ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Conductor Size for AC compressor

There is an outside Air Conditioning compressor for Central Air. The name plate running Amps says 19amps. 30 amp breaker at the Panel. Even though the code says #12 is good for 25 amps, the unit should be wired in #10 wire, right? Is there an exception in the 440 section of the code? As far as I know #12's limit is 20 amps. No exceptions? Thanks - Good Day

If the "19 Amps" is labeled as the "minimum circuit ampacity" or words to that effect.
Grab a hold of your hat. You could use #14. (per 310.16, 60 degree column).
There was a question on the inspectors test about a 1hp motor on a 120v circuit where the right answer was "40a breaker, 14 ga wire". Strange sounding things happen around motors and HVAC units.
The exception is in 240.4(G) (2008 code or in 240.4(D)ex in earlier versions).

I seen 240.4(D)(5), saying 12 AWG Copper - 20 amperes. I thought I had to go with that? Is 240.4(G) only refer to Overcurrent Protection, so I would have to go to a #10?
Could I leave #12's? The Electrician already wired the unit with 12's.

It says

so the whole issue is about overcurrent protection.

Table 310.16 (left side) has the * next to #'s 14, 12, and 10. Does the asterik mean you have to keep #12 at 20 amps?

No that just refers you to 240.4(D) which then further defines the necessary overcurrent protection for small conductors in any use not excepted by 240.4(G) or (E).

Thanks, I'll go through Article 440 parts 3 and 6.

The short answer is the label on the condenser rules.
Another interesting read is the U/L marking guide for HVAC equipment. Unfortunately they don't have it online without paying for it.