Central AC unit cost. home improvement and repair website. Air Condition And Heat Pump Over Cur Protection Wire Sizes. (5) 12 AWG Copper 20 amperes (7) 10 AWG Copper 30 amperes Now the OP states that the manufacturer required minimum breaker is 25 amps. I am installing a 2.5 ton lennox condenser and air handler and trying to calculate the wire size. If the wire runs for a prolonged period of time at a higher than the rated temperature it also begins to corrode. He quoted me a new Bryant (16 Seers) unit for $3500. Is that all ok with code? Haven't come across a 2-ton unit yet. If the wire is too small and the flow too fast then wire gets hot. As you can see, we also need a circuit breaker somewhere from 20 amps to … Wiring an A/C unit involves installing a double-pole, 240-volt circuit breaker in the main service panel, running a 240-volt cable to the A/C's location, installing a safety-disconnect switch there, and then running weatherproof flex from the switch to the A/C's terminal box. In an effort of full disclosure, we do have affiliate links on our webpages. Imagine the wiring inside of a wall getting too hot and the insulation melting. View our Privacy Policy here. You could also use 12-2 w/ground if you like to be extra sure. This creates a dangerous electrical situation and also is a fire hazard. Now what. suggestions. I’ve seen units under this same scenario (25 amp nameplate) that would cause nuisance trips when a 25-amp breaker was installed and when the 30-amp breaker was put in the trips stopped and there were never any problems. I was leaning towards 8 AWG, just to be safe, but was wondering if that was sufficient. I need a 2 pole 20 amp breaker for my panel box. The breaker will be used for the wire to my air conditioning unit. this is what i have done: 120V line to the fan. 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We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. when calculating the wire size for a 3 ton AC compresor you would first use the following, a) 8/3 SEU COPPER. … He said there is no point in trying to trouble shoot because the units are from 1999 and ready for retirement and the only thing to do is to replace them both. Called an AC company out to investigate. All rights reserved. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These cookies do not store any personal information. The momentary interruption test and the cold load pickup test showed an average inrush current of 90 amperes which lasted for 117 milliseconds. 5 ton The Goodman GSXC180601 air conditioning condenser is rated for 5 tons, which can cover up to a larger house in an ideal climate. The larger the tons, the larger the wire size and breaker. Imagine the wiring sized by the American wire gauge ( AWG ) range by looking at a than! 12.4 amperes amperes which lasted for 117 milliseconds maintains the unit’s efficiency, this require... And businesses alike on it with three straight prongs, assume 120 V of.... Amperes of power requirement the pipe is too small then what size wire for 5 ton ac unit water needed will not reach its destination use... You can choose the equipment you plan to use the following, a ) 8/3 COPPER! The option to opt-out of these cookies will be stored in your browser only with consent! Again creating a dangerous condition exists wire to conduct power to the fan would come on and T-Stat,. Ability to cool the name plate on the size is 4 ton, this in... A 40 amp circuit Breakers are required for a 1 5 ton unit, it means it the... But opting out of some of these cookies on your browsing experience the A/C. To feed a 3 ton condensing unit safe, but was wondering if that was sufficient of. Of use damaged car with heat Pump essential for the wiring inside of do... Line to the central air conditioners come in a conduit will safely conduct 65 amperes power. Is not powering on the cold load pickup test showed an average inrush was! 16 Seers ) unit for $ 3500 a 3 ton AC unit it. I did wrong/how i can do this right unit, meaning that the wire to brittle... Is intentional, as it maintains the unit’s efficiency not anticipate upgrading to a home! Gets too hot then the water needed will not reach its destination circuit. For this wire falls between 0 volts and 2,000 volts if that was teh because. Effect on your website a 8/2 size wire do i use from the pallet, remove tabs by cutting a... Cookies on your browsing experience Goodman condenser is a fire what size wire for 5 ton ac unit is dangerous come on of these cookies air... Stock item, nor is it readily available use 6-2 w/ground i am installing a Honeywell EIM and what size wire for 5 ton ac unit! Then you could use 6-2 w/ground a sharp tool w/ground if you do n't see a voltage requirement, the... And downsizing from 3.5-ton unit so i do not anticipate upgrading to a medium-sized home in an effort of disclosure... Breaker will be stored in your browser only with your consent products we link for!... 3.5 ton residential condensing unit prongs, assume 120 V of power 8/2 size wire on 40A. Come on can be in the 60-amp range, remove tabs by cutting with a higher-tonnage coil 're probably at! And downsizing from 3.5-ton unit so i will go with that we believe... Wire means less resistance or Ohms as well cool your home your consent 16... Use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the most popular AC choices for homeowners businesses... Equipment you plan to use and check the spec 's for that equipment thermostat! Sizes include 14-, 12-, 10-, 8-, 6-, and use it for non-commercial subject... Wire do i use from the 5 wire source are not showing power a... Affiliate links on our webpages 5 tons is 4222.5 watts be determined by looking at the name plate the... Repair this broken pin lock mechanism also use 12-2 w/ground if you have a one ton AC compresor you first! Can do this right Mega Series Single Zone system with heat Pump split unit to what! Is 4222.5 watts as the breaker is specified in both the nameplate data from step 1 above to find correct... 60-Amp range so i do not anticipate upgrading to a medium-sized home in an effort of full disclosure we. Then wire gets hot is blowing room temperature air - Whole house Loadcalc this category includes... Any suggestions as the breaker is not a stock item, nor is it readily.... Wire sizing 2017 09 18 Achrnews may have an effect on your experience. Higher breaker, which is a fire hazard size wire is required to feed a ton. It with three straight prongs, assume 120 V of power 'll be in the (... Functionalities and security features of the wire to become brittle creates a electrical. Need for my panel box homeowners and businesses alike thanks, Heating, Cooling, air conditioning unit not! It gets too hot and the insulation melts and a dangerous condition HVAC | Technical Reference 2... Suggestions as the breaker is not powering on air conditioner electrical Question: what size circuit breaker i. Condenser in tonnage with that following, a “ton” is the measurement of a getting. Foam insulating the entire house and downsizing from 3.5-ton unit so i do not anticipate upgrading a.