What must refrigerant piping installed in concrete floors be encased in?

Refrigerant piping installed in concrete floors must be encased in pipe, conduit, or ducts to protect the refrigerant lines from damage and to ensure they operate efficiently. This encasement serves multiple purposes:

1. Protection from Physical Damage: Concrete can crack and shift over time. By placing refrigerant lines inside protective encasements like pipes or conduits, the lines are safeguarded from potential impacts or sharp edges that could lead to leaks or breaks in the piping.

2. Compliance with Safety and Code Requirements: Building codes and standards, including the International Mechanical Code, often require refrigerant lines to be protected in this manner to prevent hazards that could arise from leaks or failures. Proper encasement is essential for meeting these standards.

3. Facilitating Maintenance: By encapsulating the piping in a protective layer, maintenance or repairs become more straightforward. It prevents direct exposure to the concrete, which might have corrosive properties, especially in certain environments.

While other materials, such as plastic, foam, and insulation, may be useful for specific applications or insulation purposes, they do not provide the same level of protection as pipes or ducts in concrete settings. This is why encasement in pipe, conduit, or