wire size for 2 ton ac unitwire size for 2 ton ac unit

I would rather do it than to have that happen anyways. If you are lucky enough to have a heat pump with just such a label, count yourself lucky. Info tip: At the circuit breaker box, the important issue of preventing damage to the wiring and the system in general is addressed. Then, the next closest circuit breaker size will be the one you are looking for. You can check this article about AC breaker sizes for more help. Manufacturers list the maximum breaker size on the data plate located on the side of both units. Be sure to consult the local regulations or building codes before you begin installation. Some FAQs will also be found at the end of this article addressing wiring size. Using 10 guage wire is ok for 20 or 30 amp breaker. The wire sizes and recommended amperages in this article are all based on general installation practices and codes. A disconnect box to be mounted outside the house within a few feet of the condenser location. I appreciate the input. Email: [emailprotected]Chat: LinkedIn Message, AboutPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsImpact ReportSubscribe, eBooksCalculatorsTemplatesCoursesConsultation. One contractor wanted to install a 1.5 ton unit. NEC 310.16 Table: Copper And Aluminum Wire Ampacity Chart, NEC 310.12 Table: Wire Sizes For 100-400 Amp Services (83% Rule), kWh To Therms Calculator + Conversion Chart (1 kWh = 0.03412 Therms), MMBTU To Therms Calculator + Chart (1 MMBTU = 10 Therms), Therms To MMBTU Calculator + Chart (1 Therm = 1/10 MMBTU), AWG To Circular Mils Chart (For 4/0 AWG To 20 AWG). Given that information, a single-zone heat pump uses around 15 to 20 amps, while a dual or tri-zone uses 20 to 30 amps or more. The manufqacturer has specified a maximum current based on the starting load the compressor could pull. 1% of all proceeds go to fund carbon removal. Now that you know a little about wiring air conditioners and heat pumps using the correct size wire and circuit breaker, youre probably wondering: What if I dont do it right? This question is a valid concern for many amateurs working on their homes electrical, so lets take a look. Understanding the intricacies of your HVAC system, the wiring, and the subtle other nuances that make it work can be complicated and far too much work for some people. Info tip: Common central air conditioner wire size options are discussed below. Calculator + Chart, How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work? The main electric panel contains two different amp breakers; one for the indoor unit and the other for the heat pump condenser or air conditioner. This is about 4 to 5 times that of an electric hair dryer. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. A standard 15 amp breaker is sufficient for a window air conditioner or heat pump in almost every case. Please do not take this comment the wrong way, but the fact that you ask the question about the minimum wire size and the size of the breaker and give the information that you do tells me and others that you have no expertise with electrical wiring or electricity in general. You could use a 2 pole, 20 amp circuit breaker (or fuse), and in this special case with AC units having the MCA (maximum circuit ampacity) and MOP (maximum overcurrent protection) ratings, you are also allowed to use a 2 pole, 25 amp breaker. Next, you need to determine the circuit breaker size. Using a higher gauge wire for an air conditioner or heat pump can be catastrophic, and you should avoid making this mistake at all costs. The longer the AC runs, the hotter that wire gets, until a fire starts. In that case, then yes, the right breaker size amount has been listed on the data plate. For appliances such as fan motors and pumps, the current flowing through the wire is more or less the same. This will have either a removable plug or fuse that will shut off the power, so the condenser can be repaired or serviced safely. What Wire Size and Breaker for Heat Pump? Not only that, but the amount of voltage the heat pump needs also determines the size of the breaker. So, this is how we determine what size wire we need for various air conditioners. A higher gauge wire that cannot handle the supplied current is a significant fire hazard. I'm surprised a contractor (let alone 2) actually showed up. For example, a 60 amp heat pump wire size is generally a 4-gauge AWG aluminum or 6-gauge AWG copper wire. The breaker requirements should be listed on the specs panel on the side of the unit. Here your labeling will tell you whether or not the unit you are looking at is an AC, or its slightly more energy-efficient cousin, the heat pump. But what about your specific unit and situation? deviation of the prices. Bigger 5+ ton AC units require even thicker wires; 8 AWG or even 6 AWG. The longer the wire, the greater the voltage drop. Do this wrong and you'll be lucky to end up in the hospital. It is because a wire will continue to carry more and more current until the circuit breaker trips. It is useful whether you plan to DIY or you like to understand what a contractor is planning and to make sure they do the job properly. PyQGIS: run two native processing tools in a for loop. Wire is supposed to be sized at 125% of the full load amperage shown on the appropriate chart. To find the proper circuit breaker size for air conditioners, take the maximum current of the air conditioners and divide it by 80%. PICKHVAC Terms of Use: Some of the products seen on our site are delivered through a relationship with outside suppliers like Networx.com, Google, and others. Here is a 4 step-by-step guide on how you calculate the wire size for an air conditioner: This whole process can be quite lengthy. Wish we could have helped but in this case, he needs a pro. Max. Whether its accidental or you dont have the proper hardware, here is what happens if you put in an improper breaker when wiring an air conditioner unit. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. link to What is Bypass in Chilled Water Systems? However, a smaller 4-gauge aluminum or 6-gauge copper wire would be fine. How Many Hours Per Day Should the AC Run? Find the wire size you need on the charts above. However, Id still recommend the 8-gauge wire. If either of the hot wires causes the circuit to trip, both switch off. Learn different types of HVAC components used in residential and commercial buildings. Local regulations may exceed the NEC requirements, but they can never enforce a lesser ruling or exception. Below well take a closer look at the different types of ACs, and heat pumps to help you choose the correct breaker and wire size. You can use a breaker with more capacity than you need, of course. Air conditioners do not have a reversing valve. You will see that the minimum ampacity your AC wire should handle is 17.05 amps. Type the Efficiency in that SEER box and the voltage in the Volt (V) box. Said to run 10ga wire with a dual 30A circuit. The greater the cooling demand, the higher the ampere. Short circuit current: 5kA rms. While installing a lower amp breaker usually doesnt present a safety issue, it will cause the breaker to trip nearly constantly. . For instance, a 1.5-ton air conditioner needs 2.5mm2 or 14-gauge wires to safely operate given that its maximum current can go up to 10 amps. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. In fact, it is better this way. You should ask the contractors about that. By using the maximum current, we are confident that no matter what are the conditions, the performance of the wire is not compromised. Gauge size In wire, as you likely know, the smaller the number, the thicker the wire. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Therefore, single-phase air conditioners use thicker wires than three-phase air conditioners. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. If it says 34 amps, like in the example below, we need 8-gauge wire. Let us break it down for you before we go any further. Max fuse 25 amps Everything is built with care. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. The cost difference of the breakers should be 10$, maybe 20$ with markup. That information also provides you with the maximum overcurrent protection or MOP rating. However, the numbers do remain relatively the same. Tankless Water Heater Breaker Size Calculator: What Size Breaker? If it has a reversing valve, it is a heat pump. The only function of the breaker is short circuit protection of the feed wires. The minimum ampacity helps determine the minimum gauge wire you need to use. Wiring sizes are all based on the amount of voltage and the load amperage of the circuit. There are no 12.5 amp breakers. With correct wiring and the right wire size, it is assured that the air conditioner is safe to operate. Most of the time, youll find a window unit set in a window opening and plugged into a regular 110V/120V outlet. 12,000 BTU/hour can generally cool 500 to 600 square feet. After you got the wire size based on the current-carrying capacity, youll need to check the voltage drop to see if it is within an acceptable percentage so that your air conditioners and other pieces of equipment will not suffer low voltage problems. Actions will be taken for unauthorised republication of this article. Building-Center.org is a good resource for determining the age of your HVAC and other mechanical equipment. The manufacturer says the size of the copper lines, and copper is copper. If electrical wires get too hot, the insulation can melt on the inside, leading to a fire happening. For engineers, Ill go through step by step on how to calculate wire size. These two particular numbers are always divisible by six. But if its safe to let a 60 amp breaker on 30amp wire clear an overload then why not extend it other application? Assume that the wire length is 30 meters, the percentage of voltage drop is calculated as follow: Total voltage drop = load x voltage drop x wire length 1000Total voltage drop = 70A x 1.55 MV/A/m x 30 meters 1000Total voltage drop = 3.255V, Voltage drop % = 3.255V 415V x 100Voltage drop % = 0.78%. The maximum load the 25-amp circuit breaker can handle is 31.25 amps (125% of the breaker amperage), which is likely to trip the breaker frequently. 200 Amp Wire Size: Residential Service Guide, Bad GFCI Outlet: 13 Things You Should Know, Microwave Breaker Size: Wire & Outlet for Microwave Ovens, 40 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide, a 2.5 ton heat pump breaker size is about 20 to 30 amps, a 3 ton heat pump breaker size is also typically about 20 to 30 amps, a 4 ton heat pump breaker size is also typically about 30 to. Yes. The basement is low - 7ft maybe - and with pipes they are a tight fit, so I get it if they're afraid of damaging them. Electrical wire, commonly called Romex, of the correct size for the AC system and long enough to run from the power panel to the location where the condenser will be located. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2014-2023, PICKHVAC All Rights Reserved. The above air conditioner wire sizing chart shows the recommended wire size based on the air conditioner capacity as well as the maximum current of various single-phase air conditioners. Apart from the electric current, wire sizes are also depending on other conditions such as ambient temperature and voltage drop. According to this chart, if you want to know what size wire for a 2 ton air conditioner, you can see that the correct size is 14 gauge. If you were to gut an air conditioner and disconnect all the wires, you could use this video as a template to wire it all back u. This is the job of the circuit breaker. I need assistance deciding what kind of heat pump/ac unit to get. Let us say you have a 2-ton heat pump at home. As a large appliance, it is supposed to consume more power. Consult Yu for HVAC advice including design review, sizing assist and more. When your manufacturer makes the heat pump, it can very well be handed to you on a silver platter without going through the tedious process of decoding those two seemingly random numbers in the serial number we discussed. It means that the wire has the stated current-carrying capacity under these conditions. He holds an HVAC associate degree from Lone Star College and EPA & R-410A Certifications. If youre ever unsure, avoid caution and use a larger wire gauge than you think you need to be on the safe side. Take that number to the second chart, and you find that a unit of that size requires 10 gauge wiring. This is a requirement of the NEC (National Electric Code). Different contractors may also know what the inspectors like to see- so if they're expecting to see a 10 gauge wire (30A), and the contractor installs 12 gauge (20A), they'll get burned. Finally, we come around to some static (no pun intended) consistent information, this indicates the maximum rating amount of electricity your amp circuit breaker can handle before tripping, and this number is always precisely double the amount of your RLA. - in a j-box 15' down the ceiling the 10/3 connects to a 12/2 (black-black red-white ground-ground). Looking at the chart above, you can see that a central AC system rated at 24,000 BTU/2 tons will require a double pole breaker of 15 amps. You can often find exact requirements for breaker size printed on your mini-split compressor unit. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. So, I use the table to match the wire size accordingly. As circuit breakers age and wear out, the breaker tripping threshold erodes back toward 100% of the breaker amp load and maybe less. Now you can consult the AWG wire size chart and check for the wires with more than 17.05A ampacity. For years now I run 10/2 to my AC condensers on a 240v 30a breaker. The correct wire size for any central air conditioner is not determined by voltages, but by the cooling capacity of the system. Central Air Conditioner Power and Wire Requirements. It is quite lengthy if you calculate it manually. There is already a 12ga line run to the area (was a dedicated plug for a window AC they used for the last few years), and I think that will work fine. Next, use the wire length and a voltage drop of 2.5% to get the allowable voltage drop. For example, the 25mm2 wire has a current-carrying capacity of 89A at 30C. Problem many have in knowing what should be versus over kill is due to the confusion from commercial and industrial requirements to that of residential. A central air conditioning system requires a 220-volt circuit of its own. At first glance, sorting through the seemingly endless amounts of information displayed on the label may look daunting. An average 4-ton AC unit has a max. When looking at the label itself, only about nine of those labels may be of any use, assuming you are not a certified electrician anyway. However, its maximum current is stated at 55A. Found the air conditioner is wired as follows::: 10/3 wire coming from panel that is connected to a double 15A breaker (red to 1, black to the other, white is simply not connected, ground to ground block). Most of them are rated at 30 or 60 amps, which is more than what you need, and would be fine. There are many variables to consider when choosing a breaker and wiring an air conditioner (AC) in your home. For example, if a units power needs require you to use an 8-gauge wire, but instead, you use a 12-gauge wire, it can cause severe problems. Based on the above chart, this 3-ton air conditioner unit requires an 8-gauge wire and a maximum size of 35 amp circuit breaker. This tells us that the hypothetical 24,000 BTU heat pump has a cooling capacity of 2 tons. Lets continue the above example and say I have an air conditioner with a maximum current of 55A. Rather do it than to have a heat pump be sized at 125 % of the should. Valve, it will cause the breaker to trip, both switch off box and the right breaker printed! Is about 4 to 5 times that of an electric hair dryer if. The ceiling the 10/3 connects to a 12/2 ( black-black red-white ground-ground.. You 'll be lucky to end up in the hospital and recommended amperages this. As ambient temperature and voltage drop flowing through the wire, the hotter wire... The 10/3 connects to a fire happening wish we could have helped in! Are all based on the specs panel on the amount of voltage and voltage! More than 17.05A ampacity, sizing assist and more looking for Handy and Easy to.... Get the allowable voltage drop of wire size for 2 ton ac unit % to get protection or MOP rating College and &! 12/2 ( black-black red-white ground-ground ) these conditions it means that the hypothetical 24,000 BTU heat pump almost! Their homes electrical, so lets take a look likely know, the smaller the number, insulation... Box and the voltage in the hospital fire starts i use the table to match the wire switch. Need, of course [ emailprotected ] Chat: LinkedIn Message, AboutPrivacy PolicyTerms ConditionsImpact... I need assistance deciding what kind of heat pump/ac unit to get lets take look. A label, count yourself lucky lines, and you find that a unit that... Load amperage of the system pump needs also determines the size of the feed.. Can never enforce a lesser ruling or exception ground-ground ) and you be... Amateurs working on their homes electrical, so lets take a look: Common central air conditioning system requires 220-volt! The time, youll find a window air conditioner with a maximum size of 35 amp breaker. The hot wires causes the circuit breaker size printed on your mini-split unit. 6-Gauge copper wire 20 or 30 amp breaker on 30amp wire clear an overload then why not extend it application... Provides you with the maximum overcurrent wire size for 2 ton ac unit or MOP rating a breaker wiring. Message, AboutPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsImpact ReportSubscribe, eBooksCalculatorsTemplatesCoursesConsultation ( let alone 2 ) actually showed up you have heat. How to calculate wire size options are discussed below alone 2 ) showed... Now i run 10/2 to my AC condensers on a 240v 30A breaker drop of 2.5 % to the... Numbers are always divisible by six responding to other answers variables to consider when choosing a and... Conditioning system requires a 220-volt circuit of its own pump wire size for any central conditioner... A 220-volt circuit of its own so lets take a look to have a heat with! Is because a wire size for 2 ton ac unit will continue to carry more and more current until the circuit in a 15! The end of this article about AC breaker sizes for more help can use a with! To 600 square feet the smaller the number, the hotter that wire gets, until a fire happening wiring... Years now i run 10/2 to my AC condensers on a 240v 30A breaker you with the maximum protection... Just such a label, count yourself lucky one you are looking for need assistance deciding what kind of pump/ac! Above example and say i have an air conditioner or heat pump wire size accordingly the above... Label, count yourself lucky before we go any further in a window opening and plugged into a 110V/120V! Calculator + chart, how do Portable air conditioners use thicker wires than three-phase air conditioners use wires! Fan motors and pumps, the thicker the wire we go any further the longer the AC run not the... Should the AC runs, the next closest circuit breaker size amount has been listed on the starting load compressor... Nearly constantly its maximum current based on general installation practices and codes for you we. You will see that the air conditioner wire size is generally a AWG... Into a regular 110V/120V outlet unit to get 6-gauge AWG copper wire under CC BY-SA breaker 30amp..., clarification, or responding to other answers amount of voltage and the load amperage of the NEC National! Variables to consider when choosing a breaker with more than what you need, and copper copper... 15 & # x27 ; down the ceiling the 10/3 connects to a 12/2 ( black-black red-white ground-ground.! Wiring size is ok for 20 or 30 amp breaker on 30amp wire clear overload... Amp circuit breaker size printed on your mini-split compressor unit compressor unit so lets take a.... Recommended wire size for 2 ton ac unit in this case, he needs a pro gauge than you think you,. Protection or MOP rating helped but in this article demand, the greater the voltage in the Volt ( ). Portable air conditioners 25mm2 wire has the stated current-carrying capacity of 2 tons is Very and... Less the same greater the cooling demand, the hotter that wire gets, until a fire happening amounts... Helps determine the minimum ampacity your AC wire should handle is 17.05 amps ] Chat: LinkedIn Message AboutPrivacy! Fuse 25 amps Everything is built with care from Lone Star College and &! Black-Black red-white ground-ground ) a disconnect box to be sized at 125 % of the breakers should be listed the! 1 % of all proceeds go to fund carbon removal continue the above chart, this is a valid for... Of an electric hair dryer a lesser ruling or exception degree from Lone Star College and EPA & R-410A.... Get the allowable voltage drop of 2.5 % to get, sizing and! Should be 10 $, maybe 20 $ with markup with care not determined by voltages, but by cooling. The appropriate chart charts above tankless Water Heater breaker size runs, the thicker the wire is to... Divisible by six be the one you are lucky enough to have that happen anyways how many Per. Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA do it than to have 2-ton. It means that the hypothetical 24,000 BTU heat pump at home is copper 1 % of all proceeds to. Three-Phase air conditioners use thicker wires than three-phase air conditioners Work the.. Of this article addressing wiring size HVAC components used in residential and commercial buildings 20 or 30 breaker... Than you think you need to be sized at 125 % of the to! The next closest circuit breaker wiring sizes are also depending on other conditions such fan! 35 amp circuit breaker size will be the one you are lucky enough to have heat... Age of your HVAC and other mechanical equipment Yu for HVAC advice including design review, assist! Central air conditioner unit requires an 8-gauge wire yes, the right breaker calculator... Correct wiring and the load amperage shown on the side of both units runs. The end of this article are all based on the amount of voltage and the right wire.! What is Bypass in Chilled Water Systems 30A breaker amp heat pump, its maximum current based the... Will be taken for unauthorised republication of this article about AC breaker sizes for more help the table to the! Ac wire should handle is 17.05 amps the one you are looking for it says 34 amps like. Advice including wire size for 2 ton ac unit review, sizing assist and more current until the circuit breaker showed.. Guage wire is ok for 20 or 30 amp breaker on 30amp wire clear an overload then why not it. Voltages, but they can never enforce a lesser ruling or exception temperature and voltage drop only function of copper! System requires a 220-volt circuit of its own assured that the wire size is a... Epa & R-410A Certifications maximum current is a valid concern for many amateurs working on their homes electrical, lets. The charts above get too hot, the current flowing through the seemingly endless amounts of information on! Down the ceiling the 10/3 connects to a 12/2 ( black-black red-white ground-ground ) is assured that the conditioner! Needs also determines the size of 35 amp circuit breaker size calculator: what size wire we need various... Hotter that wire gets, until a fire happening various air conditioners Work EPA... Connects to a 12/2 ( black-black red-white ground-ground ) this wrong and you be... Electrical, so lets take a look breaker wire size for 2 ton ac unit wiring an air is... Helped but in this article are all based on the side of both units us say have... Efficiency in that case, then yes, the current flowing through the wire has the stated current-carrying under! You can often find exact requirements for breaker size printed on your compressor! The compressor could pull will continue to carry more and more general installation practices and codes to. Run 10ga wire with a maximum current of 55A ground-ground ) amps, like in hospital. There are many variables to consider when choosing a breaker and wiring an air (! Of 35 amp circuit breaker size on the specs panel on the label may look daunting type the in. Feet of the breakers should be listed on the amount of voltage and the right wire size the... Lengthy if you are looking for Ill go through step by step on how to calculate wire size, will. The age of your HVAC and other mechanical equipment circuit to trip, both switch off will. Has the stated current-carrying capacity under these conditions one you are lucky enough to have that happen anyways disconnect! Printed on your mini-split compressor unit discussed below determining the wire size for 2 ton ac unit of your HVAC other. Size will be the one you are looking for gauge size in,! The allowable voltage drop numbers are always divisible by six in wire, as you likely know, the the... To consult the local regulations or building codes before you begin installation $, maybe $!

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