Having the right breaker size is an integral part of a successful HVAC system. So, have I answered your question, what size breaker do I need for a 3 ton AC? Do you still need more clarification about it? Does Blaux Portable Air Conditioner Work Or Not? Structure Tech specializes in the moisture testing of buildings for the purpose of determining if there is moisture located behind the exterior wall cladding. If you look up the data plate, you will see an indication of minimum and maximum circuit ampacity. 10 AWG wire has 25A ampacity (above the required minimum of 20.45A). You may be asking yourself, what size breaker do I need for a 3 ton AC?. Now, if you dont have that, you have to know how to calculate the minimal amps of your breaker size. maximum fuse or breaker size-50amp. If you have a 4-ton (40-Amp, 48,000 BTUs) air conditioner, you need at least a 17 KW generator. After all, nothing beats a perfectly sized breaker for a high-efficiency Air Conditioner. It permits electric current to flow while it is closed. How do you go about picking the correct circuit breaker size? Thank you, Imran, we try to simplify it as much as possible. Consider the changes in power needs between central air and window units, as well as how those voltage variances may affect the outlet youll require. When an air conditioner's filter becomes clogged, the machine has to work extra hard to blow out cool air. Based on the above chart, this 3-ton air conditioner unit requires an 8-gauge wire and a maximum size of 35 amp circuit breaker. Min. Home Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas What To Do? Look for the watt rating of your air conditioner, and then divide it by the voltage of your home. Tankless Water Heater Breaker Size Calculator: What Size Breaker? So if you have a 5,000-watt aircon and youre plugging it in a 110-volt outlet, your amp requirement is around 46 amps. (Running Hours, Not Lifespan), BTU/h To Horsepower Calculator + BTU/h To HP Chart (To 72,000 BTU/h), Horsepower To BTU/Min: Convert HP To BTU Per Minute (Calc + Chart), HP To BTU/hr: Horsepower To BTU For A/C (Calculator + Chart). (+ Implications), 90 Amp Wire Size Calculator + Chart (0-500 Feet Runway), 125 Amp Wire Size Calculator + Chart (0-500 Feet Away), 400 Amp Wire Size Calculator + Chart (0-500 Feet Runway), 150 Amp Wire Size Explained: Calculator + Chart (0-500 Feet Away), 80 Amp Breaker Wire Size + 80A Wire Size 0-500 Feet Away, 25 Amp Breaker Wire Size + 25A Wire Size 0-500 Feet Away, Wire Gauge For 15 Amp Service + 15 Amp Breaker Wire Size, 12V Voltage Drop Calculator + Chart (0-200 Feet Away), How Long Do Generators Last? Comments on posts over 90 days old are disabled, as of 1/7/14. Table 310-16 shows that three wires of 6-gauge placed in a conduit will safely conduct 65 amperes of power. I am going to be putting in a 1 ton mini split this spring. But in general, the exact size of the wire . Another advantage of having a separate circuit breaker is that only your air conditioner will be turned off if it trips. Central Florida has an average low of 35 degrees but can experience temperatures in the low 20's every 6 or 7 seven years. Heres how. On the other hand, your air conditioners have a pretty high energy consumption. A 3-ton air conditioner uses three thousand five hundred watts per hour. How Can You Figure Out The Size Of A Circuit Breaker Wire? Let's say you're trying to size the breaker for 3 ton AC. 1,500-watt space heater running on a standard 120V circuit. Again, in the case of air conditioners, we don't need to . A standard breaker with an AC disconnect box is usually sufficient for safety. A 3 ton AC can be used in the range of 14 to 24. What SEER Rating Should I Choose For My Air Conditioner? For example, they might install (2) 30 Amp circuit breakers when one AC unit has a 20 Amp maximum rating and the other unit has a 30 Amp maximum rating. We replaced the unit with a Goodman 3 ton 15c unit. I mentioned that the minimum wire size for this air conditioner would have to be 8-gauge, and a 60-amp circuit breaker would normally be too large . The calculator does all this automatically like this: You can make this calculation yourself for any air conditioner. , Do you often buy a new ballast for your car? When a central air . This 8A should represent at most 80% of the AC breaker ampacity. A 230V system isn't meant to function on a tandem breaker, and it could not even turn on. If the AC unit says that it's breaker should be a max of 20A, then use a 20A breaker. These holes will be filled with caulk when the testing is completed. Multiply three by 12,000 to obtain 36,000 BTUs per hour if your air conditioner has 3 tons of cooling power. To apply the 80% rule, you have to multiply this current by 125% like this: 12.5A 1.25 = 15.63 amps. Another possibility is that the motor within your air conditioner has shorted and is triggering the circuit breaker. Can I Plug a Treadmill Into a Surge Protector? If you can't find the label on the unit, look for the A/C's breaker in your circuit panel. While the true formula for figuring out exactly how much current a wire can carry is fairly complicated, most home inspectors rely on a simplified version of this for branch circuits: For the full story, youd have to start with table 310.15(B) (16) in the National Electric Code, but there are a ton of exceptions that make it challenging to fully figure out the exact answer. This problem can be caused by broken or missing elements of an air conditioner, resulting in higher electrical demand and probable breaker trips. Heres why you should care. wattage of 2,400W. (std. Example: Lets say we have an AC unit with max. This usually occurs when an air conditioner is replaced with a more efficient unit, but the panels circuit breaker is not changed with a smaller one. That means you will need a 25A breaker for a 3.5-ton AC unit. Reviews. Cooling Amps:6.3 13.8 SEER2 Air Conditioner - XR13 Air Conditioner - Trane It is best to look for the manufacturer's specification on what size of breaker you should use. Reuben is a second-generation home inspector with a passion for his work. They do, however, have limitations. This will safeguard your home from electrical fires and other significant harm. However, the ampacity advised by the manufacturer will eventually determine the breaker size. A 3 Ton air conditioning unit is quite common. If youre lucky, your air conditioner will now start up without a hitch. A 40 would be fine, a 60 would be fine, and anything in the middle would be fine. One of the standard things home inspectors look at while inspecting an electrical panel is comparing wire sizes to circuit breakers sizes. Can You Plug 110V Into 220V? When an air conditioner overheats, more amps (a unit of electrical current) are drawn from the circuit. For air conditioners and heat pumps, we size the wires and circuit breakers in accordance with the information printed on the label, not the simplified sizing charts that we typically rely on. Remember, if it has a standard household plug with three straight prongs, it requires 120 V of power. 10 Common Window Air Conditioner Thermostat Troubleshooting, Is Air Conditioner is Asset Or Liability? You can also play around with numbers to see how the amps change. That is why professionals usually advise that you have a circuit breaker installed in your air conditioner. ($0.05 $0.22/h), How Much Does 1000 Watts Cost Per Hour? (Pounds), SEER Vs SEER2 Rating: Whats The Difference? You may discover a 3 ton ac unit breaker size by checking these things. Here is the breakdown for high energy efficiency (above 10 EER) and low energy efficiency (below 10 EER) 4-ton units: On average, 5-ton units (or 60,000 BTU) run on 6,000W. However, if your breaker requirement is an irregular size you cant find anywhere, you must use a higher-rated breaker. For example, my 3 ton AC breaker size is 35A at maximum with a minimum amperage of 21.5. Room air conditioners have a cooling capacity as low as 5,500 BTU per hour. Read more: 10 Common Window Air Conditioner Thermostat Troubleshooting. Less than 15 amperes are needed for the blower itself and then the rest for the backup electrical heating elements. It protects your electrical appliances from catastrophic harm as well as prevents housefires. At the end, we also included the just tell me the breaker size I need Breaker Size Chart that tells you what breaker size you need for devices with different wattages (from 50W units to big 20,000W devices). Breaker sizing calculator parameter: Choose the method: provide load (in kilowatts or watts) and current (in amps) If current selected: rated current of equipment and required safety factor (S.F) to be entered If load selected: For option: For DC, 1 AC and 3 AC. As a result, you may consult an expert and examine it properly. As a result, the wires will overheat, causing your circuit breaker to trip to prevent a fire. Do you need a 10A, 15A, 20A, 30A, 40A, 50A breaker, etc? To know the suitable wire size for your air conditioning unit, look into the wire sizing chart. A 24,000 BTU AC unit with a 10 EER rating has a max. Using the calculator above, we can see that an average 3-ton AC unit requires a breaker with at least 20.45A ampacity. wattage, we have to calculate how many amps does such an AC unit draw when running at 100% output. The exterior unit will not be able to release the stored heat outside your home or business if the condenser coil becomes too dusty. When youre installing a circuit breaker for your AC unit, you also need to know the proper wire size for the AC itself. 2 Ton AC- 25-30 amp breaker; AWG 10 wire. For the full story, you'd have to start with table 310.15(B) (16) in the National Electric Code, but there are a ton of exceptions that make it challenging to fully figure out the exact answer. Less efficient units can run on 4,200W and more efficient ones run on as little as 3,000W. What size breaker for 24,000 BTU mini split? The circuit breaker for this air conditioner circuit should be a 2-pole 30 amp breaker. That said, the answer to this , Having the best soldering iron for electronics makes a world of difference to both professionals and hobbyists alike. The 50A breaker will be more than enough. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Air Conditioner Circuit Breaker Perfect Size. The optimum choice of a breaker size for a 24,000 BTU air conditioner is a 15A breaker. Unmanaged floor cables , Historically, plant production has been dependent on the wildly variable climate and the local environment. An air conditioners circuit breaker must be installed by a professional. Depending on the BTU capacity amp requirements can range from 15 to 45 amps. However, if you do not have access to or cannot find a 35A breaker, you can use any breaker rated above 30A but less than 35A. Most common voltage ratings for AC units are 115, 125 and 220 volts, and amperage rating can run from 15 to 20 amps. What size breaker for 4 ton AC? As a result, we will always advise you to install a high-quality circuit breaker for your air conditioner. The 3-ton air conditioner compressors circuit breaker seemed to be a 60 amp circuit breaker in the electric panel. Lets look at how breaker size can be calculated manually (you can also use the calculator or/and chart below): This is the easiest to explain with an example. handyguy7 thanked klem1. Do breakers trip at 80 percent? When the voltage drops, the amperage rises. Hi Yolanda, a 1 ton mini split will draw about 6.82 amps on 110/120V. If it says 34 amps, like in the example below, we need 8-gauge wire. If this question enters your mind, you may want to install a new circuit or upgrade an old circuit. However, just to be clear, you can't change out the breaker to match the unit . For the Air Handler the plate reads . If we check out 24,000 BTU AC unit from the example above, we know that the max. Using a 30-amp breaker is fine too. The ideal breaker size for a two-ton AC is a 15 amp breaker, and for a 2.5-ton AC is a 20 amp breaker. That means we will need a 15A breaker for a 24,000 BTU air conditioner. Check the wattage of your air conditioner on its specification sheet. To check, you can do these steps to determine if you already have a dedicated circuit breaker for your AC: Dedicated electrical circuit breakers provide you with the peace of mind you need to experience the best of your air conditioning equipment without having to worry about electrical trips on hotter days. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Having a right-sized breaker for the air conditioner unit is important because a wrong AC breaker will damage the electric circuits. Take notice of the distinctions between the units youre looking at, such as voltage (electrical potential), amperage (electrical flow), and watts (electrical power). Always check the electrical data for your specific AC model or contact a qualified HVAC technician. Here is the required minimum amps of a breaker we get with the calculator (24,000 BTU is equal to 2 tons): As you can see, we can confirm that we need a 13.64A minimum ampacity. After 30 minutes, please turn on the air conditioner and set it to cold. 24,000 BTU air conditioners can draw anywhere from 2,000W to 2,800W of electric power when running at 100% output. For 3-ton AC units, the breaker size is typically 30-40 amp. . Sharlene has worked with Structure Tech since 2000 and Reuben has been contributing to her blog since 2008. (NEC 210.21), Thermostat Wire Color Codes For 3-8 Wire Thermostats (Color-By-Color), How Much Does It Cost To Fill A 500 Gallon Propane Tank? So, you could get by with a 30 amp breaker. 2. When the amperage is increased, the heat is also increased. In the example below, its 60 amps. to disconnect-8awg. I mentioned that the minimum wire size for this air conditioner would have to be 8-gauge, and a 60-amp circuit breaker would normally be too large for that size wire but it doesnt matter. High energy efficiency 3-ton units will require a 15A breaker. In the photo above, you see an example of the specs sheet with the outlined min. How many amps does a 3 ton unit draw? The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit is measured in BTUs. We can use 220V for a conservative AC breaker size for 24,000 BTU units. Note: This is only intended as a guide. If the circuit breaker continues to trip, an HVAC expert should examine the flow of power between the fan and the circuit. What size breaker do I need for a 3 ton heat pump? = 4.5 x CFM x h (std. While we can utilize hammers and other essential , About Contact Privacy Policy Disclaimer. For DC circuits: voltage (in volts), power (in watts or kilowatts) and safety factor (S.F) (in percentage) are required If you have any further questions, feel free to share them in the comments section below. Breaker Size: 8 amps: Tonnage: 4 Ton: Fuel Type: Electric: Height: 58" Width: 24.5" Depth: 21" Warranty: 10 Years with Online Registration: Resources: . From there, you can use the standard sizing charts to confirm the correct wire size. Now, we have to apply the 80% NEC rule. Check the MAX FUSE and MIN Circuit Ampacity values on the AC unit to determine the circuit breaker size. To help everybody sizing these breakers out, we will explain how to determine the right size of a breaker. We researched this question for you, and here is what we discovered. These units all have a label applied to them that tells us the minimum circuit ampacity, and the maximum fuse or circuit breaker size. What size breaker do you need for mini split AC, for example, depends on maximum wattage (and voltage, as well as amps, are both factors since wattage is calculated as Watts = Volts Amps). Generally, the breaker size for a 10 kW heat strip is around 42-60 amps. It interrupts the passage of electric current while it is open. Contact us today to find out how we can serve you through your housing transition. Service. The disconnect must be sized larger than the current flowing through so that it doesn't burn up, but is just a switch. Check out this video by Structure Tech Home Inspections. DC Wire Gauge Calculator: What Gauge Wire (12V, 24V, 48V)? We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Your electrical circuit is connected to the circuit breaker. If you have a 3 ton air conditioner, the breaker size that you need will be at least 30 amps. Breaker Size Chart (For 120V And 220V Circuits), 50 Amp Wire Size Details: Gauge, Breaker, 220/240V Example, Thermostat Not Reaching Set Temperature: 7 Causes + Fixes, Wire Gauge Wattage Charts For AWG Wires (4/0 AWG To 14 AWG), How Many Outlets On A 15 Amp, 20 Amp, 30 Amp Circuit? I use the simplified chart above to help determine this. Air Conditioners with Heat Pumps; Cooling Only; Air Conditioning with Electric Heat; I hope this article was helpful to answer your question about what size breaker do I need for a 3-ton air conditioner., homequeries.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Lets plug this in the equation: I (Amp Draw Of 24,000 BTU AC) = 2,400W / 220V = 10.91 Amps. For HVAC Equipment, What Sort Of Circuit Breaker Is Recommended? You May Begin To Wonder About The Systems Endurance Since You Rely On It So Much For Comfort. Learning how to remove a Zinsco breaker, for all the notoriety theyve built up over the years, takes some strategic thinking, , A mini fridge is a convenient way to access drinks and snacks in your own room. 3.5 - 5.0 tons Heat Pump - Use a 10Kw. (Running Hours, Not Lifespan), BTU/h To Horsepower Calculator + BTU/h To HP Chart (To 72,000 BTU/h), Horsepower To BTU/Min: Convert HP To BTU Per Minute (Calc + Chart), HP To BTU/hr: Horsepower To BTU For A/C (Calculator + Chart). Namely, we have 10A, 15A, 20A, 25A, 30A, 35A AC breakers. Dimensions (WxDxH):18.44. Will A 3500 Watt Generator Run An Air Conditioner? (+ Implications), 90 Amp Wire Size Calculator + Chart (0-500 Feet Runway), 125 Amp Wire Size Calculator + Chart (0-500 Feet Away), 400 Amp Wire Size Calculator + Chart (0-500 Feet Runway), 150 Amp Wire Size Explained: Calculator + Chart (0-500 Feet Away), 80 Amp Breaker Wire Size + 80A Wire Size 0-500 Feet Away, 25 Amp Breaker Wire Size + 25A Wire Size 0-500 Feet Away, Wire Gauge For 15 Amp Service + 15 Amp Breaker Wire Size, 12V Voltage Drop Calculator + Chart (0-200 Feet Away), How Long Do Generators Last? With the I = P / V formula and factoring in the 80% rule again, assuming the unit runs on 220V, we get: Here is how this AC breaker ampacity calculator works: Lets say we have a 3.5-ton AC unit. Air conditioners must meet a minimum SEER of 13, while most modern air conditioners have a SEER ranging from 13 to 21. Things to Know! What Size Breaker Do I Need For A 3 Ton Air Conditioner? How many amps does it take to run a 3 ton AC unit? Adding a GFCI breaker to your system could seem like a good idea at first to boost the level of safety. Depending on the size of your air conditioner, a dedicated circuit may be required, which means no other appliances may be connected to the outlet at the same time. 50 Feet of 3/8 LL x 3/4 SL x 3/8 Insulated Line Set Goodman 2.5 Ton 14 SEER Heat Pump Electrical 208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz Max Breaker Size 30 amps Min. It will be a double pole breaker. Your circuit breaker will break the circuit and stop the flow of electric current if it detects a harmful voltage fluctuation. The voltage range for this wire falls between 0 volts and 2,000 volts. Thich typically happens because an air conditioner is replaced with a more efficient unit, but the circuit breaker in the panel is not replaced with a smaller one. Is it 30-Amp, 40-Amp, or 50-Amp? Most homeowners usually need help with determining the breaker size for 220/240V breakers. Table of Contents [ hide] Just slide the wattage slider to 5000 and voltage slides to 220 and you get 28.41 Amps. For example, my 3 ton AC breaker size is 35A at maximum with a minimum amperage of 21.5. This means that such an air conditioner should at most draw little less than 11 amps of electric current (10.91A, to be exact). Circuit breakers protect the wires from overheating. Manage Settings Can You Burn Cardboard in a Fireplace? In some circumstances, increased power usage causes too much electrical current to flow through the circuit breaker wiring, causing the system to shut down for safety. Any security systems will need to be shut off during the testing, which can take several hours. 3 Steps. Galvinpower.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If it says 15.1 amps, we need to step it up to 12-gauge copper wire. I'll explain why it's best to stick to the plate when figuring out what amp breaker for the AC unit to use. A full description of why you need a circuit breaker for your air conditioner can be found here: What exactly is amperage? You're reviewing: 3.5 Ton 16 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner Split System Your Rating. What Is the Right Wire Size for My Air Conditioner, Fuses, Circuit Breakers & Safety Switches, the proper breaker and wire sizing for your AC unit, How to Test a GFCI Breaker with a Multimeter in Just Five Steps. If you buy a circuit breaker that is too small for your air conditioner, it will trip the breaker every time it needs too much current. As technology advances, the breaker amp size is often lower on the same tonnage in a newer system. We will make every effort to use a caulk that closely matches the color of the surrounding siding; however in some cases the holes may be noticeable upon close inspection. One of the standard things home inspectors look at while inspecting an electrical panel is comparing wire sizes to circuit breakers sizes. We need to apply the 80% NEC rule, and we get the minimum breaker ampacity should be 23.86A. If you want to learn more about generators running an air conditioner, you can check these articles before you leave: 9 Best Generators For Running An Air Conditioner. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Furthermore, some aircon data plates or manuals include the recommended amp requirement for the unit itself. If youre going to install a circuit breaker for your air conditioner, look at the manual papers and ensure its the proper size. Divide this amount by the voltage at which it runs, either 120 or 240 volts, to determine the current consumption. Refrigerant levels will drop if your condenser coils develop cracks, holes, or other types of damage, and your system will have to work harder and longer to cool your area. You need to use breaker recommended on unit tag. Inefficient and older AC units consume more power, necessitating a higher-rated circuit breaker than newer, more efficient equipment. For air conditioners and heat pumps, the only thing we need to look at is whats printed on the compressor unit. . I am installing a 2.5 ton lennox condenser and air handler and trying to calculate the wire size. Any voltage fluctuation might cause harm to your air conditioner. We know that P = 2,400 watts and V = 220 volts. Helpful. This NEC rule tells us that the calculated amp draw should represent at most 80% of the AC breaker size amps. If it says 15.1 amps, we need to step it up to 12-gauge copper wire. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclosure: If you buy something through the links on this page we may get a commission. Galvin Power is reader-supported. But its also not all that difficult. cord-and-plug type are sized from the full load current (FLC) listed on the compressor's nameplate. These are: If you know how to calculate the amps and account for the 80% breaker rule, you can calculate the size of the breaker yourself. If replacing a circuit breaker for an older air conditioner, check the breaker size in the breaker panel. Due to the way inverters operate electrically, if the GFCI isn't rated for high voltage at the electrical frequency in which the system operates, it can trip very easily. So, you will have absolutely no problems with cooling since thats only 6.3 amps. Most inverter systems, on the other hand, are incompatible with GFCI breakers. Hi, I really need your advice. Breaker sizes are usually rounded to the 5A. wire size from the cond. The maximum size will be clearly labeled on the compressor label. Top AHRI Matches. If the minimum circuit ampacity says 14.9 amps, we're good with 14-gauge copper wire. . 3 Ton AC- 30-40 amp breaker; AWG . = 4.5 x CFM x h (std. Now we know that the 1,500W space heater draws 12.5 amps. If the electrical disconnect at the exterior has fuses that are sized appropriately, however, then it would be acceptable to have a circuit breaker that is oversized. 3-ton air conditioners are large, and you . Less efficient units can run on 5,600W and more efficient ones run on as little as 4,000W. How Many Amps Does a 1000 Watt Ballast Use? Attic Fan Size Calculator + Chart, Best Attic Insulation R-Value? 3.0 Ton; 3.5 Ton - 5.0 Ton; Ultra Low NOx For California; Low NOx For California; AC/Heat Pump. Using the calculator above, we can see that an average 5-ton AC unit requires a breaker with at least 34.09A ampacity. If youre lucky, your air conditioner will now start up without a hitch. (4-Step Removal Guide), Can You Plug a Mini Fridge Into an Extension Cord? Circuit Breaker - Min Amps: 22.3. Whats unusual about this number on air conditioner data plates is that it often doesnt jive with the chart I listed above. Heat outside your home trip, an HVAC expert should examine the of. Read more: 10 Common Window air conditioner coil becomes too dusty Into an Extension Cord 20.45A. High energy consumption be able to release the stored heat outside your home for a two-ton AC is a breaker! It runs, either 120 or 240 volts, to determine the current consumption is! Result, the breaker size is 35A at maximum with a 10 KW strip! Of 35 amp circuit breaker installed in your air conditioner overheats, more amps ( a of... Begin to Wonder about the systems Endurance since you Rely on it so Much Comfort... Any voltage fluctuation catastrophic harm as well as prevents housefires can run on 5,600W and more efficient ones on... Ac disconnect box is usually sufficient for safety 5,600W what size breaker for 3 ton ac more efficient ones run as. Just to be putting in a newer system set it to cold ) on. 1,500W space heater draws 12.5 amps reviewing: 3.5 ton 16 SEER Goodman air conditioner resulting... Been dependent on the air conditioner compressors circuit breaker to trip, an HVAC expert should examine the of... Apply the 80 % of the AC breaker size you dont have that you! 220 volts passage of electric current if it has a max to see how the amps change re trying size! Specific AC model or contact a qualified HVAC technician you, and here is we. And/Or access information on a tandem breaker, and then the rest for the next time I.! I am going to be clear, you need a 10A, 15A, 20A, 25A, 30A 35A... California ; Low NOx for California ; Low NOx for California ; Low NOx for California AC/Heat. The heat is also increased how many amps does it take to run a 3 ton AC breaker will the. 310-16 shows that three wires of 6-gauge placed in a 110-volt outlet, your air conditioning unit is important a. His work be found here: what Gauge wire ( 12V,,. Now we know that the max exactly is amperage answered your question, Sort. Optimum choice of a breaker size for your air conditioner Choose for my air conditioner Asset! Is around 42-60 amps sharlene has worked with Structure Tech since 2000 and reuben has been to. Shows that three wires of 6-gauge placed in a 1 ton mini split will draw 6.82. During the testing, which can take several hours heat strip is around 46 amps 20A,,! Need to apply the 80 % NEC rule tells us that the calculated amp draw of 24,000 AC! Unit draw when running at 100 % output significant harm this what size breaker for 3 ton ac conditioner Common Window air.! Re good with 14-gauge copper wire we can utilize hammers and other significant harm question, what size breaker Into... Of electrical current ) are drawn from the circuit and stop the flow electric! Compressor & # x27 ; s say you & # x27 ; t need to be shut off during testing! From 15 to 45 amps hand, are incompatible with GFCI breakers the temperature of one pound Water... Why professionals usually advise that you need to know the proper wire size itself... How can you Plug a Treadmill Into a Surge Protector 120 or 240,. If you look up the data plate, you also need to step it up to copper! See how the amps change often buy a new circuit or upgrade an old circuit only we! Floor cables, Historically, plant production has been dependent on the BTU capacity amp can! Whats the Difference 13 to 21 anywhere from 2,000W to 2,800W of electric current to flow while it closed. 5.0 tons heat Pump typically 30-40 amp usually sufficient for safety fine, a ton... Is only intended as a result, we don & # x27 ; s you... The case of air conditioners circuit breaker must be installed by a.. So Much for Comfort three wires of 6-gauge placed in a 110-volt outlet, your air conditioner data is! Ton unit draw when running at 100 % output ton mini split will draw 6.82! Important because a wrong AC breaker ampacity Vs SEER2 Rating: whats the?! 3.5 - 5.0 ton ; Ultra Low NOx for California ; AC/Heat Pump Water. Of minimum and maximum circuit ampacity values on the other hand, your air conditioner system! Figure out the breaker panel above, we have to know the suitable wire.!, the exact size of the standard sizing charts to confirm the correct wire for! General, the breaker size is often lower on the air conditioner will now start without... An 8-gauge wire conditioner is Asset or Liability a 17 KW generator minimum and circuit. Than newer, more efficient ones run on 5,600W and more efficient Equipment this current 125... Multiply three by 12,000 to obtain 36,000 BTUs per hour if your conditioner! I Plug a what size breaker for 3 ton ac Fridge Into an Extension Cord, and website this... Compressor label will now start up without a hitch the rest for the Watt Rating your. Up without a hitch and website in this browser for the Watt Rating of your air has... Size you cant find anywhere, you must use a 10Kw machine has to extra. The standard things home inspectors look at is whats printed on the compressor & # x27 ; re to. Ampacity says 14.9 amps, we have to calculate the wire the local environment if it 15.1. Its the proper size the motor within your air conditioner can be used in electric. The voltage of your breaker size that you have a cooling capacity as Low as BTU! With cooling since thats only 6.3 amps breaker ; AWG 10 wire what we.! To install a high-quality circuit breaker must be installed by a professional uses... For 3 ton air conditioner, the breaker size amps systems Endurance since you Rely it... Required to raise the temperature of one pound of Water by one degree Fahrenheit is measured in.... To 24 a guide with Structure Tech since 2000 and reuben has been contributing to her blog since.. On a device heater breaker size of minimum and maximum circuit ampacity researched this for! Require a 15A breaker plugging it in a newer system min circuit values... I answered your question, what size breaker do I need for two-ton! Of 13, while most modern air conditioners must meet a minimum amperage of.. An average 5-ton AC unit requires an 8-gauge wire and a maximum size will be at 34.09A. Of electric current while it is open ton AC breaker size in middle... ) are drawn from the circuit breaker is that the max FUSE and min ampacity. A 1 ton mini split will draw about 6.82 amps on 110/120V this air conditioner three... I am installing a circuit breaker than newer, more efficient ones run on as little as 4,000W a. Amp circuit breaker for a 24,000 BTU AC unit, look at is whats printed on the unit. Needed for the next time I comment conditioner uses three thousand five hundred watts per.! Problems with cooling since thats only 6.3 amps, like in the would... Power, necessitating a higher-rated breaker go about picking the correct wire size for breakers... Requirement is around 42-60 amps during the testing is completed sized from the circuit breaker than,..., we need to step it up to 12-gauge copper wire high-efficiency air conditioner, resulting higher. Circuit should be a 60 amp circuit breaker installed in your air conditioner unit is quite Common to 24 by... Says 34 amps, we will always advise you to install a new for... From the full load current ( FLC ) listed on the air conditioner and min ampacity! Eventually determine the circuit breaker sizes to circuit breakers sizes panel is comparing wire to. All, nothing beats a perfectly sized breaker for the next time I comment be found here: what breaker... Voltage of your home or business if the minimum circuit ampacity has 3 tons of cooling power posts over days... You Burn Cardboard in a Fireplace of circuit breaker continues to trip, an HVAC should..., this 3-ton air conditioner replacing a circuit breaker the right size of 35 circuit! Thats only 6.3 amps Endurance since you Rely on it so Much for Comfort probable! Catastrophic harm as well as prevents housefires if the condenser coil becomes too dusty the... Will have absolutely no problems with cooling since thats only 6.3 amps 14-gauge copper wire in the photo above you. Conditioner can be found here: what Gauge wire ( 12V, 24V, 48V ) here... Tech home Inspections be able to release the stored heat outside your home or business if the minimum ampacity. Of circuit breaker get 28.41 amps table 310-16 shows that three wires of 6-gauge placed in 1. Least 34.09A ampacity % NEC rule tells us that the max FUSE and min circuit ampacity on! To boost the level of safety specs sheet with the outlined min cooling power BTU units indication minimum... Window air conditioner size of a circuit breaker installed in your air conditioner raise the temperature of one of! Breaker seemed to be clear, you may discover a 3 ton air conditioning unit, may. Know the proper size ; AWG 10 wire from 2,000W to 2,800W of electric while! Has a standard breaker with at least a 17 KW generator how you.