Gas air handler

[garrisonm1]

Got a red flag today on inspection and still not sure where he came up with this. I have a indoor gas air handler unit that draws 9amps max. It state max fuse size of 20 amps. I ran #12 thhn to a single pole switch then down to the unit. This is fed off a 20 amp breaker in the panel. He told me I needed a fused disconnect at the unit instead of a single pole switch. I always used snap switchs for cases like this, of course I change it out, because that was the only thing holding up the job. Any code references or clarifacation on this.


He also mentioned it should be on an AFCI along with the outdoor unit?

 

[Buck Parrish]

Their is no correct reference. He's wrong.
Their may be some thing about a switch being able to be bumped or must be able to be locked. But I am pretty sure thats for 240 v

The out side unit does not have to be afci.
The inside might if it is in the living areas.

 

[iwire]

Got a red flag today on inspection and still not sure where he came up with this. I have a indoor gas air handler unit that draws 9amps max. It state max fuse size of 20 amps. I ran #12 thhn to a single pole switch then down to the unit. This is fed off a 20 amp breaker in the panel.

If the label really says max fuse size you must use a 20 amp fuse somewhere in the circuit.

Sometimes the manufacturer of the combination-load equipment will specify fuses as the overcurrent protective device. This is important information and must be followed. If the nameplate says fuse only, the equipment has been evaluated and tested only with a fuse. The manufacturer has determined that only a fuse provides the proper overcurrent protection for the hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor and the other internal components. Use of a circuit breaker would be in violation of the Code Section 440-4(b) and 440-22(c). This would also be in violation of Section 110-3(b). This is the equivalent of not following the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the equipment. Not following the instructions is the same as not following the Code.

http://www.iaei.org/magazine/?p=3944

 

[Dennis Alwon]

He told me I needed a fused disconnect at the unit instead of a single pole switch.

There are some unusual or some old model units that could possibly state max fuse but I have only seen that on the outdoor units.

I always used snap switchs for cases like this, of course I change it out, because that was the only thing holding up the job. Any code references or clarifacation on this. He also mentioned it should be on an AFCI along with the outdoor unit?

I still use snap switches for this application but I would like to know where the AFCI enters into play. It appears that more and more inspectors are taking all diffeernt roads in relation to what room is considered to need AFCI. If the unit was in the home and cord and plug connected we may have another situation but that is not the case here.