Condenser Wire & breaker size

[jacks2000]

What size wire and breaker should I use for a Nordyne 4 ton 16 SEER condenser? Manual lists Total amps as 23.7 and minimum circuit ampacity as 29.0. Distance from breaker panel to disconnect is 35'.
For my 5 ton it's total amps 31.4, Minimum ampacity is 38.6. Distance will be about 60'
Thanks
Jack

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What does the manu. say for max breaker size?

For wire use #10 THHN for the 4 ton and #8 THHN for the 5 ton.

 

[jacks2000]

It says max delay fuse 50A.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Wire is sized by minimum, breaker is sized by the maximum.

Now does the manual call for different size for an HACR breaker vs. time delay fuse?

 

[jacks2000]

No it doesn't.

 

[Stuff]

A lot of times manuals are out of date. What does the nameplate on the unit show?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

A lot of times manuals are out of date. What does the nameplate on the unit show?

Good idea! Read the nameplate! Everything u need to know about the electrical requirements should be on there.

 

[Fallon]

I always go to http://www.cerrowire.com/ampacity-charts and make sure the wire is rated to more than my expected usage, if possible the bigger the wire the better. Breakers/fuses can NEVER be rated above the maximum ampacity of the smallest wire connected to them.

 

[Speedy Petey]

I always go to http://www.cerrowire.com/ampacity-charts and make sure the wire is rated to more than my expected usage, if possible the bigger the wire the better. Breakers/fuses can NEVER be rated above the maximum ampacity of the smallest wire connected to them.

This is fine for people who would rather over-do and over-spend without knowing what is code required and code legal.

The topic of this thread is an air-con condensor. That chart and link you provided does NOT apply.
It is quite possible that the 29MCA unit can be wired with #10 and put on a 40 or 50A breaker.
The 39MCA unit can/should use #8cu and a 50A breaker.

 

[Norcal]

With A/C equipment you wire to the minimum, use the maximum allowed fuse/ circuit breaker, according to what the data plate says, you do not need to size the conductors at 125% as the manufacturer has already done so.

 

[jacks2000]

I can't check the plate because the condenser won't be delivered for a couple months. We need to run the wire now so I got the info from downloading the installation manual from Nordyne's website. I looks like I should run #10 wire and a 40 or 50 breaker for the 4 ton. I'll run the #8 and a 50A breaker for the 5 ton.
Thanks for everyone's replies.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Call the manufacturer and ask them if u dont have all the info.