Electrical question for new mini-split - incorrect instructions??

[DH007]

I acquired a Daikin mini-split for the garage. The instructions for the electrical connection specify 60Hz 208-230v with a 20A breaker. No surprises there. Then it says to use AWG 14 wire. I really do not want to do that. With a 20A breaker I want to use 12 gauge wire. Am I missing something here? I guess I am thinking the directions are simply incorrect but wanted to be sure I am not missing something.

Thank you, (Happy Thanksgiving!)

Dan

 

[brewchief]

The data plate will list a minimum circuit ampacity, the wire needs to be sized to that as a minimum so it's very possible that #14 would be legal, there is no problem using #12 in this case.

Sent from my SM-T510 using Tapatalk

 

[EKennett]

I installed one of these that called for. 15a 230v breaker and I used 14g. I almost used 12g anyway in case of voltage drop on a long run but it turned out to not be a problem.

 

[Bert_]

This is very common for air conditioners or anything with a motor. It only takes the bigger breaker for the startup current. After that first second it doesn't need it.

Everybody saying it needs #12 must think they are smarter than the manufacturer and the code making committees...

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Going to a larger AWG won't hurt, but if the manufacturer calls for 14 AWG, it sure is a lot easier to work with. Keep in mind, if the machine is inverter driven, there's a LOT less inrush current load on the wiring.

Tommy

 

[DH007]

Ahh - that’s the point I was missing. It’s an inverter. Thanks Tommy.

 

[dcg9381]

I pre-wired mine - my prewire was 10ga and 12ga wire (2 units).
When I installed them, like yours, they call for 20A breakers and 14 ga wire.

I ran them for months on a 15A breakers - which is a pretty good indication that they can get by on 14ga wire. Eventually got around to replacing those breakers though.


I don't wire anything with 14ga... If I was doing it again, everything would be 12ga.