Branch Circuit for Heat Pump Outdoor Unit

[renosteinke]

I've done two types of 'split' systems.

In the most common version, the indoor unit is powered independently of the outside unit, with but a thermostat wire connecting the two. They're often even different voltages, certainly different ampacities, as the indoor unit is often nothing but a fan.

The other type had the indoor unit powered by/through the outdoor unit. That is, the nameplate of the outdoor unit was for the entire system, and the circuit protection was integral to the control section of the outdoor unit.

 

[kwired]

I've done two types of 'split' systems.

In the most common version, the indoor unit is powered independently of the outside unit, with but a thermostat wire connecting the two. They're often even different voltages, certainly different ampacities, as the indoor unit is often nothing but a fan.

The other type had the indoor unit powered by/through the outdoor unit. That is, the nameplate of the outdoor unit was for the entire system, and the circuit protection was integral to the control section of the outdoor unit.

The second system you mention I have heard called "mini split systems" or something similar. They are often smaller capacity units designed for a single room, though some may have more than one indoor unit associated with an outdoor unit.

They work great where thru the wall or window units are not an option.

 

[readydave8]

I've done two types of 'split' systems.

In the most common version, the indoor unit is powered independently of the outside unit, with but a thermostat wire connecting the two. They're often even different voltages, certainly different ampacities, as the indoor unit is often nothing but a fan.

The other type had the indoor unit powered by/through the outdoor unit. That is, the nameplate of the outdoor unit was for the entire system, and the circuit protection was integral to the control section of the outdoor unit.

Around here a plain old residential heat pump has condensor outdoors and air handler indoors, connected with refrigeration lines, ductwork from air handler. They call this a split system, as opposed to package unit, where blower and condensor are in one outside unit, ductwork hooks directly to it.

 

[kwired]

Was just looking in a catalog I have from a HVAC supplier. They call the units that have an outdoor unit and an indoor wall or ceiling mounted unit a 'Ductless split system'. Some of them can have up to four indoor zones on one outdoor unit.

 

[Little Bill]

I don't know if this will help in the OP's question, but I have a new (8 months) heat pump package. I call it a split unit, outdoor compressor/indoor air handler. The air handler has a 60A breaker on it but it has a sticker above it that says" Notice: breaker is not intended for branch circuit protection. It serves only as a disconnect".