Approved wiring method for HVAC interconnection

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marmathsen

Senior Member
Location
Seattle, Washington ...ish
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
Hey All,

I see a lot of installations where flexible cord is used to power an indoor air handler from an outdoor heat pump. It's usually run inside the "line hide" along with the piping line set. This is residential in Seattle I'm referring to.

However I when I look at permitted and non-permitted uses in article 400, it doesn't seem like it would be approved. Article 440 doesn't seem to add an sort of an allowance.

Am misinterpreting something? Hopefully someone can shed some light on this for me.

Thanks,
Rob
 
marmathsen said:
Hey All,

I see a lot of installations where flexible cord is used to power an indoor air handler from an outdoor heat pump. It's usually run inside the "line hide" along with the piping line set. This is residential in Seattle I'm referring to.

However I when I look at permitted and non-permitted uses in article 400, it doesn't seem like it would be approved. Article 440 doesn't seem to add an sort of an allowance.

Am misinterpreting something? Hopefully someone can shed some light on this for me.

Thanks,
Rob
Click to expand...
I trust the flexible cord is rated for a wet location. I also hope you're referring to a mini split system.
I've had one for 7 years with no problem.

Ron
 
marmathsen said:
see a lot of installations where flexible cord is used to power an indoor air handler from an outdoor heat pump. It's usually run inside the "line hide" along with the piping line set. This is residential
Click to expand...
Residential HVAC additions are rarely permitted or inspected, and mini-split nameplates are rarely listed for North America, much less with raceways for power wiring.

Electrical feeders tap into existing HVAC disconnects, until they burn up, or found stuffed in channel with refrigeration lines. Flying spice transitions go from Romex to extension cord wiring. Also seen these burn up.

Everything without permits in residential is Hack Job wiring like this. If you see granite top counters, or remodel rooms without extension cords protruding from drywall & ceilings, then you really need to start worrying, and look behind outlets & lights to see where they hid zip cords.
 
Not the greatest authority, but the Home Despot describes it's cable as "14 AWG 4 conductor vinyl nylon tray cable [...] 4 conductor control cable. [...] UL Listed, contractors grade, color coded, stranded, black exterior jacket."
 
The state of Seattle is known for inspections and its code modifications. In WA split systems (in my area) are inspected by state. Our state rules require a journey level to do the connection between the Inside and outside units.
 
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