AC disconnect pull out vs switch

[tny]

I am planning the installation of an AC disconnect for a mini split. Is there an advantage one way or another between plain pullout and switch?
Currently I am looking at the EATON QO200TR as a switch option. Comments?

Also, the wire will be NM-B 10/2. What is the best wire connector to go through the wall (OSB+sidding) in a weather proof way for very cold/windy weather?

Any comments or tips will be appreciated.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Pull outs are cheaper !

Caulk the hole after the wire is in place.

 

[tny]

Pull outs are cheaper !

Is that the only point? The one I linked to is $18, so it will nor break the bank...

Caulk the hole after the wire is in place.

Sure, once all in place, I will caulk from behind, as the garage wall, for now, is still open on the back. How do you secure the wire? if it was a metal box inside, I would use the common wire clamp with the two screws, but that will not work here.

 

[pattenp]

Use a Button push-in NM clamp.

 

[Norcal]

I like safety switches better but a pull out type disco is way more economical, fewer exposed live parts too.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Nothing wrong with the pull out type. It's not like you have to use it very often - in my case, it's only used once a year during spring maintenance.

 

[Terry D]

I usually stub a small piece of 1/2 inch conduit out the back of the disconnect to just inside the house. It acts like a sleeve for the NM-b, makes it more water tite and still can usually get a staple close enough to secure the wire.

The Square D type disconnect that you linked does not have as much room inside for wiring as others.

 

[yatg]

The disconnects are nice because you don't have an extra part, the pullout piece, to fiddle with. A switch doesn't get misplaced or dropped or stepped on or kicked under the bushes. Check Home Depot, at mine its $14 for the QO and $10.50 for a GE pullout.

 

[joe_padavano]

The advantage of the pull-out style disconnect is that you take the pulled out part with you, so there is zero chance that someone will inadvertently turn power back on while you're working on it. Technically a switch requires a lockout while it's turned off.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The disconnects are nice because you don't have an extra part, the pullout piece, to fiddle with. A switch doesn't get misplaced or dropped or stepped on or kicked under the bushes. Check Home Depot, at mine its $14 for the QO and $10.50 for a GE pullout.

the pullout disconnect can also be flipped and reinstalled which will not turn power back on to the unit. then a lock can be placed on the pullout box. this prevents the pullout plastic piece from getting lost...

 

[sparky 1971]

I prefer to pull out type. I am another that stubs a short piece of pvc through the wall. Mark the hole, drill the hole, put a thick bead of silicone around it then install the disconnect.

 

[tny]

I usually stub a small piece of 1/2 inch conduit out the back of the disconnect to just inside the house. It acts like a sleeve for the NM-b, makes it more water tite and still can usually get a staple close enough to secure the wire.

That will work for me.

I usually stub a small piece of 1/2 inch conduit out the back of the disconnect to just inside the house. It acts like a sleeve for the NM-b, makes it more water tite and still can usually get a staple close enough to secure the wire.

The Square D type disconnect that you linked does not have as much room inside for wiring as others.

I understand. It will be 10/2... will it be that bad?
I have siding with a bit more that 7" board exposed. The QO above wil fit flush i one board, wich I think would be neater. In the pull out kind, I have found the MIDWEST U065P, about the same size. Locally I could get the Eaton ACD60RP in thermoplastic, but I would prefer steel.

 

[Terry D]

That will work for me.

I understand. It will be 10/2... will it be that bad?
I have siding with a bit more that 7" board exposed. The QO above wil fit flush i one board, wich I think would be neater. In the pull out kind, I have found the MIDWEST U065P, about the same size. Locally I could get the Eaton ACD60RP in thermoplastic, but I would prefer steel.

10/2 will slide right in that 1/2 inch pvc stub

 

[walta]

I wish I had gotten one like this with a GFIC outlet.

Walta

GE 60 Amp 240-Volt Non-Fuse AC Disconnect with GFCI Receptacle TFN60RGFRCP - The Home Depot

Find the 60 amp 240-Volt 14,400-Watt Non-Fuse Metallic AC Disconnect with GFCI Receptacle TFN60RGFRCP, AC stop the flow of power to your air conditioner to ensure secure working conditions during maintenance

www.homedepot.com

 

[65ranchero]

I wish I had gotten one like this with a GFIC outlet.

Walta

GE 60 Amp 240-Volt Non-Fuse AC Disconnect with GFCI Receptacle TFN60RGFRCP - The Home Depot

Find the 60 amp 240-Volt 14,400-Watt Non-Fuse Metallic AC Disconnect with GFCI Receptacle TFN60RGFRCP, AC stop the flow of power to your air conditioner to ensure secure working conditions during maintenance

www.homedepot.com

Yup! that's what I have the only problem was the GFCI was bad right out of the box

 

[Norcal]

I wish I had gotten one like this with a GFIC outlet.

Walta

GE 60 Amp 240-Volt Non-Fuse AC Disconnect with GFCI Receptacle TFN60RGFRCP - The Home Depot

Find the 60 amp 240-Volt 14,400-Watt Non-Fuse Metallic AC Disconnect with GFCI Receptacle TFN60RGFRCP, AC stop the flow of power to your air conditioner to ensure secure working conditions during maintenance

www.homedepot.com

Code prohibits the GFCI being connected to the load side of the disconnect, just a FYI.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Code prohibits the GFCI being connected to the load side of the disconnect, just a FYI.

It also defeats the purpose of having the receptacle; supposed to permit servicing of the unit with the power off.

 

[walta]

If I am not mistaken the GFIC outlet must be on a different circuit with a 15 or 20 amp breaker.

Walta

 

[ROBZ71LM7]

Pullouts are fine. I personally stub a 1/2" PVC conduit through the wall and brick for added protection, although a lot I see around here the romex just goes through with no protection. This seems to vary by jurisdiction and inspector's preference. My home's A/C is 10/2 NM through a hole in the brick (home builder) and my garage's mini-split's feed is protected 1/2" PVC conduit which I installed myself.

 

[Terry D]

If I am not mistaken the GFIC outlet must be on a different circuit with a 15 or 20 amp breaker.

Walta

The 240 volt circuit feeding the condenser has no neutral, so yes it would have to be fed from a 15 or 20 amp 120 volt circuit

 

[tny]

I wish I had gotten one like this with a GFIC outlet.

Walta

GE 60 Amp 240-Volt Non-Fuse AC Disconnect with GFCI Receptacle TFN60RGFRCP - The Home Depot

Find the 60 amp 240-Volt 14,400-Watt Non-Fuse Metallic AC Disconnect with GFCI Receptacle TFN60RGFRCP, AC stop the flow of power to your air conditioner to ensure secure working conditions during maintenance

www.homedepot.com

I looked into those and similar, but first, I have a receptacle inside the garage, about 12' distance from where the AC unit will be, and second, the disconnect wil be exposed to snow drifting upwards from down hill, which makes the opening under problematic. It would have been easy to wire the receptacle because there is a circuit just behind, but decided not to.