Refrigerant pipes
If the split set is missing the pipe or if it does not reach the outdoor unit, you can find it here: installation kits comprising a bracket and copper pipe from Hantech, and copper pipes from TCL measuring 3 to 5 metres. The refrigerant circuit must be connected by a certified specialist company.
Refrigerant pipes for split air conditioners: installation kits comprising copper tubing and brackets from Hantech, as well as individual copper tubes from TCL. These are used to supplement split air conditioners where the kit does not include suitable piping or where the distance to the outdoor unit is longer.
Installation kits with copper tubing and brackets
The installation kits contain a bracket and 1/4-inch copper tubing for the liquid line. Those with 1/2-inch tubing for the gas line are available in lengths of 3, 4 and 5 metres, whilst those with 3/8-inch tubing are available in 3-metre lengths. The length depends on the distance from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, including wall penetrations and bends. The maximum length permitted for a particular unit is specified in its data sheet; for Hantech H-Pro wall-mounted units, this is up to 25 metres.
Copper tubing from TCL
TCL’s 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch copper pipes are available in 3-metre and 5-metre lengths, without brackets. The Quick-Connect sets from TCL BreezeIN and Hantech Elite XA21 already include a 5-metre-long pipe; this is connected via quick-connect couplings.
Refrigerant pipe: choosing the correct pipe diameter
The diameter of the refrigerant pipe depends on the unit. According to the data sheet, the 9,000 and 12,000 BTU indoor units have a 3/8-inch refrigerant pipe, most 24,000 BTU units have a 1/2-inch pipe, and some cassette and duct units have a 5/8-inch pipe. For 18,000 BTU units, both sizes are used, whilst the largest units have a 5/8-inch pipe. Installation kits and 3/8-inch copper pipes are therefore suitable for the smaller wall-mounted units, whilst 1/2-inch installation kits are primarily intended for the ‘24.000-BTU’ class. The specifications for the gas and liquid pipes in the indoor unit’s data sheet are always decisive.
Brackets and mounts for the outdoor unit can be found under ‘Wall brackets for air conditioners’.
Who installs the pipework
Cutting to length, flaring, evacuating and, if necessary, refilling the refrigerant pipe are tasks carried out on the refrigerant circuit. These must be carried out by personnel certified in accordance with the F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573. After ordering a split air conditioner, you must provide proof before dispatch that a specialist company has been commissioned to carry out the installation; the procedure is described under ‘Professional installation of your air conditioner’. The units themselves can be found under ‘Split air conditioner’.
Frequently asked questions about refrigerant pipework
What pipe diameter is suitable for my air conditioner?
This is specified in the indoor unit’s technical data sheet under ‘Gas and liquid pipes’. For most units in the range, the liquid pipe is 1/4 inch; for some, it is 3/8 inch. The gas pipe is 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8 inch, depending on the capacity.
What length of pipework do I need?
The length required is the distance from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, including the wall feed-through and bends. Installation kits are available in lengths of 3, 4 and 5 metres, whilst TCL copper pipes come in lengths of 3 and 5 metres.
Do I need a pipe for every air conditioner kit?
Not always. Many split sets come with a refrigerant pipe measuring three or five metres; the sets in the Hantech H-Pro series also include a mounting bracket. The exact contents are specified for each set.