Mini split communication cable

[Raisedonadeere]

when hooking up minisplit condenser to inside evaporator, if you go over 35 feet you have to supply your own wiring. The wire needs to be 14ga stranded four conductor, color coded. What should be the way to accomplish this safely (to code if you will)?

SOOW looks to be the type of cable I have on my currently installed units which came with the wire supplied in 25 foot length.

I thought of THNN in conduit but being able to run the cable bundled with the refrigerant line set is much more convenient. And it gets to be a real mess trying to join to the condenser and evaporator connectors.

 

[theoldwizard1]

14 gauge must be carry some power. You can buy Romex/NM-B with 4 conductors (14/2/2) but I have only seen it in solid copper.

 

[SALIV8]

This is what I used:

https://hvac.southwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/EZinShieldedMini-SplitCable_Spec.pdf

https://hvac.southwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/SW-HVACToolsConnectorSheetDL.pdf

 

[Yankeefarmer]

McMaster-Carr lists several 14-4 with stranded conductors cable that look suitable for your need.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Not armored. SJTO cordage from Wire and Cable Your Way.

 

[Git]

When I installed my Mr Slim in 2014 - I read a number of articles that said do not use romex for the connecting cable. I bought all my stuff from eComfort and at that time they were selling some Honeywell connector cable that has since been discontinued but they are currently selling this. At least this should get point you in the right direction as to what to look for

https://www.ecomfort.com/Mini-Split-Accessories-MSCABLE144-35/p69191.html

 

[jjrbus]

Not a technical person, a homeowner trying to get by. Was told to use various things like Sjoow or Soow or did not matter. Turns out it can possibly fail inspection if inspector is paying attention and not shielded, which modern electronics needs.

So I went with something like this.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Rectorseal-87790-4-C-14GA-600V-shielded-Mini-Split-Connector-Cable-100-Ft

And of course my opinion and worth what you are paying for it.

 

[brewchief]

We use the southwire EZ in minisplit wire, make sure you get the weather tight fittings for the outside.

SOOW cord and such isn't rated to be used as permanent wiring, IIRC the honeywell cable was rated as tray cable instead of portable cord.

Sent from my SM-T510 using Tapatalk

 

[walrus]

14 gauge must be carry some power. You can buy Romex/NM-B with 4 conductors (14/2/2) but I have only seen it in solid copper.

Can't use romex if its outside and can't use SJTO cord.

 

[Raisedonadeere]

Some very practical do's and don'ts here. It would be interesting to know what has been going on in the inspection world with these cables. The way they are being used and run seems to put them in a world of their own. I didn't think much about it when running what the Mini provided but when going over length with what they offer I felt a bit more responsible for the choices I make.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Can't use romex if its outside and can't use SJTO cord.

You beat me to it. No solid wire, either. Stranded.

Tommy

 

[yeldogt]

They make wire for mini connections --- it's rated for outside and can go from head to compressor w/o issue.

In some areas the inside disconnect is required -- but, it seems this is less of an issue now that more are being installed.

 

[Raisedonadeere]

I thought I would ask a couple of minisplit brands about this and I got 3 14ga conductors and a ground, - - no other specifications to narrow things down a bit. I expect their liability is covered by specifying to be installed by certified licensed people of the trade. Did not mention stranded, or weather resistance (obviously I want it to withstand the weather). In other words just what is needed to make it work. when hooked up, seemingly no other concerns addressed in their responses. I assume one could put an inside disconnect somewhere but I don't even know if the outside unit can handle the inside unit being disconnected, my ignorance on that but certainly there is nothing very concrete or readily available floating around for the uninitiated to work from.

Responses to this thread have helped me to have thoughts gathered as I shop for the cable.

Turns out after making decision to hang outside unit on the wall about 5 feet off the ground that a 35' cable will work so I will just use what they send me in their hookup kit which includes line set and the so called communication cable we have been discussing. electrical