This is a 24K unit, 5th gen going in a metal shop building. Looks like I will need to buy a 30amp fused breaker with cord separately. Does this mean that I need a 30amp breaker in my sub panel, or just a 20amp? Also, is the wire from the sub panel to the outside box supposed to be 10-2 wire or 12-2? The directions are confusing for a DIY person.
Thank you for any help and advice.
You need a suitable breaker in the panel, feeding a disconnect at the outside unit. The disconnect may or may not need to be fused, depending on what the name plate on your unit says. (The name plate, not what the manual says, not what someone tells you in email or on the phone , but the name plate on your unit, not someone else’s. Specs change faster than documentation, and the nameplate is controlling.). If it says “max fuse“, then you need a fused disconnect. And “fuse” means fuse, not a breaker, a fuse. If it says “max overcurrent protection “, than you can use a disconnect without a fuse, as long as the breaker is sized properly. If you don’t have your machine yet, I would install a fused disconnect. There’s not much downside to having one when you don’t need it, the fuses will never blow unless there is a fault.
Additionally, you need a 120v receptacle within 25 feet, at the same level. That’s for servicing and installation.