F-Gas Certification Required
Please note: We are legally required to verify your F-Gas certification before supplying restricted refrigerants. Orders without valid certification will not be processed.
Submit Your F-Gas Certification
The Panasonic CU-3Z52CBE is a 3-connection Free Multi Z outdoor condensing unit, built to run up to three independently controlled indoor units from a single external condenser. It uses the R32 refrigerant and an inverter-driven rotary compressor to deliver flexible, room-by-room heating and cooling without the need to install a separate outdoor unit for every room.
Rated at 5.2kW nominal cooling and 6.8kW nominal heating, the CU-3Z52CBE supports a combined indoor capacity range of 4.5kW to 9.5kW, and reaches A+++ SEER efficiency, making it a strong entry point into Panasonic's Free Multi Z range for smaller homes and apartments needing three zones.
Important: F-Gas Qualified Installation Required
This unit is charged with R32, a fluorinated greenhouse gas covered by F-Gas Regulations. Installation, commissioning, and any refrigerant handling must be carried out by an F-Gas certified engineer. See the certification form above before ordering.
Please Note: Indoor Capacity Range and Pipe Reducers
Two indoor units from the wall-mounted TZ range (16–50kW capacity codes) must be connected for the system to operate correctly, and the combined nominal cooling capacity of all connected indoor units must fall within the 4.5kW–9.5kW connectable range. Some larger TZ indoor unit sizes require the CZ-MA1PA pipe reducer accessory to connect — confirm pipe sizing against the specific indoor units selected before ordering.
Good to Know: Minimum Two Indoor Units Must Be Connected
The CU-3Z52CBE is designed to run 2 or 3 indoor units — at least two must be connected for the system to operate correctly. Indoor unit sizes can be mixed and matched, but total connected capacity cannot exceed the outdoor unit's maximum.
Three Independent Zones From One Outdoor Unit
A single compact condenser drives up to three rooms with individual temperature control on each, cutting down on external wall space, pipework runs, and visible outdoor equipment compared to installing three single-split systems.
Inverter-Driven Rotary Compressor
The inverter compressor modulates output to match real-time demand across all connected rooms rather than cycling on and off, which improves comfort, reduces electricity use, and lowers operating noise.
A+++ SEER Efficiency
Achieves an SEER rating of 8.70 (A+++), placing it at the top of the current European energy label scale for cooling efficiency.
R32 Refrigerant for Lower Environmental Impact
R32 has a lower global warming potential than the R410A refrigerant it replaces, while also improving system efficiency — helping the unit meet current and future F-Gas phase-down requirements.
Wide Heating Operating Range
Rated to operate in heating mode down to -15°C outdoor ambient, making it a genuine year-round heat pump solution for UK winters, not just a summer air conditioning unit.
Compact Footprint For Flexible Siting
At 795mm (H) x 875mm (W) x 320mm (D), the unit's compact dimensions make it easier to site on balconies, flat roofs, or against garden walls where space for outdoor plant is limited.
| Performance |
| Cooling Capacity (Nominal) |
5.2 kW |
| Cooling Capacity (Min–Max) |
1.80 – 7.30 kW |
| Heating Capacity (Nominal) |
6.8 kW |
| Heating Capacity (Min–Max) |
1.60 – 8.50 kW |
| Indoor Nominal Capacity Range (Min–Max) |
4.5 – 9.5 kW |
| Minimum Indoor Units Connected |
2 |
| Maximum Indoor Units Connected |
3 |
| Efficiency |
| EER (Nominal) |
4.77 W/W |
| COP (Nominal) |
4.93 W/W |
| SEER |
8.70 (A+++) |
| SCOP |
4.20 – 4.70 (A++) |
| Electrical |
| Power Supply |
230V, 1-phase, 50Hz |
| Running Current – Cooling |
6.10 A |
| Maximum Current |
15.5 A |
| Sound |
| Outdoor Sound Pressure – Cooling (Hi) |
47 dB(A) |
| Outdoor Sound Pressure – Heating (Hi) |
48 dB(A) |
| Physical & Refrigerant |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) |
795 x 875 x 320 mm |
| Net Weight |
61 kg |
| Refrigerant |
R32 |
| Refrigerant Charge |
1.92 kg |
| CO₂ Equivalent |
1.296 T |
| Pipe Diameter – Liquid |
1/4" (6.35 mm) |
| Pipe Diameter – Gas |
3/8" (9.52 mm) |
| Total Pipe Length Range |
6 – 50 m |
| Pipe Length Range to One Unit |
3 – 25 m |
| Elevation Difference (In/Out) |
15 m |
| Operating Range |
| Cooling – Outdoor Ambient |
-10°C to +46°C |
| Heating – Outdoor Ambient |
-15°C to +24°C |
| Indoor Unit Capacity Codes |
Notes |
| 16, 20, 25, 35 |
Standard connection |
| 42, 50 |
Requires CZ-MA1PA pipe reducer |
How many indoor units can I connect to the CU-3Z52CBE?
Between 2 and 3 indoor units can be connected. At least two must be connected for the system to run — it cannot be operated with only one indoor unit fitted.
What indoor unit types are compatible with this outdoor unit?
The CU-3Z52CBE supports Panasonic's wall-mounted TZ super-compact range, along with other Free Multi Z compatible indoor unit types, allowing different room types to use different indoor styles on the same outdoor unit.
Does this outdoor unit need an F-Gas certified installer?
Yes. The unit is charged with R32 refrigerant, which falls under F-Gas Regulations. Installation and any refrigerant work must be carried out by an installer holding valid F-Gas certification, which we verify before shipment.
What is the maximum total indoor capacity I can connect?
The combined nominal cooling capacity of all connected indoor units must fall between 4.5kW and 9.5kW. Exceeding this range is not supported by the manufacturer.
Do all TZ indoor unit sizes connect directly?
Most do, but the larger 42 and 50 capacity-code TZ indoor units require the CZ-MA1PA pipe reducer accessory to connect to this outdoor unit. Confirm indoor unit sizing before ordering.
Can this unit provide heating in cold UK winters?
Yes. The CU-3Z52CBE is rated to operate in heating mode down to -15°C outdoor ambient temperature, making it suitable as a genuine year-round heat pump rather than a cooling-only summer unit.
