a/c and kitchen wiring advice

[Rosco]

I plan to make an apartment out of my bonus room over my new garage. I want to wire it (need to get insulation and sheetrock up!) for a future mini-split a/c and a small kitchen with a cooktop (no stove).

I have all other wiring taken care of, but what I need to know is what kind of wire should I run to ensure that any cooktop range can be used, and also the correct size wire to install for a mini-split outside unit (up to 24000 BTU). I do not have the specs right now so I was wondering if I put in a large enough wire size to cover (almost) anything would that be ok? I am aware that my breaker and other items will need to be sized later for the specific item.

I have always been taught (I am a novice electrician) that a larger wire is ok as long as your breaker is the right size. I have a 200 Amp panel dedicated to my garage, so room is not an issue.

If I am in the wrong direction or if I should go ahead and decide on the appliance/A/C unit before wiring please advise. I do not mind being flamed on this board if it will save me money or keep me from doing anything unsafe.

I am attempting to ask before making a mistake I dont mind going overkill on wiring if it will keep me from re-doing it in the future.

Ron

 

[rodnok1]

You need to size the breaker and wire together. you need to know power req. If you have no idea, put some conduit in so you can pull the wires through or at least drill all the holes you'll need.

 

[oleguy]

two 20 amp kitchen ckts #12 wire.check the requirements for the cook top you want.probbly #8 for a 40 amp unit.1 1/2 ton mini split 20 amp or #12 wire.2 ton 30 amp #10 wire.rember all counter top receps. need to be gfci.

 

[Rosco]

two 20 amp kitchen ckts #12 wire.check the requirements for the cook top you want.probbly #8 for a 40 amp unit.1 1/2 ton mini split 20 amp or #12 wire.2 ton 30 amp #10 wire.rember all counter top receps. need to be gfci.

Thanks. I have the codes for the GFCI and spacing for the kitchen recep. If I use #8 wire for the A/C and the cook top, will it be OK if they dont require that much? I should be able to connect #8 to the proper (separate) breaker for each unit correct? Is there anything wrong with going too large (a size or two) on the wire, as long as I ensure my breakers are the right size? I ran all of my outlets/lights with 12-2 even though I could have gotten by with 14-2 (as advised by the county inspector).

Thanks for the inputs gents!

 

[oleguy]

14-2 15 amp is fine for general lighting and outlets.you can go up in wire size but use the proper size breaker for the appliance.

 

[ddawg16]

Even though I have gas....my oven is electric (wanted the self clean option)
It requires 40A 220...but I pulled wire good for 50A.....

Hence....I would suggest wiring for 50A to cover the typical drop in electric..

 

[Rosco]

After talking with the local electrical supply store owner I am pulling 6/3 for the stove and 8/3 for the A/C rough in. I am also going to pull 10/2 for my compressor and future welder. Anyone see any issues with this? Should my welder be 10/3 instead of 10/2?

Even if my future A/C does not require 8/3, I pulled it just in case as I can always leave one wire disconnected but it will be there for future use.

Thanks for the advice so far.

 

[LoneGunman]

What type of welder are you looking to get? Can't answer the question without knowing that. My welding receptacles are 6/2.

 

[sberry]

Most home class welders will run from 10 but if its buried in the wall I like 8. A 24K air con uses 12 and a cook top is different than a full electric range with oven, seems some are 12 and some 10? Welders, 2 conductors and a ground. I installed separate oven a while back, took 14/3.

 

[Rosco]

I would not go larger than a lincoln 180. I always like to build for a future upgrade or owner also, so maybe 8/3 would be the right choice for the welder.