ECN Electrical Forum - Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals
ECN Shout Chat
ShoutChat
Recent Posts
Increasing demand factors in residential
by gfretwell - 03/28/24 12:43 AM
Portable generator question
by Steve Miller - 03/19/24 08:50 PM
Do we need grounding?
by NORCAL - 03/19/24 05:11 PM
240V only in a home and NEC?
by dsk - 03/19/24 06:33 AM
Cordless Tools: The Obvious Question
by renosteinke - 03/14/24 08:05 PM
New in the Gallery:
This is a new one
This is a new one
by timmp, September 24
Few pics I found
Few pics I found
by timmp, August 15
Who's Online Now
1 members (gfretwell), 32 guests, and 14 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#27757 07/31/03 09:00 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 840
C
Member
I know this is a "dead horse" topic, but I'm still confused about it. This subject seems to be a source of mass confusion in the electrical trade.

So, as an example, here is an a/c unit nameplate (from an 2 ton Trane unit):

Min circuit ampacity: 15 amps

Min fuse/breaker size: 20 amps

Max fuse/breaker size: 25 amps

Line running amps: 11 amps


Does this mean that the unit can be fed by #14 protected by a 20 amp breaker?

Or #12 on a 20 amp breaker?


Do you size the conductors by the "minimum ampacity," and size the breaker by "minimum fuse/breaker"? [Linked Image]

One thing I do understand is that in this situation, the breaker only provides short-circuit protection, as the motor is protected by a thermal overload device.
-Peter


Peter
#27758 07/31/03 10:37 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,148
R
Member
In this case the code would permit #14 on a 25 amp breaker.
Don


Don(resqcapt19)
#27759 08/01/03 12:53 AM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 141
E
Member
A/C unit: 120/208 V 3 phase
Nameplate reads:
18.2 amps FLA.
Min. circuit: 31.5 amps
I had to replace the 30 amp disconnect and #10 wire with a 50 amp disconnect (40 amp disconnect not available) and run #8 wire.

#27760 08/01/03 06:52 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Member
Bob,
Were you using NM Cable?
If not, it seems you were in compliance with 310.16, which lists #10 as rated for 35 amps.
As far as having to upsize the disconnect, I think you need to know the Locked Rotor Current so you can back-calculate using Table 430.151(B).

#27761 08/01/03 10:25 AM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 141
E
Member
Thanks Redsy. I was going to pull 4#10's but the inspector said I needed #8 for the 31.5 amps. I was a little suprised to say the least. He is coming out for an inspection on some other gear next week. I will ask him again before I do the pull.

#27762 08/01/03 05:01 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Member
Bob,
He may be thinking about the asterisk at the bottom of Table 310.16, which refers to 240.4(D).
However, 240.4(D) refers to 240.4(G), which permits particular Articles to specify conductor ampacity selections.


Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5