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220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
Hello,
I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
In article 2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet, Will Godfrey wrote:
Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Yes. However, given the data shown below, it should be just fine with 12-ga wire and 20-amp fuses. Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp -- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek-at-milmac-dot-com) Join the UseNet Improvement Project: killfile Google Groups. http://www.improve-usenet.org Get a copy of my NEW AND IMPROVED TrollFilter for NewsProxy/Nfilter by sending email to autoresponder at filterinfo-at-milmac-dot-com You must use your REAL email address to get a response. Download Nfilter at http://www.milmac.com/np-120.exe |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
Will Godfrey wrote:
Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will #12 copper wire is appropriate for 20 amps. It's a good idea to keep continuous loads to 80% of this maximum value so your 16 amp load is ok. The suggestion that a time delay fuse be used indicates that there is a short duration motor starting current that may exceed 20 amps. Consequently a fuse, or circuit breaker that has a delay characteristic so that it doesn't blow or trip immediately when its current limit is exceeded is what you may need. Most Square-D QO series breakers (commonly used in good residential installations and available at Home Depot) are marked HACR (heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration) and have a delay, or inverse time characteristic. Boden |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
"Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet... Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 If you use a 30A breaker, no. 10 wire is required. At 15 A you are on the upper limit of #12. It may be OK, but it may also trip the breaker on startup. If you get voltage drops it will be even worse. I'd be inclined to change it and be on the safe side. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
"Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet... Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will What kind of plug is on the cord? Is it a 30 amp plug or a 20 amp plug? Check here for compatibility: http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
Does what you have work?
Yes=leave it alone NO=put in a bigger wire simple s "Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet... Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
John Grabowski wrote:
"Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet... Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will What kind of plug is on the cord? Is it a 30 amp plug or a 20 amp plug? Check here for compatibility: http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm Checking the plug is a good idea. If the manufacturer wants a 30A breaker there should be a 30A plug and the circuit should be #10 with 30A breaker. All residential circuit breakers are time delay. I never figured out how HACR breakers differ from 'normal' breakers. As others have said, the 230V rating is 15A and that is actually OK for #12. If the A/C was hard wired you could use a 30A breaker with #12 wire - one of the intricacies of the code. But not for a plug-in. As others have said, on a 20A breaker the A/C should run OK but may trip the breaker when it starts. -- bud-- |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
bud-- wrote:
John Grabowski wrote: "Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet... Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will What kind of plug is on the cord? Is it a 30 amp plug or a 20 amp plug? Check here for compatibility: http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm Checking the plug is a good idea. If the manufacturer wants a 30A breaker there should be a 30A plug and the circuit should be #10 with 30A breaker. All residential circuit breakers are time delay. I never figured out how HACR breakers differ from 'normal' breakers. As others have said, the 230V rating is 15A and that is actually OK for #12. If the A/C was hard wired you could use a 30A breaker with #12 wire - one of the intricacies of the code. But not for a plug-in. As others have said, on a 20A breaker the A/C should run OK but may trip the breaker when it starts. Hi, Looking at the spec. of the unit, 20Amp breaker with 2-12 wire is proper. Too big a breaker won't give good protection. When it supposes to trip it won't. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
Thanks everyone for your help. Looking at the plug is an excellent idea.
Here's a photo of it: http://www.webster.edu/~godfreyw/files/P1010199.JPG Comparing it to http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm , it appears that it will require an outlet, wire, and breaker rated for 30 amps. Does anyone think think plug might be intended for the 20-amp 5-20R or 6-20R outlets shown in the outlet diagrams? Thanks again! Will On 2008-04-30 19:13:09 -0500, Tony Hwang said: bud-- wrote: John Grabowski wrote: "Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet... Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will What kind of plug is on the cord? Is it a 30 amp plug or a 20 amp plug? Check here for compatibility: http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm Checking the plug is a good idea. If the manufacturer wants a 30A breaker there should be a 30A plug and the circuit should be #10 with 30A breaker. All residential circuit breakers are time delay. I never figured out how HACR breakers differ from 'normal' breakers. As others have said, the 230V rating is 15A and that is actually OK for #12. If the A/C was hard wired you could use a 30A breaker with #12 wire - one of the intricacies of the code. But not for a plug-in. As others have said, on a 20A breaker the A/C should run OK but may trip the breaker when it starts. Hi, Looking at the spec. of the unit, 20Amp breaker with 2-12 wire is proper. Too big a breaker won't give good protection. When it supposes to trip it won't. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
Tony Hwang wrote:
bud-- wrote: John Grabowski wrote: "Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet... Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will What kind of plug is on the cord? Is it a 30 amp plug or a 20 amp plug? Check here for compatibility: http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm Checking the plug is a good idea. If the manufacturer wants a 30A breaker there should be a 30A plug and the circuit should be #10 with 30A breaker. All residential circuit breakers are time delay. I never figured out how HACR breakers differ from 'normal' breakers. As others have said, the 230V rating is 15A and that is actually OK for #12. If the A/C was hard wired you could use a 30A breaker with #12 wire - one of the intricacies of the code. But not for a plug-in. As others have said, on a 20A breaker the A/C should run OK but may trip the breaker when it starts. Hi, Looking at the spec. of the unit, 20Amp breaker with 2-12 wire is proper. Too big a breaker won't give good protection. When it supposes to trip it won't. The purpose of the breaker is to protect the wire from excessive current. So long as the wire gauge and breaker capacity are matched properly the size of the load is immaterial. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
Boden wrote:
Tony Hwang wrote: bud-- wrote: John Grabowski wrote: "Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet... Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will What kind of plug is on the cord? Is it a 30 amp plug or a 20 amp plug? Check here for compatibility: http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm Checking the plug is a good idea. If the manufacturer wants a 30A breaker there should be a 30A plug and the circuit should be #10 with 30A breaker. All residential circuit breakers are time delay. I never figured out how HACR breakers differ from 'normal' breakers. As others have said, the 230V rating is 15A and that is actually OK for #12. If the A/C was hard wired you could use a 30A breaker with #12 wire - one of the intricacies of the code. But not for a plug-in. As others have said, on a 20A breaker the A/C should run OK but may trip the breaker when it starts. Hi, Looking at the spec. of the unit, 20Amp breaker with 2-12 wire is proper. Too big a breaker won't give good protection. When it supposes to trip it won't. The purpose of the breaker is to protect the wire from excessive current. So long as the wire gauge and breaker capacity are matched properly the size of the load is immaterial. Hmmm, Really? wire is link between breaker and the load. Current flowing on the wire is depending on load. You are trying to say breaker only protects wires, nothing to do with the load? Does not make sense to me! |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
"Tony Hwang" wrote in message But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." Volts 230/208 Hi, Looking at the spec. of the unit, 20Amp breaker with 2-12 wire is proper. Too big a breaker won't give good protection. When it supposes to trip it won't. Frigidaire makes thousands of ACs every day so the fact that they call for a 30A breaker is silly, right? |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
"Tony Hwang" wrote in message But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." Volts 230/208 Hi, Looking at the spec. of the unit, 20Amp breaker with 2-12 wire is proper. Too big a breaker won't give good protection. When it supposes to trip it won't. Frigidaire makes thousands of ACs every day so the fact that they call for a 30A breaker is silly, right? Hmm, Even my 3.5 ton ODU is working on 20Amp with 2-12 wires. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
On 4/30/2008 6:46 PM Tony Hwang spake thus:
Boden wrote: The purpose of the breaker is to protect the wire from excessive current. So long as the wire gauge and breaker capacity are matched properly the size of the load is immaterial. Hmmm, Really? wire is link between breaker and the load. Current flowing on the wire is depending on load. You are trying to say breaker only protects wires, nothing to do with the load? Does not make sense to me! The point is that the tripping point of the breaker depends on the maximum capacity of the wires, *not* the load. Think about it and you'll see why this is so. I suppose you could say that it's more important to protect the wires, since they're what can cause fires if overloaded. So if you have a device that normally draws, let's say, 1 amp on a 20-amp circuit, and the device overloads and draws, let's say, 10 amps, that device is going to burn up without tripping the breaker. No way to avoid it, unless the device itself is fused. -- The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. - Attributed to Winston Churchill |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
"Tony Hwang" wrote in message Hmm, Even my 3.5 ton ODU is working on 20Amp with 2-12 wires. Start up load |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
David Nebenzahl wrote:
On 4/30/2008 6:46 PM Tony Hwang spake thus: Boden wrote: The purpose of the breaker is to protect the wire from excessive current. So long as the wire gauge and breaker capacity are matched properly the size of the load is immaterial. Hmmm, Really? wire is link between breaker and the load. Current flowing on the wire is depending on load. You are trying to say breaker only protects wires, nothing to do with the load? Does not make sense to me! The point is that the tripping point of the breaker depends on the maximum capacity of the wires, *not* the load. Think about it and you'll see why this is so. I suppose you could say that it's more important to protect the wires, since they're what can cause fires if overloaded. So if you have a device that normally draws, let's say, 1 amp on a 20-amp circuit, and the device overloads and draws, let's say, 10 amps, that device is going to burn up without tripping the breaker. No way to avoid it, unless the device itself is fused. Hmmm, Who in right mind would configure/install a wire/load like that? All 3 is on a closed loop. They all interact together. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
"Tony Hwang" wrote in message Hmm, Even my 3.5 ton ODU is working on 20Amp with 2-12 wires. Start up load Hi, Of course, not all breakers are created equal. Certain type is used on certain type of application. A type of breaker can withstand surge of certain period without tripping. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
On 4/30/2008 8:32 PM Tony Hwang spake thus:
David Nebenzahl wrote: On 4/30/2008 6:46 PM Tony Hwang spake thus: Boden wrote: The purpose of the breaker is to protect the wire from excessive current. So long as the wire gauge and breaker capacity are matched properly the size of the load is immaterial. Hmmm, Really? wire is link between breaker and the load. Current flowing on the wire is depending on load. You are trying to say breaker only protects wires, nothing to do with the load? Does not make sense to me! The point is that the tripping point of the breaker depends on the maximum capacity of the wires, *not* the load. Think about it and you'll see why this is so. I suppose you could say that it's more important to protect the wires, since they're what can cause fires if overloaded. So if you have a device that normally draws, let's say, 1 amp on a 20-amp circuit, and the device overloads and draws, let's say, 10 amps, that device is going to burn up without tripping the breaker. No way to avoid it, unless the device itself is fused. Hmmm, Who in right mind would configure/install a wire/load like that? All 3 is on a closed loop. They all interact together. You would. I would. We all do. Think about it: you've got a 20-amp circuit in your house connected to a run of baseboard outlets. You've got various things plugged into that circuit: let's say one of them is a device that draws half an amp maximum. Then let's say that device overloads and draws, let's say, 10 amps: enough to blow the device, but not enough to blow the breaker. (Of course, it's far more likely that an overload will cause a direct short which *would* trip the breaker, but this scenario is possible.) If I understand your logic correctly, then yes, we could set things up so that each load is perfectly matched to its wires. But that would mean we'd need a separate circuit *and* circuit breaker for each and every device in the house. The systems we actually have--branch circuits each serving a number of devices--is a compromise. -- The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. - Attributed to Winston Churchill |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
"Tony Hwang" wrote in message news:bRaSj.105280$Cj7.46240@pd7urf2no... David Nebenzahl wrote: On 4/30/2008 6:46 PM Tony Hwang spake thus: Boden wrote: The purpose of the breaker is to protect the wire from excessive current. So long as the wire gauge and breaker capacity are matched properly the size of the load is immaterial. Hmmm, Really? wire is link between breaker and the load. Current flowing on the wire is depending on load. You are trying to say breaker only protects wires, nothing to do with the load? Does not make sense to me! The point is that the tripping point of the breaker depends on the maximum capacity of the wires, *not* the load. Think about it and you'll see why this is so. I suppose you could say that it's more important to protect the wires, since they're what can cause fires if overloaded. So if you have a device that normally draws, let's say, 1 amp on a 20-amp circuit, and the device overloads and draws, let's say, 10 amps, that device is going to burn up without tripping the breaker. No way to avoid it, unless the device itself is fused. Hmmm, Who in right mind would configure/install a wire/load like that? All 3 is on a closed loop. They all interact together. Most recepticals in houses are wired with either 15 or 20 amp breakers. Look at all the devices you have in the house and see how many are plugged in that only draw a few amps. As said above , the sizing of the breakers and wire is such that the wires are protected from getting too hot and causing a fire in the wall. The devices plugged into the recepticals should be fused to protect them. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
Will, If you already have a 220 volt, 20 amp circuit it should have a 6-20R
receptacle. The 30 amp plugs are bigger which judging by the prongs of the plug in your fingers is what you have. "Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008043020180575249-boots4bears@charternet... Thanks everyone for your help. Looking at the plug is an excellent idea. Here's a photo of it: http://www.webster.edu/~godfreyw/files/P1010199.JPG Comparing it to http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm , it appears that it will require an outlet, wire, and breaker rated for 30 amps. Does anyone think think plug might be intended for the 20-amp 5-20R or 6-20R outlets shown in the outlet diagrams? Thanks again! Will On 2008-04-30 19:13:09 -0500, Tony Hwang said: bud-- wrote: John Grabowski wrote: "Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet... Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will What kind of plug is on the cord? Is it a 30 amp plug or a 20 amp plug? Check here for compatibility: http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm Checking the plug is a good idea. If the manufacturer wants a 30A breaker there should be a 30A plug and the circuit should be #10 with 30A breaker. All residential circuit breakers are time delay. I never figured out how HACR breakers differ from 'normal' breakers. As others have said, the 230V rating is 15A and that is actually OK for #12. If the A/C was hard wired you could use a 30A breaker with #12 wire - one of the intricacies of the code. But not for a plug-in. As others have said, on a 20A breaker the A/C should run OK but may trip the breaker when it starts. Hi, Looking at the spec. of the unit, 20Amp breaker with 2-12 wire is proper. Too big a breaker won't give good protection. When it supposes to trip it won't. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
On 2008-05-01 08:02:04 -0500, "John Grabowski" said:
Will, If you already have a 220 volt, 20 amp circuit it should have a 6-20R receptacle. The 30 amp plugs are bigger which judging by the prongs of the plug in your fingers is what you have. Thanks, John. I'm thinking that the plug is the larger, 30-amp 6-30 as well. I don't have the recepticle installed yet, just the existing wire and outlet box. Looks l ike I need to upgrade to 10-gauge wire. With appreciatiion, Will |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
Boden wrote:
Tony Hwang wrote: bud-- wrote: John Grabowski wrote: "Will Godfrey" wrote in message news:2008042921532416807-boots4bears@charternet... Hello, I have a dedicated outlet for a 220V window air conditioner that is connected to the main panel with 12-gauge wire and a 20-amp fuse. The label on the air conditioner says "Cooling Amps 15.0/16/5," which would lead me to believe that the wire is sufficient for the load. But, the label also says "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp." If a 30-amp fuse is required, does this mean that I need to replace the wire with 10-gauge? Here's the entire label from the unit: Frigidare Gallery air conditoner Model # FAS295J2A4 Serial # JK22068612 Volts 230/208 Cooling Amps 15.0/16.5 Cooling Watts 3365 3300 Cooling EER DOE 8.5/8.5 BTU 28,500 use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp Thanks for your help! Will What kind of plug is on the cord? Is it a 30 amp plug or a 20 amp plug? Check here for compatibility: http://www.nooutage.com/nema_configurations.htm Checking the plug is a good idea. If the manufacturer wants a 30A breaker there should be a 30A plug and the circuit should be #10 with 30A breaker. All residential circuit breakers are time delay. I never figured out how HACR breakers differ from 'normal' breakers. As others have said, the 230V rating is 15A and that is actually OK for #12. If the A/C was hard wired you could use a 30A breaker with #12 wire - one of the intricacies of the code. But not for a plug-in. As others have said, on a 20A breaker the A/C should run OK but may trip the breaker when it starts. Hi, Looking at the spec. of the unit, 20Amp breaker with 2-12 wire is proper. Too big a breaker won't give good protection. When it supposes to trip it won't. Looking at the spec: "use time delay fuse or circuit breaker 30 amp" If that is what the nameplate or manufacturer says the code requires a 30A circuit. One can guess that the A/C will trip a 20A breaker when it starts. The purpose of the breaker is to protect the wire from excessive current. So long as the wire gauge and breaker capacity are matched properly the size of the load is immaterial. But not the way it is done for hard wired motors. -- bud-- |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
replying to Edwin Pawlowski, Pedro wrote:
Edwin your absolutely right*/_ "be on the safe side"_/*, like any requirements from point to point must be of the same standard and should not be any of these maybe's, it's cut and dry, people who made comments that may lead people to believe that it okay to go below the standards should not even make any comments at all, we are creatures of habits both good and bad, and if it's going to save people a little buck then they will buy the cheap stuff, that's going to lead to a disaster. -- for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ge-303881-.htm |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
On Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 8:14:06 PM UTC-4, Pedro wrote:
replying to Edwin Pawlowski, Pedro wrote: Edwin your absolutely right*/_ "be on the safe side"_/*, like any requirements from point to point must be of the same standard and should not be any of these maybe's, it's cut and dry, people who made comments that may lead people to believe that it okay to go below the standards should not even make any comments at all, we are creatures of habits both good and bad, and if it's going to save people a little buck then they will buy the cheap stuff, that's going to lead to a disaster. -- for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ge-303881-.htm The valid point I saw some people making was if this was a hardwired AC, then you could use a 30A breaker with 12g wire and it would be code compliant with the given plate specs. But since it's an outlet, then it needs to be 10g to use a 30A breaker. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
On Thu, 22 Mar 2018 18:28:28 -0700 (PDT), trader_4
wrote: On Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 8:14:06 PM UTC-4, Pedro wrote: replying to Edwin Pawlowski, Pedro wrote: Edwin your absolutely right*/_ "be on the safe side"_/*, like any requirements from point to point must be of the same standard and should not be any of these maybe's, it's cut and dry, people who made comments that may lead people to believe that it okay to go below the standards should not even make any comments at all, we are creatures of habits both good and bad, and if it's going to save people a little buck then they will buy the cheap stuff, that's going to lead to a disaster. -- for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ge-303881-.htm The valid point I saw some people making was if this was a hardwired AC, then you could use a 30A breaker with 12g wire and it would be code compliant with the given plate specs. But since it's an outlet, then it needs to be 10g to use a 30A breaker. Yup, the reality is even #12 is probably overkill considering how efficient the new systems are. They generally run significantly below FLA on the sticker. If it starts getting up there, you probably have a problem. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
replying to Ralph Mowery, MS DETAILS wrote:
What does it mean devices need to be fused -- for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ge-303881-.htm |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
replying to Ralph Mowery, MS DETAILS wrote:
What does it's mean to be fused? -- for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ge-303881-.htm |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
On 5/11/2018 7:14 AM, MS DETAILS wrote:
replying to Ralph Mowery, MS DETAILS wrote: What does it's mean to be fused? In your case, it means that you shouldn't be messing with electricity if you need to ask that particular question, while resuscitating a 10 year old thread. |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
On Friday, May 11, 2018 at 8:14:06 AM UTC-4, MS DETAILS wrote:
replying to Ralph Mowery, MS DETAILS wrote: What does it mean devices need to be fused It would mean that all devices intended to be plugged into receptacles should have their own fuse. But that isn't the case. Some devices, eg a TV or air conditioner typically have a fuse or breaker. Others, eg a table lamp, do not. -- for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ge-303881-.htm |
220V Air Conditioner - Proper Wire Gauge
replying to Will Godfrey, Technical Solutions 77 wrote:
Any and all 30 A breakers need to be wired with 10 ga copper wire in order to be safe and efficient. 12 ga wire would work but wouldn't safely power the circuit because it would quickly reach ( Or be dangerously close ) it's maximum power transfer capacity which heats up the wire and compromise all the conductive connections and increase the resistance which would cause excessive power usage and eventuall create fire hazard. -- for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ge-303881-.htm |
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