12/2 Romex with ground for 230v minisplit install?

[Raisedonadeere]

I have plenty of the 12/2 w/g laying around and the mini split doesn’t require a neutral. Can I color the white wire red and use it. I know it will work but is there some compelling reason not to. I go blind reading code books.

 

[pbon]

Is the length ok for the draw?

 

[Norcal]

What does the equipment data plate say about minimum circuit amperes?

 

[justsam]

How long has this been laying around? Make sure it is rated "NM-b and not just NM. Change was in the '80's.

 

[pattenp]

NM-b can't be placed outside so it's a no go for wire going to the outside condenser.

 

[Raisedonadeere]

All the other questions mentioned so far are covered. I just am used to a red and black wire when I do 230. No neutral and the color coding gave me pause.
But the wiring diagram for the minisplit does not include a neutral so that leaves the color coding. I am wondering if any of you would just go and purchase some other wire configuration. I will be using other stuff to go from disconnect box to the unit. It is about a 60’ run to the disconnect box.

Thanks for your response.

 

[mm08822]

Post the equipment nameplate to determine the required minimum circuit ampacity (MCA).

NM-b could be used to feed the line side of the disconnect if not exposed to weather or in conduit exposed to weather - i.e. - back side entry into disconnect through wall.

 

[mm08822]

All the other questions mentioned so far are covered. I just am used to a red and black wire when I do 230. No neutral and the color coding gave me pause.
But the wiring diagram for the minisplit does not include a neutral so that leaves the color coding. I am wondering if any of you would just go and purchase some other wire configuration. I will be using other stuff to go from disconnect box to the unit. It is about a 60’ run to the disconnect box.

Thanks for your response.

IF you have the correct size cable for the application, the white wire can re-identified (at all ends) to any color other than green or gray. No need to purchase 3/c cable and leave the white un-used.

 

[jhrodd]

Are you using stranded wire for the comm lines?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Color coding of "Romex" used for that size of a load/wire is "optional", as long as the installation permits the use of Romex". Not a bad idea to market the white wire with red tape. Prevents newbies from freaking out when they remove the cover off of a load center !

NM-b could be used to feed the line side of the disconnect if not exposed to weather or in conduit exposed to weather - i.e. - back side entry into disconnect through wall.

Perfect example ! Code would probably require a weatherproof flexible conduit (with THWN) from the disconnect to the compressor.

 

[Norcal]

Color coding of "Romex" used for that size of a load/wire is "optional", as long as the installation permits the use of Romex". Not a bad idea to market the white wire with red tape. Prevents newbies from freaking out when they remove the cover off of a load center !



Perfect example ! Code would probably require a weatherproof flexible conduit (with THWN) from the disconnect to the compressor.

Remarking the white of a cable when when used as a ungrounded (hot) is required it is not "optional".

 

[Raisedonadeere]

IF you have the correct size cable for the application, the white wire can re-identified (at all ends) to any color other than green or gray. No need to purchase 3/c cable and leave the white un-used.

Thanks, you and Norcal answered my question. Looking back at my question I should have ask about color coding.

BTW the com wires were supplied with the line set install kit.

 

[02vito]

I agree with the other posters who suggest that you color the white wire red either with tape or with permanent marker [my preference]. I do not agree that it is optional to do this.

According to my local electrical inspector, who is extremely competent, you can recolor a white wire to red if the wire is in a cable, but if you were pulling individual colored conductors through conduit, you would need to pull a red wire.

 

[Norcal]

I agree with the other posters who suggest that you color the white wire red either with tape or with permanent marker [my preference]. I do not agree that it is optional to do this.

According to my local electrical inspector, who is extremely competent, you can recolor a white wire to red if the wire is in a cable, but if you were pulling individual colored conductors through conduit, you would need to pull a red wire.

The NEC does not require it to be red, just not white, gray, or green.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I agree with the other posters who suggest that you color the white wire red either with tape or with permanent marker [my preference]. I do not agree that it is optional to do this.

According to my local electrical inspector, who is extremely competent, you can recolor a white wire to red if the wire is in a cable, but if you were pulling individual colored conductors through conduit, you would need to pull a red wire.

Apparently he is not very knowledgable.

The NEC does not have a mandated color code for ungrounded conductors other than the stinger leg of a 3-phase delta service...

 

[teamextreme]

Apparently he is not very knowledgable.

The NEC does not have a mandated color code for ungrounded conductors other than the stinger leg of a 3-phase delta service...

I would say he probably is knowledgeable, but you're nit-picking the use of "red", which may have been just been paraphrased by the poster. I think he was just explaining that the white had to be colored, be it black, red, blue, etc. Something other that white to indicate a hot wire. Point being, to the OP, you are required to re-mark the white wire in your application. I just use black tape, since I always have it available. Red is really not necessary, but nothing wrong with that either.

 

[nh_yota]

That's what phase tape (colored electrical tape) is for!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

That's what phase tape (colored electrical tape) is for!

Use of Phase tape would not be considered allowable by code by some people since code says permanent.

 

[teamextreme]

Phase tape would not be considered allowable by code since code says permanent.

Say what?! Since when has that been the case? How do you mark then, sharpie? That's a lame method compared to tape, IMO.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Say what?! Since when has that been the case? How do you mark then, sharpie? That's a lame method compared to tape, IMO.

Part of my comment was missing and i have since edited it.

Marking tape is allowed by code in 200.7(C)(1)

 

[bubinga]

What is Phase tape?
Electrical tape (or insulating tape) is a type of pressure-sensitive tape used to insulate electrical wires and other materials that conduct electricity. It can be made of many plastics, but vinyl is most popular, as it stretches well and gives an effective and long lasting insulation.
no expert here (me),but I don't see a issue?

 

[mm08822]

Say what?! How do you mark then, sharpie? That's a lame method compared to tape, IMO.

After last job, where i had to re-identify 12 ft (total) I finally went out and got the right marker.
I now use a "Magnum" Sharpie with a small v notched out of the chisel tip. 3 swipes and it's done. Looks better than tape and faster.

Comes in blk, red, blue - pick your flavor.

 

[Raisedonadeere]

Thanks for “Magnum” Sharpie ti

 

[Angelfire]

. I will be using other stuff to go from disconnect box to the unit. It is about a 60’ run to the disconnect box.

Thanks for your response.

Are you saying the disconnect is 60' from the unit?

It's been a couple of years since I wired mine up but I seem to recall your disconnect needs to be within 50' of the unit, accessible, and visible.

Personally, I'd locate it as close to the unit just for convenience sake.
Cheers.

 

[Norcal]

Are you saying the disconnect is 60' from the unit?

It's been a couple of years since I wired mine up but I seem to recall your disconnect needs to be within 50' of the unit, accessible, and visible.

Personally, I'd locate it as close to the unit just for convenience sake.
Cheers.

I would take it as it’s a 60’ run to the disco.

 

[Jim greengo]

I have plenty of the 12/2 w/g laying around and the mini split doesn’t require a neutral. Can I color the white wire red and use it. I know it will work but is there some compelling reason not to. I go blind reading code books.

Are you just running it to the disconnect or are you trying to use it inside a whip?

 

[Jim greengo]

Remarking the white of a cable when when used as a ungrounded (hot) is required it is not "optional".