dealer for more information.

General Precautions

• Do not disassemble or modify this product under any circumstances. Modified or disassembled units may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
• Do not allow users to clean the inside of indoor or outdoor units. Contact an authorized dealer or specialist for cleaning.
• Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself if it malfunctions. Contact your local dealer or service provider for repairs.
• Do not touch the air intake or sharp aluminum fins of the outdoor unit. This may cause injury.
• Ventilate enclosed spaces during installation or refrigerant system testing. Escaped refrigerant gas in contact with fire or high temperatures can produce toxic gas.
• Ensure there are no refrigerant leaks after installation. Contact with gas from a burning stove, water heater, electric heater, or other heat source can produce toxic gas.
• Do not sit or stand on the unit, as this may cause unexpected falls.
• Do not insert objects into the fan housing. This may cause injury or damage to the unit.

Installation Procedure

1. General Information

• 1-1. Tools Required for Installation (Not Supplied): Screwdriver (flat-head and Phillips), utility knife or wire stripper, tape measure, spirit level, hacksaw or hole saw, hole saw, hammer, drill, pipe cutter, flare tool, torque wrench, adjustable wrench, deburring tool.
• 1-2. Accessories Supplied with the Unit: Drain hose with clamp, thermal insulation, tape, flat washer for M10 screw, M5 screw, installation manual.
• 1-3. Copper Pipe and Insulation Material Type: Use deoxidized annealed copper pipe for refrigerant piping. Use polyethylene foam insulation with a minimum thickness of 8 mm for copper pipes. Use insulated copper wire for wiring.
• 1-4. Additional Materials Required for Installation: Reinforced cooling system tape, insulated clamps or fixings for wire connection, putty, refrigerant pipe lubricant, scales.

2. Installation Location Selection

• 2-1. Indoor Unit:
• AVOID: Locations with flammable gas leaks, high oil mist, direct sunlight, heat sources, direct outdoor air entry, water splashes, locations where the remote control is obstructed, locations with high-frequency radiation.
• PERFORM: Select a location that allows uniform cooling of the room. Ensure the ceiling is strong enough to support the unit's weight (at least four times the unit's weight). Choose a location that minimizes refrigerant pipe and drain hose length. Ensure adequate space for operation and maintenance, and unobstructed airflow. Install within the maximum height difference and total pipe length specified in the outdoor unit installation manual. Install the remote control receiver about 1 meter above the floor, away from direct sunlight or cold air drafts.

3. Indoor Unit Installation Procedure

• 3-1. Ceiling Suspension Preparation: Use a drain pump. Ensure the unit is installed horizontally using a level.
• 3-2. Ceiling Opening Dimensions and Hanging Bolt Location: Use the provided paper template for accurate hole placement. Consult with professionals for ceiling drilling.
• 3-3. Indoor Unit Body Position and Ceiling Surface: Ensure proper alignment and no gaps between the decorative panel and the ceiling. Adjust indoor unit height if necessary.
• 3-4. Drain Hose Installation: Install the drain hose with a downward slope (1/100 or more) and avoid water traps. Secure the hose with a clamp.
• 3-5. Indoor Unit Drain Piping: Do not apply excessive force to the drain port. Ensure proper insulation of the drain pipe (minimum 8 mm thickness). Maintain a downward slope (1/50 to 1/100) and avoid upward slopes or dips to prevent backflow. Ensure no air pockets in the drain hose for smooth water flow.

4. Electrical Wiring

• 4-1. Precautions for Wiring: Follow wiring diagrams precisely. Ensure proper grounding. Do not allow wiring to contact refrigerant pipes or moving parts. Do not make unauthorized changes to internal wiring. Comply with local electrical installation and operation regulations. Keep remote control wiring separate from power wiring. Use shielded wires for control wiring and ground the shielding on both sides.
• 4-2. Recommended Wire Length and Diameter for Power Supply: Refer to the table for specific wire sizes and maximum lengths based on unit capacity and voltage.
• 4-3. System Wiring Diagrams: Diagrams are provided for single-phase and three-phase power supplies, illustrating connections for indoor units, outdoor units, and remote controls.

5. Piping Operations

• 5-1. Refrigerant Piping Connection: Use flare connections for liquid pipes and brazing for gas pipes. Follow the flare nut tightening procedure carefully to prevent leaks. Use refrigerant lubricant on flare connections.
• 5-2. Connecting Piping Between Indoor and Outdoor Units: Connect the refrigerant pipes from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. Refer to the table for pipe diameters based on indoor unit capacity.
• 5-3. Refrigerant Piping Insulation: Insulate all unit piping, including connections. Use insulation material with high heat resistance (over 120°C for gas pipes, over 80°C for others). Ensure a minimum insulation thickness of 10 mm. Increase thickness in humid conditions.
• 5-4. Pipe Wrapping with Tape: Wrap refrigerant pipes and wiring together with armor tape. Route the drain hose separately to prevent condensate overflow. Secure the pipe bundle with fixings approximately every meter.
• 5-5. Installation Completion: Seal the wall opening with putty to prevent rain and drafts.

6. Timer Remote Control Installation Procedure (Optional)

Refer to the separate manual for the timer remote control installation.

7. Decorative Panel Installation

• 7-1. Before Installing the Decorative Panel: Remove the air intake grille and air filter.
• 7-2. Installing the Decorative Panel: Ensure correct orientation. Secure the panel using the provided screws.
• 7-3. For Wireless Remote Control Use: Move the SW502 switch on the indoor unit's control board to the ON position.

8. Wireless Remote Control Receiver Installation Procedure

Refer to the separate manual for the wireless remote control receiver installation.

9. Maintenance

• Cleaning:
• Disconnect power before cleaning.
• Do not use gasoline, thinner, or scouring powder. Use mild soap or neutral detergent. Do not use water above 40°C.
• Regular cleaning of the air filter ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency.
• Air Filter Installation: Insert the air filter into the air intake grille. Slowly raise the air intake grille. Remove the air filter from its hinges.
• Air Filter Maintenance: Clean the filter when the indicator (Filter) appears on the display. Clean filters regularly regardless of the indicator for optimal performance.
• After Cleaning: Reinstall the filter, reset the filter indicator by pressing the filter reset button.

Troubleshooting

If the air conditioner is not operating correctly, check the following:

Indoor Unit Issues:

• Noise: Water-like sound (refrigerant), cracking sound (temperature changes), odor (absorbed room odors).
• Smell: Absorbed room odors, cigarette smoke, cosmetics.
• Dew/Mist: Condensation from cooled air, or dust inside the unit.
• Fan Operation: Fan may continue to run briefly after shutdown for defrosting or to ensure even operation.
• Airflow Direction: May change automatically during operation or after shutdown for defrosting.

Outdoor Unit Issues:

• No Operation: Check power supply, fuses, or compressor protection circuits.
• Noise: Normal operation sounds, or fan operation during defrosting.
• Steam: Steam may appear during defrosting operation.

If problems persist, contact a local dealer or service center. Do not attempt self-repair.

Energy Saving Tips

• Do not block air inlets or outlets.
• Use curtains, blinds, or shutters to block direct sunlight.
• Keep air filters clean.
• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent cool air leakage.