On Saturday, August 2, 2014 3:51:59 PM UTC-4, wrote:
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?

It would seem if you're giving out the advice, you should know that
no? And if not, googling "code definition continous load" should work.



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

That doesn't matter, because per Gfre, all that has been taken into
account by the engineers who designed and rated the eqpt. The eqpt rating plate is what governs, it says a circuit with minimum ampacity of 26A,
which you then use to directly determine the wire size.