Mechanical · Australian guide
Mechanical & Air Conditioning Technical Submissions in Australia
Quick answer
A mechanical technical submission holds the data sheet for each item on the mechanical schedule — air conditioning units, fans, ductwork, dampers, insulation and controls — with the performance figures the design asks for: capacity, airflow, pressure, sound and energy efficiency. Air conditioners need GEMS registration, fire and smoke dampers need evidence they meet AS 1682, and the system must meet AS 1668 and NCC Section J.
What belongs in a mechanical submission
Mechanical packages follow the NATSPEC 07 group: 0701 Mechanical systems, 0721 Packaged air conditioning, 0731 Fans and the related worksections. For each item, include:
- The manufacturer's data sheet with the exact model and options marked
- Selection data at the design conditions: cooling and heating capacity, airflow and static pressure
- Energy efficiency figures and GEMS registration for air conditioners
- Fan curves and sound power levels
- Electrical data: supply, full-load current and starting method
- Fire and smoke dampers, with evidence they meet AS 1682
- Duct and pipe insulation: material, thickness and R-value
- Controls: points list, sensors, valves and actuators
- Refrigerant type and charge
- Warranties and maintenance information
Standards reviewers check against
Your specification names the standards that apply. These come up on most jobs:
- AS 1668.1 — fire and smoke control in mechanical systems
- AS 1668.2 — mechanical ventilation and indoor air quality
- AS 1682 — fire and smoke dampers
- AS 4254 — ductwork
- AS/NZS 3666 — air-handling and water systems (microbial control, cooling towers)
- NCC Section J — energy efficiency of building services
GEMS and energy efficiency
Under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) scheme, most air conditioners sold in Australia must be registered and meet minimum energy performance. Show the GEMS registration and the efficiency figures for each unit, and check them against NCC Section J and any Green Star or NABERS target on the job.
Common rejection reasons
Mechanical reviewers flag these first.
- Capacity or airflow below the design at the stated conditions
- Selection data at the wrong conditions, or catalogue figures only
- No sound data where noise limits apply
- Fire dampers without AS 1682 evidence
- Insulation R-value below NCC Section J or the specification
- Air conditioner not registered under GEMS
- Substituted units with no substitution request
Let the builder put the submission together
List the products on your schedule — or upload the worksection — and Submittal.app finds the data sheets, adds a cover and transmittal, and lets you refine it in chat. First packages are free.
Start freeCommon questions
Do I need selection printouts or are data sheets enough?
Usually both. The data sheet shows the product; the selection printout shows how it performs at the job's design conditions, which is what the engineer checks.
Who can install refrigerant systems?
Work on refrigerant systems in Australia needs a refrigerant handling licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). The specification may ask for licence details in the submission.
Are shop drawings needed for ductwork?
Often. Many specifications ask for ductwork shop drawings showing routes, sizes and coordination with other services before fabrication.