A/C wiring

[mcclary's electrical]

I have a friend (not me, I don't wire mine this way), who failed inspections on 28 outdoor a/c units because he ran uf into the disconnect, then uf from disconnect to unit. The uf is sunlight resistant. The inspector failed it and said it needs to be in NM flex. He's sighted 340.12 (10),,,,,not (9) as I thought he would. Does anybody agree with him? The uf is tight against building, and tied wrapped to the linesets, if a weed eater hits that, they've got more than electrical problems. Is this inspector correct?

 

[norcal]

I agree with the inspectors call on physical damage but am biased because a opinion that that it's a undesireable way to hook up A/C units.

 

[Cow]

if a weed eater hits that, they've got more than electrical problems.

But, if a weedeater hits a lineset, it's not going to create a shock hazard either...

Personally, I'd fail it too. He should of made the 2 minute phonecall to run it by the inspector before making the same mistake 28 times...

 

[emahler]

But, if a weedeater hits a lineset, it's not going to create a shock hazard either...

Personally, I'd fail it too. He should of made the 2 minute phonecall to run it by the inspector before making the same mistake 28 times...

2 mins? after a week of trying to get him on the phone maybe

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

He also mentioned the UF cable is supported to the lineset. That is not a proper method of support either.


LFNC is not permitted where subject to physical damage - 362.12(1)

The installer needs to use a different wiring method.

 

[LarryFine]

The inspector failed it and said it needs to be in NM flex.

Is this inspector correct?

I think so, too. It requires protection.

If it was indoors, would NM be okay?

I don't think NMFC is the only option.

 

[glene77is]

I don't think NMFC is the only option.

Larry,
Here, we are allowed to use Smurf Tube
from the disconnect to the compressor, outside.
It is the next thing to NO protection as you can get.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

I agree with the inspectors call on physical damage but am biased because a opinion that that it's a undesireable way to hook up A/C units.

I agree,,, very unsightly.

 

[iwire]

He also mentioned the UF cable is supported to the lineset. That is not a proper method of support either.

Got an NEC code section in mind?

 

[electricmanscott]

I agree,,, very unsightly.

Only to electricians. NOBODY else cares.

I agree it is subject to damage.

LFNC can't be use where subject to damage (356.12) but that is what I use. I don't see how you can put the possibility of damage to UF and to LFNC on the same level.

 

[norcal]

Larry,
Here, we are allowed to use Smurf Tube
from the disconnect to the compressor, outside.
It is the next thing to NO protection as you can get.

Smurf tube outside? If someone passes wind nearby it will shatter UF is a "improvement" over smurf, did see smurf tube used once at apartment complex in Houston,& could only shake my head at it in disgust.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

Only to electricians. NOBODY else cares.

I agree it is subject to damage.

LFNC can't be use where subject to damage (356.12) but that is what I use. I don't see how you can put the possibility of damage to UF and to LFNC on the same level.

Good point,,,,but I disagree that they cannot be tye wrapped to the linesets. I usually run LFNC and tye wrap to the linesets all the way to compressor.

Is that Code compliant??

I will say that I have had inspectors make me put a one hole strap ON the compressor within 12" of connector. The reason I don't agree with this all the time is, certain compressor do not have a place to screw a one hole strap to.