Where to Place a Packaged Refrigeration Unit on a Mortuary Cooler (And Where Never To)

A packaged refrigeration unit is only as good as its placement. The manufacturer's placement rules exist because airflow, structure, and access decide whether your mortuary cooler holds temperature for a decade or fights you from day one.

The non-negotiables

• NEVER over doors. The evaporator section must never sit above doors or door openings — the single most emphasized rule in the manual.
• Structure first. The box ceiling must support the top-mounted equipment's weight; never remove or unlock panel cam-locks to install it.
• Full-room airflow. The air pattern must cover the entire room; know your aisle and rack locations before placing the unit.
• Two feet above. Allow 2 ft clearance over the unit for panel removal and service access, plus space at the compressor end.

Environment rules

Indoor units run in 50–100°F ambient, away from steam, hot air, or fume exhausts. Never enclose the unit in an unventilated space, never store anything on top of the structure, and mount away from noise-sensitive rooms with insulated through-bolts to prevent sweating.

Two units? Space them

Multi-system rooms need minimum one unit-width to each wall and two unit-widths between systems so condensers don't starve each other of supply air.

Dimensional drawings, panel openings, and the full placement figures are on the Packaged Refrigeration Manuals & Startup Guide. Facility layout help is available through our Layout & Design Services.