expansion device condesing unit?

[m singer]

I recently worked on a Mitsubishi mini/ductless split system that had the expansion device in the condensing unit rather then at the fan coil. I am sure there is a reason for this, but I have no idea what it is. Any one know what the why some mini splits have the expansion device in the condensing unit instead of at the evaporator?

[dschwab9]

This is just speculation, but my guess is it has something to do with the fact that that CU can be used with several different fan coils, and each fan coil can be used with several different CUs. Putting it in the CU insures the system always has the correct one. How many split systems have you seen with the wrong piston in the indoor coil? I've seen quite a few with that little bag still taped to the outdoor unit.

What's strange though, is on Carrier's mini splits, for example, the 3/4 and 1 ton units have the metering device in the outdoor unit and the 1.5 ton and up have it in the indoor unit.

[BaldLoonie]

I've heard that minis do that so you don't hear any noise from the meter inside since their wall units are so quiet.

My thinking on the blue oval is so they can use that slimline condenser with a standard fan coil or furnace coil.

[joegrind]

I second baldloonies statement noise, as that is what I've been told

[dschwab9]

Originally posted by BaldLoonie
My thinking on the blue oval is so they can use that slimline condenser with a standard fan coil or furnace coil.

Are you saying they use the condensor on something other than a mini-split? I wasn't aware they had a standard split system below 1.5 tons.