Ductless Mitsubishi branch box system Part #2 of #4 piping and control wiring with drain lines

[@blh3741]

Great video. Best(of the great points) point you made is documenting the length of each run. You guys really set the bar high. Thanks for your time filming these. Mitsu really needs to take note of your work. -Brian

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thanks we had some help learning along the way.

[@mr.p1335]

Very helpful mini split branch box information and recommendation installation. Also, always generate the Mitsubishi Diamond System Builder application with the line diagram of the system. Thank you!

[@ductlessplushvac]

You're welcome

[@chrisfranklin533]

I will say if you have a freak occurrence where you have a leak that is hard to find or isolate. The isolation valves are clutch on verifying there's no leak from the branch box to the indoor unit. You are right it wouldnt be needed if its done right from the start. I do wish all installers ran their piping and box like this. It's rare guys do this level of work, which is sad to say. A bad install makes my job as a service tech (no installs) very very frustrating. Thank you for doing a good job. Glad I watched this when I needed some ideas on a system I'm currently working on.

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thanks, isolation valves are only really needed if add an indoor unit down the road. I'm doing one right now I'll make a video for you.

[@nadeeneugene5565]

Awesome video! I truly believe in neat and professional work. God bless, keep up the great work!

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@nadeeneugene5565 thank you

[@DavidDeal-n4r]

excellent job... labeling is a must.. nice clean install so far... good content...Thanks

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@DavidDeal-n4r thanks for watching. Give us a sub if possible we appreciate it. Jared

[@jackpestaner6925]

Very nice work, the labeling is really helpful for future troubleshooting

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thank you so much. And thank you for watching!

[@brandontimblin5794]

Well done guys this is awesome I want to tell you I’ve been told I’m to anal and need to find a happy medium and I’ve been struggling with that so bad I’ve done $100K remodels as a carpenter and im very precise and neat and I’ve been transitioning to the heating and air conditioning field im 3 years in and becoming a lead this video was the deal breaker for me on where I want to be thank you for giving me more motivation and ways to make these installs neater im going to be one of our Mitsubishi specialists so I love absorbing what I can wish me luck men!!!!

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thanks and you can do it always push for excellence in yourself! Thank you for watching my video.

[@tinopratt3056]

I'm in the Bahamas love you working.

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thanks Tino!!! Jared

[@glennwaldripjr2229]

Great work like your style!… the only thing I will say is they tell you in the install manual not to put a fitting on top of a drain tail… or maybe I didn’t see it right lol correct me if I’m wrong ✌️✌️

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@glennwaldripjr2229 Thank you for the comment boss. Jared

[@JesusHernandez-zr4sb]

very neat installation , man I got motivated to do better

[@ductlessplushvac]

Always do the best it’s what separates you from the bad techs. Never take the easy way out!

[@joseepena8553]

Right on. (Labels will come off eventually, it happened to me, now I use sharpies and it works just as good) In 15 years of doing HVAC, and refrigeration, i have never lost a compressor due to bad installation practices. Compressors never fail if you install properly. Your installations are your business cards. Do it right to begin with and you'll never do warranty calls. I'm always behind other contractors fixing their mistakes. I never look for customers, they find my number somehow.

[@ductlessplushvac]

That's great to hear. I've done HVAC for 30 years and the labels I use are water and weatherproof! I've tried to remove them once when I spelled Sharpies wrong and I couldn't remove it. Just joking. But the label maker we have makes industrial none removable stickers you need a razor blade to remove them! And I hope your writing skills are better than a label maker cause most people have Dr. Writing skills and they can't even read their own handwriting. That's why I only use a label maker! Thanks for watching the Video.....s!

[@joseepena8553]

What label maker do you use, you always have to have the right tools...

[@craighern6909]

I love the video on the branch box awesome work

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thank you

[@jamesriver2834]

thanks for the explanation. appreciate more video

[@tennissir1986]

Great video. For branch boxes installed outside with the cables coming out of the top - Should they be covered ?

[@petermarottoli]

very informative video only question i have is in the install manual it say to insulate drains i see you did not. is it necessary to insulate the drains.

[@ductlessplushvac]

Only if they are going to hold water will they make water in the AC mode. So, in winter, they should be empty. You do need to make sure you have an adequate slope so the pipes don't hold water.

[@josiebeach5518]

👏🏻👏🏻 Love your videos! Thank you, Ductless Plus!!

[@ductlessplushvac]

You are so welcome!

[@meljackson3803]

Excellent video.

[@ann_1_2_3]

Excellent video and work. Can you tell me what SW4 is for and should any of those be on with a 5-zone branch box? And, what would happen if you ran a 5-zone system with none of the SW1 switches on?

[@robinjeffery4389]

Great video!! Thanks!! I have a question for you. I am in Canada looking to put a branch box in my attic. Is there a concern in me doing so with cold temps for the branch box and possibly the drain lines freezing?

[@kovaks1483]

Nice work man, for real nice work!

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thank you very much!

[@warriorforestmonk]

Incredible work and insight, thank you. Deep diving a bit on split install, brands, etc. ACIQ doesn’t require BB for multi zone. Any feedback? I know Mitsubishi is said to be the best but similar warranties on other brands, plus the tech is so global, I imagine it’s pretty dialed all the way around. Thanks!

[@ductlessplushvac]

We only use Mitsubishi Electric

[@warriorforestmonk]

@ getting mixed info on when a BB is needed for multizone Mitsubishi system. How many zones will require BB?

[@ductlessplushvac]

@ BB are for 3, 4, 5 ton systems.

[@edmundodeleon9821]

Very clean install. I’m considering installing a smart multi system in my house but have heard that the branch boxes can be a bit noisy. Would you consider them to be loud?

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@edmundodeleon9821 the BB isn't loud

[@vico9359]

So what you're saying is I cant just DIY this?

[@ductlessplushvac]

If you don’t have the tools and experience I wouldn’t recommend doing it. Hire a professional

[@bashirmarkhamidi2259]

Great install and you've earned a subscription! Question for you: when using a branch box, can you also connect another indoor unit directly to the outdoor unit? For example Indoor unit 1&2----------Branch box----------Outdoor unit----------------------Indoor unit 3

[@ductlessplushvac]

No you can only control the indoor units from the branch box. Jared

[@bashirmarkhamidi2259]

@@ductlessplushvac thanks Jared!

[@christophermuhammad860]

Great videos, but quick question on drain lines. You commented on keeping common 3/4” drain lines when they all tie together. Just installed a system and noticed in install manual that whenever you have grouped piping for multiple indoor units, that common drain should be at least 1 1/2” OD. Is that not always the case? Enjoy your content👍

[@ductlessplushvac]

The units produce such a small amount of condensation in Colorado. We’ve never experienced an issue with them. However, if it’s a high-humidity area you should consider increasing the size also usually most multi-zone systems the machines never all run simultaneously.

[@hkhvac270]

Nice job 👍

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thanks HK! Did you subscribe? If not please do and help us out! Have a great day!

[@karlInSanDiego]

Thanks for sharing this video with a branch box. Read about them a few years back, but it was just voodoo on a Mitsubishi website. First time I've seen it on a home. Can you give a ball park about how much big systems like this range from with labor? Does the branch just operate valves to the handlers, or is there more to it?

[@ductlessplushvac]

The BB is the controller for all the refrigerant and communication system to the outdoor unit.

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thanks for watching Jared

[@dmac2890]

Do the Mitsubishi units hold more than the factory charge during pump down if refrigerant has been added to to longer line sets?

[@ductlessplushvac]

They can

[@ReesePinkerton-m6z]

Great video, really enjoy your channel. Quick question on the Mitsubishi mini split multi port system is the little copper cap that is underneath the flare fitting sufficient to cap off unused ports or would I need a flare cap?

[@ductlessplushvac]

Yes they have caps and they are closed.

[@thisguyj2218]

What size wiring do run from the branch box to the out door unit for communication and power?

[@ductlessplushvac]

It's 14g or 16g. It depends on the system and what your doing with it. The com Wire on Branch boxes are 16g the power and com wire for the heads are 14g

[@ductlessplushvac]

Check out Mylinkdrive.com it will help you with equipment

[@timrob0420]

How is that a “true suction”. Wouldn’t that be discharge vapor in heating mode?? Also, how does it differentiate between which head to send hot gas to? I know there’s EEVs in the branch box for cooling mode but what about heat mode? Aren’t the EEVs only hooked to the small line not the discharge line?

[@ductlessplushvac]

All the VALVES are in the BB. The system has a reversing valve that can send the gas in either direction. Also, the unit is a VRF system and only sends in the gas in the direction of the call of Heat or Cooling the amount of refrigerant is dependent on the amount of offset the temperature is in the room the larger the offset the more gas it will receive. Thanks for watching Jared

[@timrob0420]

@@ductlessplushvacso this is a city multi system? What about a MXZ system that doesn’t have capability of heat or cool at the same time? In those, the reversal valve is in the outdoor unit…

[@ryanwilliams120]

Can the branch box be mounted in a basement below the outdoor unit?

[@ductlessplushvac]

Yes

[@Gana-ky4ve]

I love the video, Nice work man. Question for you: when using a branch box you skip port A mean switch SW1 1off 2on 3on 4on 5on 6off?

[@ductlessplushvac]

You only turn on the ports your using. If your not using a port turn it off super easy!

[@noahoyeah]

Is there a video stressing nitro flow on these things. Is there some type of flush we can do just in case. It was a challenge flowing nitrogen for these things

[@ductlessplushvac]

I'm not sure what you mean. If you fill the system up from the low and High sides the unit will equalize and you should be able to get the system up to 600psi. Sometimes you need to put the gas in slow and let it sit for a few minutes then add some more nitrogen.

[@noahoyeah]

@@ductlessplushvac when flowing nitrogen through the branch box, are the EEV's open?

[@ductlessplushvac]

Yes. You need to run the nitrogen very slowly let it equalize then wait a little bit then push some some more in till you get to the pressure you want to see

[@agw6525]

Great video. In the title it says it is part 2 of 4. Can't find the other 3 videos. Are they available?

[@ductlessplushvac]

We haven't published them. Sorry, we have a professional do our videos now so we will issue them once they get edited

[@jeremy7874]

Im looking to add a mitsubishi ductless and want to utilzie a branch box in my attic. Will the branch box work with any of their outdoor units or only the larger size unit?

[@ductlessplushvac]

They will only work with the MXZ-SM UNITS.

[@kenanbilge9470]

How to prevent condensate from freezing in attic?

[@ductlessplushvac]

The condensation is only made in the summer months. You can simply blow it out or you can run some antifreeze solution in the pipes if it's standing in the piping. However, if you make the drains have a good slope to them the water will gravity drain out and empty.

[@Berycej]

This is some of the most amazing residential HVAC work I've seen. Showroom Ready I believe it's called? I know you're in Colorado only... But is there any chance I can bounce questions w/pics off of you guys? We just had an install done recently here in Los Angeles... As part of an ADU build. And while not as complex, our mini-split install does not look like this.

[@ductlessplushvac]

Yes send us some pictures we'd gladly help @720-355-0488

[@chrismaxny4066]

We're trying to decide between Geothermal and the Mini Splits. Is the branch box in the attic going to be a problem in the future being that computer circuit boards don't like heat?

[@ductlessplushvac]

Great question. The branch box is cool due to the refrigerant running in and out of it. You don't need to condition a branch box it's not a computer server. And it only has a small control board in it. It's okay if you want to put it in a closet or a conditioned location just never outside. Thanks for the question. Please subscribe to the channel and you will see the newest version and equipment Mitsubishi offers. Jared

[@Jemsurak]

Great video! What size electrical line do you run from your outdoor unit to power the branch box? I working on a mxz-sm36namhz outdoor unit. I have a 6 gauge wire from the electrical panel to disconnect and the main unit. Figured I’d use the same from main unit to branch box but it doesn’t seem to fit. I assume 8 gauge would be sufficient but curious what you use in your jobs. Thanks!

[@ductlessplushvac]

Watch our video called “All your Branch Box Questions Answered” it shows you all.you need to know.

[@Jemsurak]

Thanks for the note. I saw the video and it explained the communication wire size/setup so all good there. But didn’t see anything about the electrical wire to power the branch box itself. What size gauge electrical wire do you typically use to power the box?

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@Jemsurak 14-3

[@ryanvantomme7063]

Where ya from . Got a buddy that has a 3 head system all messed up

[@ductlessplushvac]

Denver colorado

[@seanerickson8641]

What are the address settings. If port A is not being used? And what setting do you use for the condenser?

[@ductlessplushvac]

Make sure you have the dip switches on that your using in the branch box and the outdoor setting is 51

[@dennisdekker5201]

Hello, I am looking in getting a 5 zone Mitsubishi system with ceiling cassettes Between 1 way and 4 way, what is the main difference between the square 4 way and the rectangular ez-fit ceiling units and which one do you prefer?

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@dennisdekker5201 the square ones are for commercial grid ceiling. The one-way is more for residential

[@dennisdekker5201]

@@ductlessplushvac thanks for the quick reply I thought that the square ones also fitted between joist that were 24” on centers

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@dennisdekker5201 Ive done HVAC for 34 years. The square units are designed to drop in the 24” grid ceiling

[@dennisdekker5201]

@@ductlessplushvac that’s the reason for my questions, I’m a novice trying to be informed prior to making any decision. Thanks

[@OscarAquino-m5v]

Do I need shill wire in this systems

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@OscarAquino-m5v yes

[@tomassoyweyvon4902]

Your Line sets are Great!!,,, you're still under 60ft which is optimum!!...as Scottty would say.... .."I'm giving All she's Got Captain!"...........it never Blew Up...........Ha!

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thank you for watching our videos. If you have any ideas of content you would like to see let us know and will work on it. Thanks again have a great weekend.

[@Stormchoirs]

So don’t add an isolation valve so you have to recover the charge of the entire system in the event of a leak. Only to once again have to weigh in the charge for the entire system VS just the one evaporator. 👍🏻

[@ductlessplushvac]

Think about what you just said for (1) Minute! How will you recover anything? If you have a Leak, wouldn't it be empty? (Yes) If you had a single leak, all systems charge would be gone! The only time an isolation valve would be helpful is if you need to replace a head unit or add one down the road!! I'm not saying not to use them I find it difficult to use them at the expense and labor to put them in. Also if you pressure test at 600psi and you can't find a leak you should be good. And leaks don't just happen. If you use good refrigerant practices and check all of your fittings like I do and verify your nitrogen pressure test passes leaks don't just happen you should NEVER HAVE A LEAK, YOU SHOULD NEVER NEED TO ADD ADDITIONAL CHARGE, REFIGERANT DOES NOT GET OLD OR FAIL if it leaks you messed up! Also the loops all have to be open to work so all isolation valves would have to be fully open. Also you wouldn't know how much gas left the system would you. You have to put in the amount a DSB requirements just adding a top off charge would mean your only Guessing and you wouldn't be right.

[@CapsFan082892]

I want to use a blue ridge condenser and ceiling cassettes. Could I use a Mitsubishi branch box? Are they compatible?

[@ductlessplushvac]

No you can’t use a Branch Box on other equipment only Mitsubishi’s units.

[@CapsFan082892]

​@@ductlessplushvac Thanks! What about wifi adapters? Are you able to controll 5 units all through the app?

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@CapsFan082892 you can with KUMO clouds

[@DemetriosMallous90]

Have you ever done a Mitsu system with a T-branch and two branch boxes? I live in a 3-story townhome and am thinking to put a branch box for levels 1 & 2, and then another branch box for level 3. 6 zones total.

[@ductlessplushvac]

We haven't. You need to make sure the indoor units don't over-size (over capacity) the outdoor unit when you do that style of system. Be careful on the design do a DSB BEFORE you buy your equipment.

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thanks for your time

[@DemetriosMallous90]

@@ductlessplushvac thanks, in your opinion is it better to have one condenser for whole house or two?

[@steveessig6739]

Do you run soft copper or the hard stuff

[@ductlessplushvac]

Always soft there is pre-made line-sets. 25-100 foot sizes.

[@juancortes5876]

Wow i never new this type system existed

[@ductlessplushvac]

Yep and lots of different systems

[@edweigman9683]

Can you install the branch box in an attic?

[@ductlessplushvac]

Yes

[@edweigman9683]

@@ductlessplushvac good to know, I was reading the install instructions and it said you can't install in hot or damp areas. If you're not having any issues I'm willing to give it a shot. One thing I couldn't find is if you can install some in the box and other directly to the unit. I have a couple hundred push/pulls under my belt, but I haven't been in a truck since 1998.

[@barnes_specialty]

I wish you were close by.

[@tblume84]

Hi, Thank you for all your videos. I'm thinking of installing 4, mlz ceiling casettes 9k btu and 1, wall mount 15k btu total 51k btu. Will I need the 60k condenser? If so, what gauge wire from disconnect box to heat pump and heat pump to branch box...thank you

[@ductlessplushvac]

Do you live in Colorado? And use the “Wire Size” calculater you can get it from the web. Out in the values and your good to go with wire size.

[@tblume84]

@@ductlessplushvac I actually live in NY, Colorado is a bit far for your class. Otherwise I would sign up.

[@kentwood2914]

Interesting statement that these units don't push liquid or have a liquid line, while the Mitsubishi condenser manual calls the lines "Liquid" and "Gas."

[@ductlessplushvac]

The outdoor unit has a TXV in it and flashes the liquid into a saturated vapor then sends it to the evaporator it does have a liquid line but the liquid line is only in the outdoor unit.

[@DKA.77]

Hi when connecting 3 line sets directly to condenser (multi port) does it follow the same rule regarding the "Total footage" of all line sets or is it per line that should be under 100ft to avoid having to add to system? I have 3 units 1 line is at 87ft 2nd is at 30ft and the 3rd is at 25ft. My installer is saying it's per line not the total of all 3! Please help!!

[@ductlessplushvac]

Say you have 1) line-set @ 45 (1) line-set @ 55 (1) line-set @ 50. You would have reached a total of 150 feet of piping. That would put you over the 100ft mark requiring more Refrigerant. If all 3 are under 100ft total you don't need to alter the charge.

[@ductlessplushvac]

He is wrong 100%

[@jimgale8465]

Off subject question please.... I'm looking at a 48K BTU Mitsubishi and a 60K BTU Mitsubishi unit... the 48K comes with a pan heater factory installed.... the 60K comes w/o and the option is just a little over $1k ... I assume the pan heater is for winter operation in freezing temperatures... can you shed some logic on this please for an old guy who's trying to learn?

[@ductlessplushvac]

What are you trying to use this system for? Heating & A/C. And where do you live in the country a cold region or a mild area?

[@jimgale8465]

Zip is 98617, Dallesport WA, temperatures into the teens regularly. The contractor is a Diamond contractor but I don't he uses the Diamond software.... he has suggested 4, ceiling cassettes, 2600 square ft new construction, single level, conventional crawl space... The 48K is the Hyper system and of course the 60K is not... I know I want mitsubishi and ceiling cassettes.... but I'm not comfortable with the young man (kid) who I delt with... I have a lot of concerns.... I'm a home owner, own some investment property and over the years have done change outs... now I'm just too old to do my own work but don't want issues after the sale... I've been to the builder show in Vegas to learn.... but honestly my last change out with a 36K unit a few years ago was under 10K, this quote is $31k and I'm still in the middle of sticker shock.. I just trying to gather enough information for a sound/ quality decision

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@jimgale8465 Ok, what's the size of the indoor ceiling units? 12,000BTU - 9,000BTU

[@ductlessplushvac]

@@jimgale8465 Jim call me today & Let's have a conversation 720-668-3056

[@jimgale8465]

@@ductlessplushvac holidays are over, hopefully you guys are caught up and it's not crazy.. Would love to call and talk... I've been trying to do my homework so I can speak intelligently... Please suggest a time when it's convenient for you and I'll call... Thanks Jim

[@heronheron7432]

What brand- and size of wire do you run out to your head units?

[@ductlessplushvac]

We use the recommended 4 wire Mitsubishi gives us. 14-16g

[@JDT738126]

Hey question on that branch box. Do you prefer to use them for easy connections on the outdoor unit? Just the liquid and suction straight to the box and then branch off? Or did you install more heads than ports available for ODU

[@ductlessplushvac]

You can add a second Branch Box via teeing off the primary lines and going to a (3) port Branch box that would allow up to 8 indoor units however you must watch the line-set distance and stay with in its required Length.

[@JDT738126]

@@ductlessplushvac thats pretty cool so I assume you will definitely need a higher capacity unit to accommodate that many heads and obviously you will need to trim charge as well. I do mostly smaller units with 4-5 heads never have done a system with a BB

[@lvracho9639]

The lineset distance calculation, if the a/h is 10 feet away. Is the calculation for lineset distance 20ft or does it remain 10 ft, since the lineset there are technically 2 vapor lines.

[@ductlessplushvac]

10 ft.

[@tblume84]

What does a job like that cost?

[@ductlessplushvac]

$30,000 or more

[@MerchantNation]

@@ductlessplushvac thats quite a bit on cost on a 4 zone system, but atleast you guys are delivering value for money. i got several quotes in that range, but from talks with them and their desire to move me to a forced air sys i could tell they had no intentions of making it this professional. slam, cram and jam...looks and function be damned. you dont have to be the cheapest when youre capable of being the best😉

[@neildavern6184]

Can a branch box handle 24000 btu

[@ductlessplushvac]

Yes

[@LoftLorian]

I'd work for yall

[@ductlessplushvac]

Thank you

[@MerchantNation]

You guys service ga? No one here knows wtf they are doing when it comes to minisplit

[@ductlessplushvac]

Where is GA?

[@MerchantNation]

@@ductlessplushvac lol. Probably somewhere you don't want to be. Georgia...more precisely, Augusta Ga. Where it's almost as hot and sticky as FL