5 TON central AC breaker requirements
#1
11-13-14, 06:49 PM
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
5 TON central AC breaker requirements
I have an old central AC and not sure if its 4 ton or 5 ton but I am getting my panel upgraded and at the same time I plan to get the AC Breaker & its wiring upgrade to have it future proof as I plan to replace the existing AC with a 5 Ton Central AC.
Can anyone advise what sized breakers should I get installed (I am assuming most of the 5 TON AC's will have in same range).
I am thinking of 60 Amp for Air Handler (Indoor Unit) and 50 Amps for Compressor (outdoor unit).
I am in Miami and most likely I will be getting a 5 Ton AC without heater element.
Any help is appreciated.
Can anyone advise what sized breakers should I get installed (I am assuming most of the 5 TON AC's will have in same range).
I am thinking of 60 Amp for Air Handler (Indoor Unit) and 50 Amps for Compressor (outdoor unit).
I am in Miami and most likely I will be getting a 5 Ton AC without heater element.
Any help is appreciated.
#2
11-13-14, 09:14 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
You can't guess on a breaker size. Each unit has it's own specs.
You can pre-run the wiring and install the breaker when you get the unit. You can most likely use 8-2 w/ground. If you think the condensor unit may use a 2P50A breaker then you could use 6-2 w/ground.
Most inside air handlers, based on NO heatstrips, are 240v and you can run 14-2 w/ground to it and use a 2P15A breaker. You could also use 12-2 w/ground if you like to be extra sure.
You can't guess on a breaker size. Each unit has it's own specs.
You can pre-run the wiring and install the breaker when you get the unit. You can most likely use 8-2 w/ground. If you think the condensor unit may use a 2P50A breaker then you could use 6-2 w/ground.
Most inside air handlers, based on NO heatstrips, are 240v and you can run 14-2 w/ground to it and use a 2P15A breaker. You could also use 12-2 w/ground if you like to be extra sure.
#3
11-16-14, 05:37 AM
Member
The mfg.will specify the the min. Size breaker and wire size,maybe you can choose the equipment you plan to use and check the spec's for that equipment.
Geo
Geo
#4
11-16-14, 08:08 AM
Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Wisconsin USA
Posts: 664
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
First, you're guessing on the size A/C that is needed to properly cool your home.
The duct system & airflow should be evaluated as this is usually a major problem area affecting cooling performance.
Do a Free whole house load-calc: HVAC Load Calculation - Maunualj - Whole House Loadcalc
Print the simple instructions & follow them; NO cheating.
When you discover the right tonnage to be used, only then you can select a unit & get the correct conductor & breaker sizes.
The duct system & airflow should be evaluated as this is usually a major problem area affecting cooling performance.
Do a Free whole house load-calc: HVAC Load Calculation - Maunualj - Whole House Loadcalc
Print the simple instructions & follow them; NO cheating.
When you discover the right tonnage to be used, only then you can select a unit & get the correct conductor & breaker sizes.
