Over current protection

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RickTBMElectrical

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WPB, FL. USA
On Pool Heat Pumps minimum ampacity on label is 41.5 that's 125% of FLA maximum is 60 amps. Been installing 50 amp breakers for years. I've recently failed final inspection because inspector says it must be a 60 amp breaker. WHY?
 
If it says MCA then the MCA is the minimum circuit ampacity. 50 amps is well above the minimum required. Nothing says that you must use the maximum OCPD value. Ask for a code reference.
 
Inspector is wrong.

If a 40 amp breaker will hold during starting it probably never trips while running - fault conditions that it is intended to protect you from of course are the exception.
 
I agree with Rob. The choice to use a 50 Amp OCPD is a choice you get to make as you are above the minimum and are not exceeding the maximum. I would as well demand a code reference if this is your normal course of business.
 
MasterTheNEC said:
I agree with Rob. The choice to use a 50 Amp OCPD is a choice you get to make as you are above the minimum and are not exceeding the maximum. I would as well demand a code reference if this is your normal course of business.
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There is no minimum (most cases) though logic says it should be at least the rated load of the unit.

My two stage heat pump has MOCP of 45 amps. When in heating mode and on low stage it only draws about 6 amps. As long as you can get it to hold while starting a 10 amp breaker would be sufficient if you locked out high stage.
 
kwired said:
There is no minimum (most cases) though logic says it should be at least the rated load of the unit.

My two stage heat pump has MOCP of 45 amps. When in heating mode and on low stage it only draws about 6 amps. As long as you can get it to hold while starting a 10 amp breaker would be sufficient if you locked out high stage.
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And in your case why would you not just install a 45A OCPD and be done with it? However, seems logical but I'm not sure his situation is exactly the same.
 
MasterTheNEC said:
And in your case why would you not just install a 45A OCPD and be done with it? However, seems logical but I'm not sure his situation is exactly the same.
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I have run the thing on a generator that only has a 30 amp breaker when we were without power for 10 days. But yes for normal installation purposes 45 is what I installed and generally would be in most instances.
 
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