A/C disconnect

[TOOL_5150]

I have a situation where I need to change the A/C disconnect to a subpanel, so I can run a few circuits off of the feed. Does the NEC specify that the A/C disconnect need to be fused, or can it be a breaker? Basically, I want to take the fused disconnect out, wire up a 6 space panel and have the A/C directly connected to a breaker in the panel. The feed to the disconnect is a 60a breaker off of the main panel. I believe the condenser unit is 30a.

~Matt

 

[peter d]

Does the NEC specify that the A/C disconnect need to be fused, or can it be a breaker?

The unit itself will specify this information. I just did an A/C hook up job last Friday, and all the units stated a fuse or HACR breaker requirement on them.

 

[mdshunk]

You'd have to look on the a/c's dataplate. Some say maximum fuse or breaker size, and others just say maximum fuse size. If it just says maximum fuse size, then you're stuck with using fuses in some manner. That doesn't mean you can't set your sub anyhow and feed out to a fused disco for the a/c.

 

[mdshunk]

Keep in mind 210.23(A)(2), if that happens to apply to your load(s). Probably doesn't, but just an FYI anyhow.

 

[chris kennedy]

Does the NEC specify that the A/C disconnect need to be fused, or can it be a breaker?

Look at the name plate on the unit. It will probably say:

MOCP fuse or hacr.

Then a hacr breaker will do the job.

 

[Cow]

Do you have a neutral?

 

[TOOL_5150]

Thanks Peter, and Marc!

Now, to see if the nameplate will "work with me" I dont really want to have a bunch of boxes on the side of the house unless absolutly necessary.

~Matt

 

[TOOL_5150]

Do you have a neutral?

I do. That was the first thing I checked. :grin:

~Matt

 

[brantmacga]

I do. That was the first thing I checked. :grin:

~Matt

You have a 4-wire cable feeding an A/C disconnect?

 

[quogueelectric]

You have a 4-wire cable feeding an A/C disconnect?

When I need a receptacle for service and there is none available I like to run 12-2-2 for the service receptacle also it is a nice job one cable one stop shopping.

 

[TOOL_5150]

You have a 4-wire cable feeding an A/C disconnect?

I do, the 3rd wire is taped off and pushed to the back of the disconnect. They even used square D QO panels in the house too! I am sure the EC that did this tract wasnt cheap! :grin:

~Matt

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

At todays copper prices i would not run any extra wires unless customer paying.Sounds like you lucked out,not only oversized but had neutral.

 

[chevyx92]

When I need a receptacle for service and there is none available I like to run 12-2-2 for the service receptacle also it is a nice job one cable one stop shopping.

What is 12-2-2?

 

[chris kennedy]

What is 12-2-2?

I'll guess this.

 

[chevyx92]

I'll guess this.

Nice, I didn't know they made that.

 

[480sparky]

Nice, I didn't know they made that.

It also comes in 14awg flavor.

 

[peter d]

Nice, I didn't know they made that.

You'd be amazed at the products that are out there to make our lives easier. The trick is getting your supply stores to carry them.

 

[480sparky]

... The trick is getting your supply stores to carry them.

... as well as the boss to see the value in purchasing it.

 

[chris kennedy]

... as well as the boss to see the value in purchasing it.

Um, you are the boss.

 

[peter d]

Um, you are the boss.

I think that's why he put the "cool" smiley there.