What is the approximate size of the hole needed in wall for Split AC installation

[ontherocks]

What is typically the diameter/radius of the hole needed to create in wall for a Split AC installation?
I am 100% sure none of the AC installation guys in India use a hole saw. Not sure what their problem is. Either they are not aware of such a tool or AC companies are just too cheap not to invest even a 1000 bucks for it. I do not want horrible unprofessional work like the image below. I will buy one hole saw myself of the required diameter.

 

[prepress]

I have done it recently and used 2" pipe for that (like we use 1" for electricity) and the wiring procedure (Copper pipe and wiring) has been done.

 

[alpha1]

Most of guys, I have seen, use normal drill machine + hammer if it is plain brick wall.
In case of concrete slab they use core cutting machine.

 

[SatMumbai]

I just got three holes done for three ACs. Installed by Panasonic. I understand that if you mention earlier to the installer that he needs to bring tools for making hole through a beam, then they have a bit more specialised tools for the same (which I am presuming is a professional hole saw for wall). However the pricing is different for a regular hole it is 500/- and for the special cold cut hole 1000/-. If it is just one installation may be you can tell the installer to come prepared. As I have noticed that I buy tools and then they seldom get used. I even have a Professional Sander from Bosch for the one time I wanted to sand the real wood (though it did not help much as the wood was polished and sanding sheet were getting loaded too quickly with all the polish).

 

[ravidharap]

50 to 65 mm dia hole is required pipe installation. Core cutting in concrete beams and pillers should be avoided as it damages the concrete and steel

 

[ontherocks]

I have done it recently and used 2" pipe for that (like we use 1" for electricity) and the wiring procedure (Copper pipe and wiring) has been done.

So you mean you inserted a 2" pipe after drilling the hole?

I just got three holes done for three ACs. Installed by Panasonic. I understand that if you mention earlier to the installer that he needs to bring tools for making hole through a beam, then they have a bit more specialised tools for the same (which I am presuming is a professional hole saw for wall). However the pricing is different for a regular hole it is 500/- and for the special cold cut hole 1000/-. If it is just one installation may be you can tell the installer to come prepared. As I have noticed that I buy tools and then they seldom get used. I even have a Professional Sander from Bosch for the one time I wanted to sand the real wood (though it did not help much as the wood was polished and sanding sheet were getting loaded too quickly with all the polish).

A 50mm concrete hole saw costs Rs.1000. I am ready to bear that cost for quality work. Can't stand them hammering my wall to glory.
Coincidentally I just bought a SKIL sander yesterday from Snapdeal. If I had known earlier, I would have bought from you

 

[Soundstage]

Sorry, but that looks like a shoddy job.

I got 3 A/Cs installed last year and they used a core cutting drill. It was a very clean job, with minimum stress to the walls. I guess the size of the hole is 2.5 to 3 inches.

Cheers

 

[ontherocks]

Sorry, but that looks like a shoddy job.

I got 3 A/Cs installed last year and they used a core cutting drill. It was a very clean job, with minimum stress to the walls. I guess the size of the hole is 2.5 to 3 inches.

Cheers

That image was picked up from Amazon India Kenstar AC reviews to show an example

Did you ask them to bring the specific tools or they bought them by themselves? Which company was that?

 

[Soundstage]

They brought everything.

It was a company by the name of Supreet Enterprises near Kharadi.

 

[ontherocks]

They brought everything.

It was a company by the name of Supreet Enterprises near Kharadi.

What I meant was, which brand AC was it?

Also I inquired with the AC company (Voltas), they said if I install or get it installed myself, the warranty doesn't get void. Its not mandatory for me to use their services.
The technician is going to call me. I will ask about his tools. If they are stone age hammer guys, I am going to use the Supreet guys maybe.

 

[Soundstage]

I went in for Trane.

I feel its better to have the dealer install them.....
.Peace of mind.

 

[ontherocks]

Today I bought the outdoor unit stand from a AC parts supplier. He asked me if I wanted people to install the AC. I said yes. He said he will give me numbers of some installers. There were a couple of installation guys buying something in his shop at that time. I told him that my condition is that the installer should have core drill. Unanimously the supplier and the other guys spoke at the same time.no one has core drill, sircore drill is there only with few companys own installers and that too at a premium priceyou wont get such installers easily.dont worry sir, we will manage, you wont be able to see the hole (as it will be behind the indoor unit)

 

[ontherocks]

I inquired rates for Split AC installation from independent installers. They are as follows:
Rs.1200 to Rs.1500 standard labor charges
Rs.80 to Rs.120 per inch of wall thickness for core cutting on top of the standard labor charges

 

[Soundstage]

Sir,

If I may ask, how much is the difference in cost if you get the dealer to install vs getting it done by a 3rd party?

Cheers

 

[ontherocks]

Sir,

If I may ask, how much is the difference in cost if you get the dealer to install vs getting it done by a 3rd party?

Cheers

The Voltas guys have been absolutely hopeless. I had put the installation request on 22nd Nov via their toll free number. The installation technician was supposed to give me a call the next day, explain me the prices and schedule an appointment for the installation. No one has bothered to call yet in spite of followups.

As per Voltas T&C, its Rs.1500 for labor for standard installation.
Standard installation includes making one hole using chisel and hammer. Any accessories like outdoor unit bracket, extra wires or copper pipes, etc, will have to be borne by the customer.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

Honestly, I don't think it matters if the hole is not perfect, round, and smooth on the inside. Drilling masonry tend not to work out that way anyway. They should put a piece of 2-inch PVC pipe, cut neatly to length, and cemented in. It should look neat (apart, maybe, for loosing a little paintwork) before they install. Water should not be able to get in.

After installation, they should plug the outside with white cement. If, in the future, the unit needs to be removed for repair (hopefully several years in the future!) that can easily be knocked out and replaced.

Of course, you are concerned for your house, but the job can, and should, be completed and finished neatly, even if it doesn't look it at every stage.

I knew a jeweller once, who told me had made the mistake of letting a client see some work in progress. The customer was so disappointed at the not-shiny, not-gold, not-finished. not-polished, not-expensive look that he had a problem persuading her to let him complete the job. This guy was a real-pro artist craftsman too, with an apprenticeship and years of experience. He had never encountered such a customer before, and told me he would never do it again.