On Sat, 2 Aug 2014 14:05:32 +0000 (UTC), Doug Miller
wrote:

wrote in :

And remember - if the unit draws a constant 26 amps, it is over-spec
for a 30 amp circuit (maximum 80% rated current for continuous use)

The term "continuous" has a clear, specific definition in the Code -- and an air conditioner
does not meet that definition.

You really should stop trying to give electrical advice.
OK - what does "continuous" mean? What minimum duty cycle is
required for it to be "continuous"? How long does the air conditioner
run on the hottest day of the year? Is the running current not
"continuous" in this case? Starting amps don't count. Do you KNOW what
the steady state running current of the AC unit in question is??

My assumption is the AC unit would draw 26 amps for more than 20 min
utes at a time, up to full time operation, it is to be connected with
a 3 conductor (including ground) flexible stranded cable.

Your assumptions are no more valid than mine, whatever they are -
unless you KNOW what current the unit draws and KNOW it will never
approach 100% duty cycle