Secondary condensate line

[Ryan Stouffer]

Does this furnace need a secondary condensate drain line? There is a primary one on the furnace itself but there are air conditioner coils installed above the furnace and there are 2 drain plugs on the air conditioner coils but no drain line. Does that mean that this technically needs a drain line and would that be considered a secondary drain line if it were connected to the air conditioner coils or does the furnace need a secondary drain line and the air conditioner coils too?

Thanks,

Ryan

[Jerry Peck]

First, the gas line needs a sediment trap.

Needs a vent at that trap by the coil too.

Yes, it also needs a secondary drain line: "If the coil is located in or above a living space where damage may result from condensate overflow, a separate ¾” drain must be provided from the secondary drain connection."

http://www.adpnow.com./irj/go/km/docs/lii_wwhc_adp/Products/documents/haheInstall.pdf

[Ryan Stouffer]

does it need a secondary drain line just if it is in an area that it will cause damage. It is in the utility room in the basement. it is not above anything.

[Jerry Peck]

does it need a secondary drain line just if it is in an area that it will cause damage. It is in the utility room in the basement. it is not above anything.


Ryan,

Yes, based on code.

This is an example of the code being more stringent than the manufacturer's installation instructions.

- M1411.3 Condensate disposal. Condensate from all cooling coils or evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal. Condensate shall not discharge into a street, alley or other areas where it would cause a nuisance.
- - M1411.3.1 Auxiliary and secondary drain systems. In addition to the requirements of Section M1411.3, 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. Such piping shall maintain a minimum horizontal slope in the direction of discharge of not less than 1/8 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1-percent slope). Drain piping shall be a minimum of 3/4-inch (19 mm) nominal pipe size. One of the following methods shall be used:
- - - (then a list of suitable ways follow)

"any building components" which includes at any location

[Ryan Stouffer]

Jerry, thanks.

Ryan

[Ryan Stouffer]

Okay, my last question on the secondary drain line. Does a high efficiency furnace need a secondary drain line if it does not have a cooling coil?

Ryan

[Jerry Peck]

That would be up to the manufacturer's installation instructions, I'm not sure the code addresses that (because I never see those heaters).

[Randy Mayo]

The pictures shows a white pvc drain line connected to the air coil then routed down to intercept the furnace condensate. Many air condition coil boxes have two sets of drain plugs, one is used if the coil is used in an upright position the other is used when it is in a horz. position.