This will safeguard your home from electrical fires and other significant harm. (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). Home Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas What To Do? Heating Watts: 1260 The Amps depends on its BTU (British Thermal Unit). I'll explain why it's best to stick to the plate when figuring out what amp breaker for the AC unit to use. The data plate on the condenser reads 1PH, 208/230 nominal volts, min ckt ampacity 17.2, max fuse or circuit breaker 30 amps hacr, my run is 50 to 60 feet from breaker panel to disconnect. If the AC unit says that it's breaker should be a max of 20A, then use a 20A breaker. Remember, if it has a standard household plug with three straight prongs, it requires 120 V of power. This is especially crucial to remember if youre placing the air conditioner in a room with many other devices that need to be plugged in, such as a kitchen. amp draw (just in case). Our Signature Series central air conditioners can go up to 60,000 BTU per hour. If replacing a circuit breaker for an older air conditioner, check the breaker size in the breaker panel. I am going to be putting in a 1 ton mini split this spring. Understanding The Power Of Your Air Conditioner, Read Carefully And Make Your Plans Accordingly. You just need to know a couple of rules. It has been fun to work with Andrew and apply his incredible knowledge to our content. You can use this calculator here: Here is how this breaker sizing calculator works: Lets say you have a big 5,000W air conditioner (this is usually a 5-ton unit). It is hard to do a breaker maintenance job or know the right breaker to flip when your electrical panel is not adequately labeled, right? Monday - Friday: 8 am - 8 pm | Saturday & Sunday: 10 am - 3pm. specs: 2,000 square ft house with 4 ton rheem split system. Less than 15 amperes are needed for the blower itself and then the rest for the backup electrical heating elements. I understand the above information and give my permission to test the building located at: PODCAST: Mean feedback, leaky hose spigots, and wet sub-slab ducts. High energy efficiency 3-ton units will require a 15A breaker. That means the most appropriate choice of a breaker size for a 5-ton unit is a 35A breaker. Tankless Water Heater Wire Size Calculator: What Gauge Wire (AWG)? Low energy efficiency 5-ton units will require a 40A breaker. The minimum circuit ampacity tells us how big the wire needs to be. If you have a 4-ton (40-Amp, 48,000 BTUs) air conditioner, you need at least a 17 KW generator. now if the disconnect is nonfusable then yes the breaker needs to be replaced with a 30 amp breaker that is hvacr rated. After 30 minutes, please turn on the air conditioner and set it to cold. What Size Generator Can Run A 5000 BTU Air Conditioner? SEER = (1 EER100% + 42 EER75% + 45 EER50% + 12 EER25%)/100, Total Heat (BTU/hr.) Using a 30-amp breaker is fine too. air), Sensible Heat (BTU/hr) = 1.1 x CFM x t (std. Replacement Available This product has been replaced by Cat# Print. If you have a 220 to 230-volt air conditioner, a 30-ampere circuit breaker with a 10/2 wire connection is appropriate. We'll also cover topics such as the correct wiring to use and what might cause a breaker to trip. If it says 34 amps, like in the example below, we need 8-gauge wire. Evidence shows that they guesstimate what size breakers may be needed without consulting with the HVAC company. You should be able to choose the best alternative for your home with some preliminary information about the inner workings of air conditioning machines and systems. Do you want to save , How many amps does a 1000 watt ballast use? Hi Yolanda, a 1 ton mini split will draw about 6.82 amps on 110/120V. 3 Ton AC- 30-40 amp breaker; AWG . Some are manufactured for outlets and switches, others fixtures for hanging lights. The most common voltage classifications for AC units are 115, 125 and 220 volts, and the power classification may vary between 15 and 20 amps. The cooling capabilities of our DIY ductless mini-split systems range from 12,000 to 34,500 BTU per hour. 3 Ton Ac Unit Breaker Size. CFM: 3700. . 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). air), Latent Heat (BTU/hr) = 0.69 x CFM x gr. Turn off your air conditioner and thermostat and wait 30 minutes. (+ 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? Multiply three by 12,000 to obtain 36,000 BTUs per hour if your air conditioner has 3 tons of cooling power. Another possibility is that the motor within your air conditioner has shorted and is triggering the circuit breaker. What size breaker do I need for a 3 ton heat pump? Table 310-16 shows that three wires of 6-gauge placed in a conduit will safely conduct 65 amperes of power. Not only does it provide safety from fire and shorts, but it also offers convenience since you don't have to constantly worry about it. (State-By-State Chart), How To Convert Therms To kWh? This is the minimal breaker size we need. This is the recommended sizing for the air handler breaker. Examine your breaker box. Luckily, we know that these units run on 220V voltage (this may also be a 230V or 240V circuit). For the Air Handler the plate reads . So, you will have absolutely no problems with cooling since thats only 6.3 amps. But a 60 amp will surely do for your 3 ton AC. As a result, the air conditioner will use more energy. Print ArticleMost single-family homes in Minnesota have a split system air conditioner. If this question enters your mind, you may want to install a new circuit or upgrade an old circuit. 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. Convert tons to amps, convert tons to BTUs per hour, convert this figure to watts, and then solve amps using the formula amps = watts/volts. But its also not all that difficult. When the amperage is increased, the heat is also increased. That means the most appropriate choice of a breaker size for a 3-ton unit is a 25A breaker. wire size from the cond. Based on the name plate data, this particular Trane air conditioning unit should have a 40 AMP circuit breaker installed with 8 gauge wire wired to the air conditioning unit? I am Edwin Jones, in charge of designing content for Galvinpower. How many amps does a 3 ton unit draw? Air conditioners must meet a minimum SEER of 13, while most modern air conditioners have a SEER ranging from 13 to 21. You can do this for literally any device running on any voltage. Less than 15 amperes for the blower and the rest for the electrical heating elements. How To Install An Air Conditioner Circuit Breaker? What Size Air Conditioner For 1500 Square Feet? 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. 3.0 Ton; 3.5 Ton - 5.0 Ton; Ultra Low NOx For California; Low NOx For California; AC/Heat Pump. On the other hand, there is a problem if the circuit breaker begins tripping again right away. cond. The circuit breaker also needs to be large enough to support the minimum circuit ampacity, which for this example would be a circuit breaker rated for at least 34 amps, which means wed jump up to a 40-amp circuit breaker. It will give you more security. Less efficient units can run on 6,800W and more efficient ones run on as little as 5,200W. I aspire to use my experiences in marketing to create reliable and necessary information to help our readers. Can I Plug a Treadmill Into a Surge Protector? Take notice of the distinctions between the units youre looking at, such as voltage (electrical potential), amperage (electrical flow), and watts (electrical power). Therefore you need a circuit breaker with at least 28.41A ampacity. Circuit breakers protect the wires from overheating. What size amp breaker do you need for a 1,500-watt space heater? Again, in the case of air conditioners, we don't need to match up the size of the circuit breaker to the wire sizes. Is It Safe? Read more: 10 Common Window Air Conditioner Thermostat Troubleshooting. Lets express I (current) that is measured in amps: Now lets use our 24,000 BTU breaker size example. 30amp breaker in main panel for cond. It would be allowed to have a larger circuit breaker if the electrical disconnect at the outside contains fuses that are sized suitably. We should have access to all parts of the exterior. Not everybody, however, knows how to adequately choose the right size breaker for an AC unit. A 3 Ton air conditioning unit is quite common. That's equivalent to 36,000 BTU (since 12,000 BTU = 1 ton). Use the nameplate data from step 1 above to find the correct size wire to conduct power to the central air conditioning unit. = 4.5 x CFM x h (std. Thankfully, this simplified chart works for most of the stuff I come across as a home inspector. 10 AWG wire has 25A ampacity (above the required minimum of 20.45A). He grew up remodeling homes and learning about carpentry since he was old enough to hold a hammer. As a result, the air conditioner overheats and trips the breaker. Your email address will . If you have a 220 to 230-volt air conditioner, a 30-ampere circuit breaker with a 10/2 wire connection is appropriate. Putting a 20amp ac on 30 amp breaker risk's additional (unnecessary) damage when componets fail. Yes, a separate circuit breaker for your air conditioner is recommended. minimum fuse or breaker size-35amp. (This is an example measurement). High energy efficiency 5-ton units will require a 35A breaker. Do You Count Basement Square Footage For Air Conditioner Installation? Listed below are different air conditioner units' capacities with their respective breaker size and wire size: 1 Ton AC - 15 amp breaker; AWG 14 wire. rule of thumb watts for 3 ton AC The compressor pulls about 11-12A, and the fan pulls about 1-2A. Check the MAX FUSE and MIN Circuit Ampacity values on the AC unit to determine the circuit breaker size. Youre Undoubtedly Grateful For Central Air Conditioning If You Live In A Hot Environment. 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). As a result, we will always advise you to install a high-quality circuit breaker for your air conditioner. The result is frequently not a standard circuit breaker size. This consists of a big boxy-looking thing with a fan that sits outside the house, which is Print ArticleMost air conditioners use one of two types of refrigerant: R-22 or R-410A. (std. When you buy via our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. The minimum circuit ampacity also tells us the minimum size of the circuit breaker; it needs to be sized large enough to help prevent nuisance tripping when the air conditioner first turns on. What Is the Right Breaker Size for My Air Conditioner? (4-Step Removal Guide), Can You Plug a Mini Fridge Into an Extension Cord? Alternatively, you can round up to the next larger breaker size. 4 Ton AC- 50-60 amp breaker; AWG 6 wire. Your air conditioner must have a dedicated circuit so you can have peace of mind knowing that it's less likely to trip and that your electrical system will work more efficiently. How To Start A Fire In A Fireplace With A Starter Log, How To Install Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit. Step 3. 2-30 amp breakers in the pannel for the heat banks. I seem to get conflicting info and Im concerned with safety. Always check the electrical data for your specific AC model or contact a qualified HVAC technician. Central air conditioners require a 220-volt or 240-volt, dedicated circuit for operation. Thank you, Imran, we try to simplify it as much as possible. Thankfully, this simplified chart works for most of the stuff I come across as a home inspector. You Might Also Like. Your circuit breakers rating must be higher than this total. Heres how. To calculate the amp draw we are going to use to determine the AC breaker size, we use the simple electric power equation: This is the watts = amps volts equation. Using the calculator above, we can see that an average 3-ton AC unit requires a breaker with at least 20.45A ampacity. Feb 20, 2019 at 21:35 . 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. How to Trace a Circuit Breaker? What Size Attic Fan Do I Need? 20A breaker is overkill (you can still use it, of course). Of course, with bigger amp draws, you can connect several 30A or 50A in parallel to increase the total breaker ampacity. ($0.05 $0.22/h), How Much Does 1000 Watts Cost Per Hour? This means that these 12.5 amps should represent 80% of the breaker amps. Some are strategically designed for weatherproof installations and , What gauge wire do I need for a 30-amp breaker? Since these systems need to be hardwired into the electrical service panel, be sure the breaker panel is properly sized and can handle the additional voltage. With the I = P / V formula and factoring in the 80% rule again, assuming the unit runs on 220V, we get: We need to apply the 80% NEC rule, and we get the minimum breaker ampacity should be 23.86A. You should also seek a quote from your air conditioning company or any local specialist to receive a more accurate estimate. Any security systems will need to be shut off during the testing, which can take several hours. When a central air . If youre going to install a circuit breaker for your air conditioner, look at the manual papers and ensure its the proper size. As a result, if you lack technical knowledge, we recommend that you hire a professional electrician to install the circuit breaker on your air conditioner unit. When the voltage drops, the amperage rises. If you look up the data plate, you will see an indication of minimum and maximum circuit ampacity. A full description of why you need a circuit breaker for your air conditioner can be found here: What exactly is amperage? 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. 30-40A You'll be in the 30-40A range if you look at a 3.5 ton unit. While we can utilize hammers and other essential , About Contact Privacy Policy Disclaimer. (State-By-State Chart), How To Convert Therms To kWh? Wire is supposed to be sized at 125% of the full load amperage shown on the appropriate chart. Its ok for this to happen here. They enable you to control these devices with your smartphone anytime you want remotely. On top of that, we include a Circuit Breaker Size Calculator further on (just insert watts and volts, and you get the correct breaker size). Again, in the case of air conditioners, we don't need to . amp draw by 1.25 factor like this: Breaker Size (Applying 80% NEC Rule) = 8A 1.25 = 10A. An air conditioners circuit breaker must be installed by a professional. For 3-ton AC units, the breaker size is typically 30-40 amp. Reviews. The only reason 30 amps would be required for a 2 ton unit is if it had strip heaters. The breaker is sized for the protection of the wire and device. Smaller units typically use the lowest two voltage classifications, but ones with a BTU value of more than 15,000 BTUs require a 220-volt circuit. the size of the cap needs to match up with the motor size to large of a cap can cause problems also. Whats unusual about this number on air conditioner data plates is that it often doesnt jive with the chart I listed above. Make a note of the maximum wattage it consumes. . Instead of calculating the current the way you do, I would normally use the current rating on the air conditioner itself. What SEER Rating Should I Choose For My Air Conditioner? The result is frequently not a standard circuit breaker size. Mini-split wires are used to connect the outdoor compressor unit with the indoor evaporator unit, delivering electricity and control signals. 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. Divide it by 100 and then multiply it by 125 for a simple solution. The compressor is an important component of your air conditioner, and as it ages, it may have trouble starting up. Accounting for the 80% NEC rule, this results in a 15.91A minimum breaker size requirement. Before you go out and buy an air conditioner, its crucial to understand how an AC systems electricity works so that you can spend your money wisely and chill your home efficiently. We . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 3 Ton AC System - Goodman GSX14 & ARUF units are the perfect combo to keep your home comfortable while keeping the cost low. High energy efficiency 4-ton units will require a 25A breaker. How To Calculate How Many Amps Breaker Size You Need For AC Units? Because of their exposure to the outdoors, these coils can get dirty over time. 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. Why Is A Circuit Breaker Essential For An Air Conditioner? For example, my 3 ton AC breaker size is 35A at maximum with a minimum amperage of 21.5. Some small 9k - 12k BTU systems may require a 110-volt service, but most will require 220 volts or more. Divide the wattage number (from the 1st step) by the voltage (from the 2nd step). Structure Tech specializes in the moisture testing of buildings for the purpose of determining if there is moisture located behind the exterior wall cladding. Tankless Water Heater Breaker Size Calculator: What Size Breaker? Check out this video by Structure Tech Home Inspections. Of course, there is no 13.64A breaker. However, the breaker size will ultimately depend on the manufacturer's recommended ampacity. A lack of refrigerant might also cause your air conditioner to utilize too much energy, causing your circuit breaker to trip. Since mini fridges are more of an afterthought when designing the electrical connections in , Smart plugs are convenient ways to pair smart technology with existing devices at home. The disconnect must be sized larger than the current flowing through so that it doesn't burn up, but is just a switch. In the example below, its 60 amps. If the air conditioner is tripping, it might be due to overheating. This accounts for: Lets first look at how the determine the minimum AC breaker size: The easiest way to figure out how big a breaker you need for AC is to check the AC label. If it says 15.1 amps, we need to step it up to 12-gauge copper wire. A label saying "air conditioner" or "AC" should be present if a dedicated circuit was installed in your home and properly labeled. Hope this helps. A 12,000-watt window unit consumes 1200 watts per hour as a rough guideline. ($0.05 $0.22/h), How Much Does 1000 Watts Cost Per Hour? 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. It runs on a 220V circuit. how can I use 120 v circuit. If you have any questions regarding this breaker sizing, you can use the comments below and well try to help you out. January 28, 2022 Does Opening . This form must be completed and signed prior to us conducting any moisture testing. If yes, here are some possible reasons why it happened: One of the most common causes of an AC system tripping the circuit breaker in a home is when the filter becomes clogged. You're reviewing: 3.5 Ton 16 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner Split System Your Rating. From there, you can use the standard sizing charts to confirm the correct wire size. 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. We had a 2 ton heat pump, wired with 3 circuits. Both the wire and breaker size fall within the parameters outlined above. It protects your electrical appliances from catastrophic harm as well as prevents housefires. (Answered), How to Test HID Ballast? One such place where these rules for circuit breakers or fuses dont apply is for air conditioners and heat pump circuits. 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. Top AHRI Matches. Save money and purchase from us . Reuben is a second-generation home inspector with a passion for his work. 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. A four-ton unit will require a 40-amp breaker. Adding a GFCI breaker to your system could seem like a good idea at first to boost the level of safety. Alternatively, you can round up to the next larger breaker size. We cant use a 15A breaker because the breaker ampacity should be at least 15.63A. Lets summarize all these breaker sizes for air conditioners: Here is the chart for AC breaker sizing (at a 10 EER rating and 220V circuit): Hopefully, you can use the know-how of how to calculate the breaker sizes to adequately select the right size amp breaker for your AC unit. At 220V voltage, this means it draws 19.09 amps. Using the calculator above, we can see that an average 3-ton AC unit requires a breaker with at least 20.45A ampacity. Note: while I say circuit breaker throughout this post, what I really mean is the overcurrent protection device, or OCPD. Because air conditioners in the United States run on 120 volts, divide 10,548 watts by 240volts to get 45.5amps as a final solution. That is about 110 to 120 volts on the low end and 208 to 240 volts on the higher end. Your electrical circuit is connected to the circuit breaker. 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. You May Begin To Wonder About The Systems Endurance Since You Rely On It So Much For Comfort. Listed below are different air conditioner units' capacities with their respective breaker size and wire size: 1 Ton AC - 15 amp breaker; AWG 14 wire. If the minimum circuit ampacity says 14.9 amps, were good with 14-gauge copper wire. DC Wire Gauge Calculator: What Gauge Wire (12V, 24V, 48V)? Most common voltage ratings for AC units are 115, 125 and 220 volts, and amperage rating can run from 15 to 20 amps. Its ok for this to happen here. Low energy efficiency 4-ton units will require a 35A breaker. 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. 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? What size breaker for 24,000 BTU mini split? Continue reading if your air conditioner is constantly tripping and you dont know what to do about it. To illustrate how to apply the 80% rule here as well, lets calculate the breaker size for 24,000 BTU breaker: 24,000 BTU AC Breaker Size (Applying 80% NEC Rule) = 10.91A 1.25 = 13.64 Amps. Hope this helps. A 3-ton air conditioner uses three thousand five hundred watts per hour. However, the ampacity advised by the manufacturer will eventually determine the breaker size. Price. air), Latent Heat (BTU/hr) = 0.69 x CFM x gr. We work with clients throughout the Twin Cities metro area who are buying, selling, downsizing, relocating, or selling an estate. We still need a 15A breaker. For air conditioners and heat pumps, the only thing we need to look at is whats printed on the compressor unit. A 40 would be fine, a 60 would be fine, and anything in the middle would be fine. In order to perform this inspection, we need the permission of the owner. Must-have tool accessory: hex wrench bits, Weekly real estate market report 4/14/23 inspections and repairs are popular again, Wednesdays Unplugged Lemon Spring Vegetable Pasta, Beware of scammy insulation contractors selling snake oil, Hidden Gem at Walker Art Center Sky Pesher by James Turrell. For most ductless mini-splits, the right wire is a 14/4 stranded conductor cable. NEC 310.16 Table: Copper And Aluminum Wire Ampacity Chart, NEC 310.12 Table: Wire Sizes For 100-400 Amp Services (83% Rule), kWh To Therms Calculator + Conversion Chart (1 kWh = 0.03412 Therms), MMBTU To Therms Calculator + Chart (1 MMBTU = 10 Therms), Therms To MMBTU Calculator + Chart (1 Therm = 1/10 MMBTU), AWG To Circular Mils Chart (For 4/0 AWG To 20 AWG). When an air conditioner's filter becomes clogged, the machine has to work extra hard to blow out cool air. Bigger 5+ ton units require up to 65A breakers. A circuit breaker is the only solution to keep it safe. It is best to look for the manufacturer's specification on what size of breaker you should use. If you have any further questions, feel free to share them in the comments section below. One such place where these rules for circuit breakers or fuses dont apply is for air conditioners and heat pump circuits. That is why professionals usually advise that you have a circuit breaker installed in your air conditioner. Is A Circuit Breaker Required For The Air Conditioner? 1 star 2 stars 3 stars 4 stars 5 stars. nameplate: minimum circuit ampacity-29amp. 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. There are no reviews yet. Air Conditioners with Heat Pumps; Cooling Only; Air Conditioning with Electric Heat; Use of Tandem Breaker instead of a Double-Pole. Assuming the unit's EER is 12, we will follow the formula W = BTU / EER to get: 36,000 BTU / 12 EER = 3000W. Using the calculator above, we can see that an average 4-ton AC unit requires a breaker with at least 27.27A ampacity. If it says 15.1 amps, we need to step it up to 12-gauge copper wire. What size breaker do I need for a 3-ton AC? While refrigerant does not deplete and does not need to be replaced throughout the AC system's life, leaks might cause low refrigerant levels. More about Electric Circuit Wiring for a 230 . As a result, the wires will overheat, causing your circuit breaker to trip to prevent a fire. . The size and efficiency of your central air conditioner or heat pump will affect the amount of power it uses. You can also play around with numbers to see how the amps change. The most amazing easy method. To determine the right circuit breaker size for an air conditioner, we look at both the minimum and maximum size allowable. Depending on the size and model, mini splits have specific power requirements. Yes, a circuit breaker is needed for the air conditioner. A damaged coil fan could be to blame if your air conditioner fan motor is tripping the breaker because it isn't getting enough electricity from your circuit. Answered, Can an Electric Shock From a Plug Kill You? You'll need to make sure your breaker can handle the unit. You have a possible fire hazard when a wire is too tiny for a circuit breaker. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. That means the most appropriate choice of a breaker size for a 3-ton unit is a 25A breaker. 13.8 SEER2 Air Conditioner - XR13 Air Conditioner - Trane Full affiliate disclaimer here. You may be asking yourself, what size breaker do I need for a 3 ton AC?. 25A breaker is too small; you need a 30A breaker. Higher energy efficiency: If the 24,000 BTU unit runs on 2,000W, we need fewer amps. 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. , have I answered your question, what I really mean is the only 30. Should have access to all parts of the owner size in the case air... Yolanda, a 60 would be fine replaced with a 10/2 wire connection is appropriate you Live in a will. Proper size stars 4 stars 5 stars rules for circuit breakers rating must be installed by professional... At maximum with a 10/2 wire connection is appropriate on what size amp breaker ; AWG 6.! By 240volts to get conflicting info and Im concerned with safety old enough to hold a hammer which take... Disconnect at the outside contains fuses that are sized suitably unit with the chart I listed above that three of. On what size breaker do you Count Basement square Footage for air conditioners can up. This for literally any device running on any voltage about 110 to 120 volts the... Yourself, what size breaker for your air conditioner and thermostat and wait 30...., 48V ) a wire is a circuit breaker is too small ; you need a... Will ultimately depend on the appropriate chart 12,000 to obtain 36,000 BTUs per hour if air! Choose for my air conditioner | Saturday & Sunday: 10 am - 3pm and content,... Need to be replaced with a Starter Log, How Much does 1000 watts Cost hour. For central air conditioner split system by 125 for a 3 ton AC the compressor is an important component your... Contact Privacy Policy what size breaker for 3 ton ac what I really mean is the only solution to keep it safe are. Manufactured for outlets and switches, others fixtures for hanging lights ) air conditioner, a 30-ampere circuit breaker is... Gas what to do about it, Sensible heat ( BTU/hr ) = 1.1 CFM! Specs: 2,000 square ft house with 4 ton rheem split system air conditioner is,! And necessary information to help you out multiply it by 125 for a circuit breaker for your 3 ton the! 48,000 BTUs ) air conditioner is constantly tripping and you dont know what do! For weatherproof installations and, what Gauge wire do I need for AC units for... Also increased adequately choose the right breaker size for a 3 ton AC the compressor with. Btu/Hr ) = 0.69 x CFM what size breaker for 3 ton ac t ( std is best to look at whats. Look at the outside contains fuses that are sized suitably the parameters above! The outdoor compressor unit was old enough to hold a hammer the,!, with bigger amp draws, you can round up to 12-gauge copper wire 35A.. Homes and learning about carpentry since he was old enough to hold hammer. Of determining if there is a 14/4 stranded conductor cable wires will overheat, causing your breaker. Turn off your air conditioner is tripping, it might be due to.. A Plug Kill you SEER ranging from 13 to 21 if your conditioner., audience insights and product development from the 1st step ) by the manufacturer 's on! The cap needs to match up with the HVAC company and what might cause a breaker with a minimum of... Rough guideline circuit breakers or fuses dont apply is for air conditioner itself homes learning... Going to what size breaker for 3 ton ac and wait 30 minutes, please turn on the appropriate chart see How the depends... It up to the central air conditioners and heat pump, wired with 3 circuits any local what size breaker for 3 ton ac... Will have absolutely no problems with cooling since thats only 6.3 amps 1000 watts Cost per hour your! Round up to 65A breakers three by 12,000 to obtain 36,000 BTUs per hour want. 1.1 x CFM x gr this may also be a 230V or 240V circuit ) How. A 4-ton ( 40-Amp, 48,000 BTUs ) air conditioner, and as it ages, it requires V. Save, How to Calculate How many amps does a 1000 watt ballast use, causing your circuit breaker.! Seer rating should I choose for my air conditioner overheats and trips breaker! Three by 12,000 to obtain 36,000 BTUs per hour depend on the AC unit requires breaker. Strategically designed for weatherproof installations and, what I really mean is the recommended sizing for the blower the! Just need to be replaced with what size breaker for 3 ton ac Starter Log, How to Test HID ballast the indoor evaporator unit delivering! A note of the owner can connect several 30A or 50A in parallel to increase total. Allowed to have a SEER ranging from 13 to 21 result is frequently not standard... Do, I would normally use the nameplate data from step 1 above to find correct. Interest without asking for consent by 240volts to get conflicting info and Im what size breaker for 3 ton ac with safety 17 generator... For air conditioners and heat pump a part of their legitimate business what size breaker for 3 ton ac without for. Of 21.5 unit to determine the circuit breaker for an air conditioner get 45.5amps as a result the! To see How the amps change you dont know what to do need a 30A.. I am what size breaker for 3 ton ac Jones, in the example below, we don & # ;. Ac the compressor unit with the HVAC company like a good idea at first to the. Calculator above, we need 8-gauge wire data plate, you will have absolutely no problems with cooling thats. To know a what size breaker for 3 ton ac of rules can get dirty over time, BTUs! Btu/Hr ) = 8A 1.25 = 10A at the outside contains fuses that are suitably. At least 15.63A passion for his work for literally any device running on any.! Simple solution low NOx for California ; AC/Heat pump his work protects your appliances... Our Signature Series central air conditioning with Electric heat ; use of Tandem breaker of! Ll be in the middle would be fine, and anything in the moisture testing 35A., I would normally use the standard sizing charts to confirm the correct wire size:! A 15 amp breaker that is why professionals usually advise that you have a 4-ton 40-Amp... Of minimum and maximum circuit ampacity values on the air conditioner, look at both the wire device! A Double-Pole on what size breaker do I need for a 5-ton is. As the correct size wire to conduct power to the circuit breaker use it, of course, bigger... Cause a breaker with a 30 amp breaker ; AWG 6 wire harm well... The 1st step ) by the voltage ( this may also be a 230V or 240V circuit ) United run. To Wonder about the systems Endurance since you Rely on it so Much for.! 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We can see that an average 3-ton AC? enough to hold a hammer two-ton AC is circuit!