ATC recirculating chillers are designed for indoor installation.

Before positioning the unit, make sure the proposed location is suitable for the chiller and provides a stable, accessible installation area.

Consider how the chiller will connect to the process and ensure that there is sufficient access for operation, inspection, and future servicing.

Air-cooled chillers need sufficient airflow to reject the heat removed from the process.

Check that the chiller’s air inlets and outlets will remain unobstructed and that there is adequate clearance around the unit in accordance with the model-specific manual.

Avoid positioning the chiller where hot discharge air could be drawn back into its air inlet.

The room itself should also be capable of managing the heat rejected by the chiller, particularly where larger or multiple chillers are being installed.

Confirm that the temperature and environmental conditions at the installation location are suitable for your particular chiller.

Remember that the temperature immediately surrounding the chiller may be higher than the general room temperature if it is installed close to other heat-generating equipment or in a poorly ventilated space.

If your application involves unusually high or low ambient temperatures, this should be discussed with ATC as part of the chiller specification.

Before connecting the chiller, check that the electrical supply available at the installation matches the requirements of your specific unit.

Check the chiller rating plate and product manual for the required:

• Voltage
• Phase
• Frequency
• Electrical connection requirements

Do not assume that two visually similar chiller models have the same electrical requirements.

Where electrical installation work is required, it should be completed in accordance with the product manual and applicable local electrical requirements.

Make sure that you have the correct process fluid for your chiller and application before filling the system.

The fluid can influence cooling and hydraulic performance and must be compatible with both the chiller and the customer process.

Follow the fluid requirements and recommendations given in the model-specific manual. If you are unsure whether a particular fluid is suitable, contact ATC before filling or operating the chiller.

Confirm that your hoses or pipework are compatible with the process inlet and outlet connections on the chiller.

Before installation, consider:

• Correct hose or pipe size
• Connection type
• Hose and fitting compatibility
• Pipework length
• Valves and other restrictions
• Height differences within the system
• Secure, leak-free connections

Pipework, fittings, and process equipment create resistance to flow, so the design of the customer’s system can affect the actual flow delivered by the chiller’s pump.

If you have a specific flow and pressure requirement, make sure this has been considered during chiller and pump selection.

A continuous coolant flow path must be maintained through the cooling system.

Do not install or operate valves or other components in a way that could completely block the flow path or dead-head the pump.

Restricted or blocked flow can result in excessive pressure, overheating, cavitation, reduced cooling performance, and potential equipment damage.

The wider pipework, flow distribution, and integration of the chiller with the process remain part of the customer’s system design.

If the chiller will be connected to a PLC, test system, or other external equipment, confirm any communication and control requirements before commissioning.

RS485 communications and volt-free contacts are standard on all MG, G, and H series chillers.

If Remote Stop/Start has been specified, check the appropriate connections and instructions before operation. Remote Stop/Start is separate from the standard RS485 functionality.

Refer to the product manual for the connection and pin-out information applicable to your chiller.

Before switching on or commissioning the chiller, read the manual supplied with your particular model.

The manual should be used to confirm specific requirements for:

• Installation and positioning
• Electrical connection
• Process connections
• Filling and process fluid
• Controls
• Start-up and operation
• Safety
• Maintenance

This FAQ provides general guidance only. The requirements in the model-specific product manual should always be followed when installing and operating your chiller. 

ATC also offers commissioning services for customers who would like additional support when bringing their chiller into operation.

Commissioning can provide additional confidence that the equipment has been correctly installed and set up before entering service, and can be particularly valuable for new or more complex installations.

If you would like commissioning support, discuss this with our team so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.

Before bringing your ATC chiller into operation, check that:

• The chiller is installed indoors in a suitable location
• Adequate ventilation and clearance are available
• The ambient conditions are suitable
• The available electrical supply matches the chiller
• The correct process fluid is available
• Hoses, pipework, and connections are suitable and secure
• The system provides a continuous flow path
• Any required control or communication connections are understood
• You have read the model-specific product manual
• Commissioning has been arranged where required

If anything is unclear, contact ATC Technical Support before commissioning the chiller. Our team can help to clarify the requirements for your particular model and application.