Registering air conditioning or a heat pump in Menorca

Which rating should you use?

Look for rated heating or cooling output in the technical data sheet. Do not simply add the heating and cooling ratings of a reversible heat pump as though they were separate generators. Where several units provide the service, article 15.2 sets out how generator outputs are combined by function.

For example, two units each providing 3.5 kW of cooling to the same premises may constitute a 7 kW installation for this purpose. Treating each appliance separately as below 5 kW would give the wrong result. For a multi-split, identify the generator and its actual capacity without double-counting indoor and outdoor unit ratings.

What does the below-5 kW exception mean?

Article 15.1.c of RITE provides exceptions to submitting design documentation to the regional authority, including installations with rated thermal output below 5 kW. Article 24.2 sets out the corresponding exemption from administrative proof of compliance. It does not remove technical, maintenance or authorised-installer requirements.

The article contains other specific cases, such as certain domestic hot-water appliances. Those exceptions should not automatically be applied to a complete heat-pump system that also heats or cools the home.

Replacing an existing unit also needs assessment

RITE treats replacing a generator with one of similar characteristics as an alteration. The documentation required depends on the case: replacement does not necessarily mean commissioning a complete new project, but saying that air conditioning was already present is not enough either.

Changes to the energy source, capacity or system require justification of the affected parts. Outdoor-unit location, noise, condensate drainage, electrical supply and, where relevant, refrigerant and handling qualifications also need checking.

RITE registration, electrical certificates and business premises

In the Balearics, UDIT-021 is the relevant commissioning procedure where registration is required. For installations under articles 15.1.a and b, RITE requires registration of the installation certificate with the as-built project or technical report and an initial inspection certificate when mandatory. An authorised installation business carries out and certifies the work; project-based installations also require the appropriate technical supervision.

The thermal-installation certificate does not replace an electrical CIE or business-activity documents. See our RITE documentation guide for the document types, and the guide to changes in existing business premises where a commercial activity is affected.

What should the quotation include?

Ask for equipment models and thermal ratings, pipework and ductwork scope, unit locations, testing, certification, registration where required, and operating and maintenance documents. This lets you compare like-for-like quotations. Effika can assess the design-document requirements and coordinate the technical paperwork in Menorca with the installation business.