ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Refrigerant motor and defrost circuit

When figuring the branch circuit size of a Cooler unit, do you add the motor circuit amps with the defrost circuit amps? On the nameplate it has them separate, but no total amperage or maximum fuse size. It only has the maximum fuse size for the motor circuit. The motor circuit is 6.88 amps with max. fuse size as 20 amps. The defrost circuit has 26.09 min. circuit amps with no max fuse size. Thanks.

Maybe the defrost heaters share the compressor circuit.

If I'm reading the code right ( which I'm probably not), I'm to add the two loads and add 25% to get the branch circuit size. Still figuring though...

It sounds like they want 2 circuits. What do the connecting lugs look like?

If you have 26.09 (call it 30) for the defroster, you can't get in under the 20a max O/C device for the motor unless the fuse is on the load side in the cooler.
When in doubt, ask the manufacturer what they are trying to tell you here.

All I got now is just the picture of the name plate. I don't access to the unit. Power of email

sparkync:
If you have the mfg name you can get the wiring info via the internet. I recently found the info on a bunch of 'pre-owned' 5 deck cases for a plan review job. The EE had a 20 amp duplex on the plans!!! (Wrong)

Back many years, we ran a circuit for the compressor, and a circuit for the defrost. 12s on a 20 & 10s on a 30.

IMHO, go to the mfg website, and if the units are 'old', talk to the mfg tech guys.

When an Evaporator goes into Defrost Mode, the most common operation for an Evaporator with _Electric Defrost_ will have the Fans turned OFF as the Defrost Heaters are ON.

Air Defrost, and sometimes Hot Gas Defrost Modes will keep the Fans ON while Defrost Mode is active.

In your case, it is safe to Ass-ume the Fans will be shut down during Defrost Mode.

The Design Maximum Load for the Evaporator in question will be 26.09A - the Defrost Heater load.

There _SHOULD BE_ Two (2) individual Circuits feeding the Evaporator, which are typically derived from the Condensing Unit:
a.: Fan Circuit
and
b.: Defrost Circuit.

Per standard installations, Two Safety Switches (Disconnects) are mounted to the Evaporator;
One for the Fan Motors,
One for the Defrost Heaters.

Fan Disconnect should be a Fusible type, with (3) RK5 20 Amp Fuses (240V or 600V, as applicable).
The Defrost Heaters do not require Fuses at the Unit, just a local Disconnecting means, so a Branch Circuit OCPD of 30 - 35 Amps is compliant.

BTW:
1.: In Defrost Mode, each Evaporator should draw the rated 26.09A steadily for a minimum 15 Minutes to a maximum 60 Minutes.

2.: Use NEMA 3R Enclosures as minimum. We use NEMA 4X commonly.
Drop from the Lid with LFMC (Sealtite); Use "Sealed Penetrations".

3.: If the Target Temperature is at, or below 34°F (2°C), use Conductors with XHHW Insulation.

4.: For extremely cold Environments, consider using "FREP" Cable.

5.: Verify if the Scope of Work includes Control Wiring (drop an additional Sealtite for this), along with Terminations (Defrost).

6.: The Fans and Defrost Heaters may derive from a Panelboard, in lieu of the Condensing Unit.
In this case, One 30 Amp Branch Circuit may be used for the Fans and Defrost.

A lot of this depends on what Spec's have been placed on the Proposed Installation.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact me directly.

--Scott (EE)

Scott, thanks for the info. It helps me out greatly. I also contacted the manufacturer and am waiting for their input.
This is going to be a pretty major job if I get it. Just working on an estimate now. They are replacing a small walk in cooler with a much bigger cooler and freezer unit. It is requiring several units on top of roof area. Some are 3 phase and some single phase, 240 volts and one is 115 volts. A lot of circuits involved. Thanks again