ocp for A/C units

[Joe Lancaster]

Is it a code violation to have breakers for A/C units in remote " panels", that exceed the equiptment "max overcurrent protection" rating as long as you have the proper size breakers at the "local disconnects".

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Is it a code violation to have breakers for A/C units in remote " panels", that exceed the equiptment "max overcurrent protection" rating as long as you have the proper size breakers at the "local disconnects".

Not at all. The wiring is protected and that is what matters. Of course the wire must be appropriately sized for the breaker at the panel to the disconnect.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

Is it a code violation to have breakers for A/C units in remote " panels", that exceed the equiptment "max overcurrent protection" rating as long as you have the proper size breakers at the "local disconnects".

IMO, whether it goes through (1), (2), or infinty number of disconnects, the number still cannot be exceeded.

Even though it would not ever hurt anything, I don't think there are any exceptions that state if one correct sized breaker is used, the other can be oversized.

 

[nakulak]

let's say that you have a main panel which feeds the disco at the A/C. The code requires that feeders are protected at their ampacity. Now in your case, it appears the the disco at the A/C unit is fused down to a lower value, protecting the A/C unit branch conductors at their ampacity. That scenario is entirely legal, as Dennis stated. As mclary stated, if you have a breaker installed which does not protect the conductors or the A/C unit at the correct ampacity for the application, then that is a violation. Each overcurrent device must be installed to protect what is designed for per the code, and just because something is protected properly at the unit doesn't mean that any old breaker can be installed upstream.

 

[roger]

The scenario is pefectly fine, the "Branch Circuit" is from the local OCPD/disconnect and the unit, the "feeder" up stream of the local disconnect is not protecting the unit.

Branch Circuit. The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).

Roger

 

[bob]

IMO, whether it goes through (1), (2), or infinty number of disconnects, the number still cannot be exceeded.

Even though it would not ever hurt anything, I don't think there are any exceptions that state if one correct sized breaker is used, the other can be oversized.

The tap rules would allow the installation. If you had a 100 amp feeder and tapped it for the A/C , you meet the requirements if the conductor and breaker met the name plate requirements and tap requirements.

 

[hurk27]

IMO, whether it goes through (1), (2), or infinty number of disconnects, the number still cannot be exceeded.

Even though it would not ever hurt anything, I don't think there are any exceptions that state if one correct sized breaker is used, the other can be oversized.

If this was true, then even the main breaker in the panel would be wrong? or the breaker protecting a subpanel?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

IMO, whether it goes through (1), (2), or infinty number of disconnects, the number still cannot be exceeded.

Even though it would not ever hurt anything, I don't think there are any exceptions that state if one correct sized breaker is used, the other can be oversized.

If the wire to the disco is properly sized then that is a feeder. The breaker at the disco protects the a/c- branch circuit. No problem. Of course, if the wire to the disco is not sized for the OCPD in the main panel then it is not okay.

 

[iwire]

Is it a code violation to have breakers for A/C units in remote " panels", that exceed the equiptment "max overcurrent protection" rating as long as you have the proper size breakers at the "local disconnects".

IMO, whether it goes through (1), (2), or infinty number of disconnects, the number still cannot be exceeded.

Even though it would not ever hurt anything, I don't think there are any exceptions that state if one correct sized breaker is used, the other can be oversized.

If this was true, then even the main breaker in the panel would be wrong? or the breaker protecting a subpanel?

Have to agree with Wayne here.