Residential AC

[Tcouillard]

I need a #10 wire for a residential AC unit looking to see if I need to run 10-3 or 10-2? Also GFCI protected or standard 240v breaker.

 

[ptonsparky]

Why would you need 3 insulated conductors plus an EG?
10/2 W G is typical. GFCI will depend on what code cycle you are under.

 

[Tcouillard]

Working in a new state (MA) that is more strict than mine and cannot get a straight answer

 

[roger]

What does the name plate say? Is it a 240 V unit or does it say 120/240 V? As ptonsparky states, the code cycle will be the determining factor for the GFCI

 

[Tcouillard]

It’s 240v unit

 

[infinity]

It’s 240v unit

What's the nameplate MCA?

 

[kwired]

What's the nameplate MCA?

A lot of misunderstanding out there, and MCA is what determines conductor ampacity needed. Lots of units connected with 10 AWG out there that code will actually allow to be connected with 12 AWG. Not a violation to use 10, just something that can be done and should normally cost less to do.

To OP: this type of unit seldom is anything but 208-240 volt two wire supply needed, particularly the typical condenser only/heat pump outdoor portion of a split unit.

 

[AC\DC]

Never seen a neutral in a heat pump. Be cool if a manufacturer made a hvac with built in receptacle that was fused internally and we could just run a extra wire than worry about if a receptacle is there

 

[ActionDave]

I don't know about residential sizes, but commercial RTUs have their own service recpt built in these days.

 

[kwired]

I don't know about residential sizes, but commercial RTUs have their own service recpt built in these days.

I would presume these also have their own disconnecting means in the unit and the service receptacle is somehow connected ahead of that? Otherwise it wouldn't comply with 210.63 requirements.

 

[AC\DC]

That cool only thing in my area is residential so stuck doing that
I have not seen a receptacle yet in resi but maybe it’s just down the road

I don't know about residential sizes, but commercial RTUs have their own service recpt built in these days.

 

[AC\DC]

I just read 210.63 no wonder I have not seen it. Can’t be connected off the hvac branch circuit.
Now I feel dumber for saying my first post

 

[kwired]

I just read 210.63 no wonder I have not seen it. Can’t be connected off the hvac branch circuit.
Now I feel dumber for saying my first post

It can't be connected to load side of the disconnecting means at the unit. It is not prohibited from being connected to the HVAC branch circuit but you will need a neutral in the circuit and will need additional overcurrent protection if the HVAC circuit is not 15 or 20 amps.