David, Thanks for the quick response and that would be my normal reaction as well.
However, according to the definitions in Article 430, the fuses at the unit disconnect (internal to the control panel) would be the motor branch circuit short circuit and ground fault protection. I don't see that Article 440 changes that. The circuit between the panelboard and the unit would be considered the motor feeder, right?
Since the circuit between the panelboard and the HVAC unit supplies only a single unit, the motor feeder overcurrent protection cannot exceed the branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection unless the conductors are sized corresponding to the feeder protection. In this case the motor feeder conductors are sized for 20A, so it seems like the installer's argument would stand.
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