AC Wire Size

[Brian918]

I found this article and have some concerns about it, but I'd like to hear from this community of professionals as to your opinions. It's about a 5 minute read:

AC wire size

One of the most commonly misunderstood issues in your electrical system is what size wire and circuit breaker you need for your central air conditioner or heat pump. In this post I’ll explain the…

nationshomeinspections.com

 

[charlie b]

I didn't see anything that stood out as being inaccurate or confusing. What are your concerns?

 

[augie47]

Quick read it seems accurate.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I found this article and have some concerns about it, but I'd like to hear from this community of professionals as to your opinions. It's about a 5 minute read:

AC wire size

One of the most commonly misunderstood issues in your electrical system is what size wire and circuit breaker you need for your central air conditioner or heat pump. In this post I’ll explain the…

nationshomeinspections.com

Are you concerned about #12 wire and then using a 30 amp breaker? This is compliant as the overload in the motor will handle any current overload. The breaker, in this case, is only for protection from ground faults and short circuits, not overloads.

 

[Crash117]

All the information supplied in the article seems accurate at first glance

 

[infinity]

I found this article and have some concerns about it, but I'd like to hear from this community of professionals as to your opinions. It's about a 5 minute read:

AC wire size

One of the most commonly misunderstood issues in your electrical system is what size wire and circuit breaker you need for your central air conditioner or heat pump. In this post I’ll explain the…

nationshomeinspections.com

What are your concerns? The only thing that it failed to mention is that you could actually use #14 AWG conductors with a 30 amp OCPD if not using a 60° C wiring method like NM cable.

 

[Brian918]

Are you concerned about #12 wire and then using a 30 amp breaker? This is compliant as the overload in the motor will handle any current overload. The breaker, in this case, is only for protection from ground faults and short circuits, not overloads.

That's what stood out to me - I misunderstood the line about 'Normally this is too big to protect the 12 AWG wire, but the wire is protected by the air conditioner.' Thank you for the information!

 

[Brian918]

Thank you all for your insight here. I misunderstood what the author was trying to convey but you all cleared it up. Thanks again!