One thing I forgot to mention in my post is that I believe the 175% figure you are reading applies to single motor compressors. The typical outdoor unit on split A/C systems is not a single motor compressor load since it also has a fan to blow air through the coils. These units are multi-motor or combination loads and are required to have a nameplate that includes the minimum circuit size and maximum overcurrent protection. I don’t have my copy of the NEC in front of me right now to give you the specific references in 440.
Curt
