Just curious what size unit requires that much power. In the houses I have built they have all been 3-3 1/2 ton units and all of them used a 30 amp breaker.

 

I have done many 5 ton units.
I don't remember the actual specs but they were at least a 40 amp circuit.

In today's world of mega homes these are commonplace.

 

I have done many 5 ton units.
I don't remember the actual specs but they were at least a 40 amp circuit.

In today's world of mega homes these are commonplace.

Speedy
Do you use #6 on your 40amp circuits?

 

No. And that's now what I was implying. That's why I said "at least".

 

10 gauge

we have always run 10 gauge here unless there is a heat pump...
like the man said, follow the specs ...

 

The branch circuit size is based on the "minimum circuit ampacity" marked on the unit. The Maximum fuse or HACR rated circuit breaker is for the breaker in the panel feeding the unit. Keep in mind, the minimum circuit amps includes the 125% for the the largest motor.

 

speedy petey and big red - you guys are right on. the first question should have been what size unit because i've installed 30amp disconnects fed with #10-2 on about 150 homes in the last 3 years and i haven't had a problem yet. just think how much money i saved by not buying #6-3w/g and 60amp disconnects. yippee ak
don't put the cart before the horse - know your load!

 

why havent any one of you guys talked of the ampacity rateing in regards to wire sizeing?? Is this what decides the size wire along with distance.And max breaker listed on name plate. LETS say my condenser on the name plate minimum circuit ampacity amps =14/14 and min and max circuit breakers 20/20,,,,,,,,, distance 40 ft.
does this tell me that amps through wire will be around 14 amp?
12 gauge wire is good for up to 20 amps. I would use 12 gauge,20 amp breakers. what if 19/19 ampacity min breakers 25/25 max30/30

 

Hey BIGRED this is "contractor talk" where you can ask a painter, or better yet a residential builder how to wire your HVAC unit. So why don't some of you tell the original poster what the inspector wants for the stucco thingy. Hell anybody can tell him to use #6 wire when you don't have a clue as to what the unit requires. The simple correct answer would be to look at the specs on the unit and comply with them. If you dont understand them, contact an electrician. It would be much safer and may even be cheaper than if you pull #6 wire where #12 is required. Just my opinion, as I am an electrical contractor and don't know too much about it either. What we need is a sharp home inspector to tell us what we need to do here. There are some sharp home inspectors out there, there has got to be.

Before you sh!t yourselves over who was answering whom, you should acknowledge that this tread was started over 2 years ago, back when there were about 10 people on this forum.:whistling