Coil of Duty: How to read a Carrier® Unit Model Number “38ARZ008---511" Commercial Air-Cooled Split System.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Carrier® unit model number “38ARZ008---511” from their commercial air-cooled split system lineup. Whether you're working on HVAC installations, maintenance, or replacements, knowing how to decode these model numbers can save you time and avoid costly mistakes.

38ARZ008---511

The first two digits, “38,” indicate that this is a commercial unit. The next letters, “AR,” stand for “Air Cooled.” So together, “38AR” tells us it’s a commercial air-cooled condensing unit.

38ARZ008---511

The letter “Z” represents the type of compressor used in the unit. In this case, it stands for a single circuit scroll compressor, which is commonly used in commercial systems for its efficiency and reliability.

38ARZ008---511

The number “008” refers to the cooling capacity. Specifically, this model has a capacity of 7 tons. This is essential when selecting compatible parts or replacements.

38ARZ008 - - - 511

The first two dashes (“- -”) are placeholders and don’t hold any specific meaning. While it might seem odd, they’re just part of the model numbering system.

38ARZ008 - - - 511

The third dash (“-”) is where things get interesting. It indicates the material used for the condenser coil fins. In this case, the dash signifies that the fin material is aluminum. This detail is crucial when replacing coils, as different materials affect performance and compatibility.

38ARZ008 - - - 511

The final set of numbers, “511,” don’t provide any specific information about the coil itself. They may relate to other features like voltage, configuration, or factory options, but they aren't used for identifying coil components.

According to Carrier’s specifications, this unit comes with two U-shaped condenser coils, each featuring two rows of tubes and 17 aluminum fins per inch. This design helps optimize heat transfer and ensures efficient operation in commercial environments.

If you have questions or need help decoding another model number, feel free to email us. Our team at Nationwide Coils is here to make your job easier. And if you need a replacement coil for a Carrier OEM unit, just fill out our quote form and we’ll get you the right part fast.