Condensing unit

[rose1981]

I have a condensing unit rated at 208V, 1phase, 2.5hp. The FLA from NEC table 430.248 is around 16Amp. What should be the breaker size? is it 16x2.5= 40Amp breaker?

 

[jumper]

The unit name plate should have a MCA, Minimum Circuit Ampacity for your conductor size, and a MOCD, Maximum Over Current Device, for your breaker or fuse size. Note some units require fuses only and this will be on the name plate also.

 

[kwired]

I have a condensing unit rated at 208V, 1phase, 2.5hp. The FLA from NEC table 430.248 is around 16Amp. What should be the breaker size? is it 16x2.5= 40Amp breaker?

I don't recall 2.5 HP listed in any motor FLA tables, you must have one of those special editions

Your figures do sound fairly typical for around 2.5 ton cooling capacity unit though.

Hermatic compressors usually are not marked in HP either - just Rated Load Amps. The unit will have a BTU capacity rating but that don't mean much to an electrician without knowing more about it's efficiency, power factor, etc.

You need to start in art 440, where it will tell you most of what Jumper has already mentioned.

 

[Mgraw]

Since the OP doesn't state what type of condensing unit he has it may be a refrigeration unit with a semi hermetic. In that case it would be rated in horsepower.