Franciscus Homes

Overview

The design for these projects includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing for various townhome clusters for Franciscus. Typical configurations include approximately ten units per structure. Each unit ranges between 1200 and 1600 square feet.

Electrical

The electrical design typically involved two services, each terminating on a standard meter mod with less than six service disconnects. One of the services is provided with a house panel to serve house loads and peripheral site branch fixtures as needed. Each service is approximately 800 amps, with service disconnects (usually 150 amps) protecting the feeders extending to each unit's main lug load centers.

Plumbing

The plumbing design includes a 1" main domestic water line from a 5/8" water meter (one for each unit). Each unit is provided with a tanked electrical water heater, and piping is distributed internally with PEX. The drainage system is a simple PVC system where all units collect and eventually discharge to the sewer with a 6" main. The venting strategy for each bathroom is handled with wet venting, and kitchen sinks are vented with air admittance valves.

Mechanical

The mechanical design includes a simple split heat pump for each unit ranging in tonnage between two and three tons depending on load calculations. Each indoor fan coil unit has electrical strip heat for extreme cold months. The strip heat also counteracts comfort issues arising when running defrost cycles during winter months. The bathroom exhaust is collected and discharged from a sidewall at various locations.