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How many amps does it take to run a mini split? In most cases, its easier to replace a breaker than it is to pull a new wire. All Rights Reserved. Ft . It was difficult to find and get the required 14-3 cable. Youd want to remove the thousands portion of the number and remember that every 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity equals precisely 1 ton. The condenser requires a 30 amp breaker. For example, suppose that a units minimum ampacity is 42 amps and its maximum is 60 amps. In the US, typically, mini splits up to 18000 are 110V, and over that are 220V. Air conditioners and heat pumps are necessary equipment in many homes to make things comfortable. We can see from the chart that 12,000 BTU mini split draws an estimated 4.5 amps. From wattage, we can calculate the amps using the basic electrical power equation: I = P / V or (in units) Amps = Watts / Voltage. You determine the number of watts a mini split uses by multiplying these two factors together. Given that information, a single-zone heat pump uses around 15 to 20 amps, while a dual or tri-zone uses 20 to 30 amps or more. But what exactly does it mean when an AC unit is one ton, and how does that help choose breaker size? With any electrical project, be sure to check with a licensed electrician and verify the requirements of your local codes. 21 SEER: 24000 BTU Inverter Mini Split Heat Pump: Enjoy full season comfort during the summer or winter with this 24,000 BTU Inverter Mini Split with 27,000 BTU Heat Pump.WHAT IS DC INVERTER? Some manufacturers recommend using round crimp style terminals for a more secure connection. Still, the easiest way to break down these numbers is to determine what type of zone you are using. Depending on whether you are installing a single zone or a multi-zone unit, you will have a different number of connections. Mini splits are really useful pieces of equipment that, if set up correctly, will make your home a much nicer place to live in. All 18k btu and greater models require 220V. Mini-split air conditioners and heat pumps are very popular and excellent at cooling a relatively small space compared to a central AC system. 25 Amps 16 SEER: 24000 BTU Inverter Mini Split - Heat Pump: Enjoy full season comfort during the summer or winter with this 24,000 BTU Inverter Mini Split with 27,000 BTU Heat Pump.WHAT IS DC INVERTER? To help you out, we have calculate how many amps different BTU and different ton mini splits draw: Example: One of the most common questions is how many amps does a 12,000 BTU mini split operates at. These are the max amp ratings that these outlets can provide before their breaker pops. The minimum ampacity helps determine the minimum gauge wire you need to use. Here is how we calculate the amps required to power the unit: I (in Amps) = 5,000 BTU / (10 x 115V) = 4.35 Amps The higher the energy-efficiency of the air conditioner, the fewer amps it will draw. 8 What kind of wire to use for mini split? Usually, you can also estimate the SEER rating from the model number. 7. Can I run my camper AC on 20 amp? air), Latent Heat (BTU/hr) = 0.69 x CFM x gr. Do I need to buy a transformer? Your email address will not be published. Hi, Im not an electrician so what to make sure I dont cause an issue. What If You Dont Use the Correct Size Breaker or Wire? For these, we have assumed a voltage of 115 and an energy efficiency rating of 12, but this will obviously depend on your individual unit. Smaller window units can run on 120V, so you could put one on a single-pole breaker using only one of the hot wire slots. Were here to break down why and to help you choose the unit that will best fit your budget, room size and needs. A mini split's power requirements will vary, depending on size. Still, the most notable of them would be that most manufacturers offer the manufactured year your condenser here. Breakers trip at around 125% of the amperage, so why is wire size such a big deal? So a 14-gauge wire is medium sized, 12-gauge would be a little bigger, and 10-gauge is the biggest wire youre probably going to need for a mini-split. One thing to remember is BTU / ((SEER*0.875) x Volt) = Amps.AC Capacity (Ton)BTUAmps112,0003.731.518,0005.59224,0007.452.530,0009.32336,00011.183.542,00013.04448,00014.91560,00018.63. How many square feet does a 1 ton mini split cool? Cooling Capacity . How far can you run the condensing lines from the outside unit to the inside unit ? As you can see from the table above, this is where it pays in the long run to get a more energy efficient mini split. There is one value that is missing from the question is voltage. It can quickly become overwhelming if youre inexperienced in this sort of thing. When do I use a 10/2 or 10/3 for mini splits? To convert amps (electrical current) to watts (electrical power) at a fixed voltage, you can use the equation: watts = amps volts. Im installing 2 multi split system in my house. The above table is by no means a definitive guide to which wire gauge you should use, but it is a good rule of thumb. (120 or 240V) On the other hand, 10/3 wires have three connectors, black, white and red plus a ground wire. Here, we offer a step-by-step guide to everything you need to know about the electrical specifications for installing ductless mini splits. Small mini-split systems and window units often require a 15 amp breaker, so a 12-gauge aluminum wire or a 14-gauge copper wire is usually suitable. How many Watts Does a 6K BTU air conditioner need? As circuit breakers age and wear out, the breaker tripping threshold erodes back toward 100% of the breaker amp load and maybe less. There are hundreds of A/C products on the market, and not all of them are worth your time and money. How many Watts Does a mini split system use? ), Are Mini Splits Worth The Cost (AC Costs Broken Down). Planning a system into a 50s house, with 4 indoor air handlers and one condenser. A typical central air conditioner or heat pump needs a breaker between 15 to 60 amps. Tankless Water Heater Breaker Size Calculator: What Size Breaker? I thought that I needed 3 insulated wires and a ground??? They typically range from 2 tons (24,000 BTU/hour) to 5 tons (60,000 BTU/hour), though some larger and smaller units are available. If it is 12 (a reasonable number), divide the BTUs by the EER (this AC then uses 3 kilowatts). Hello. Can you run the wires from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit in the same conduit on a commercial job without causing any problems as long as all the wires are rated the same voltage. Related Article Is Getting A Mini Split Worth The Cost? You can often find exact requirements for breaker size printed on your mini-split compressor unit. (Specs Comparison). Hopefully, this article has given you a helpful overview, and you have a better understanding of how many amps a mini split will use. This makes it essential that you have the right power going to the device. Manufacturers list the maximum breaker size on the data plate located on the side of both units. If you have your average 240 volts 2 kW air handler, you will need a 30 amp breaker and a #10 electrical wire. The main electric panel contains two different amp breakers; one for the indoor unit and the other for the heat pump condenser or air conditioner. In this part of the label, you get told just how many amps will be pulled when you initially start your compressors motor. Mini-split wires are used to connect the outdoor compressor unit with the indoor evaporator unit, delivering electricity and control signals. Mini-splits have particular power requirements that are dependent on the model and size. Please help anyone who might know. How many amps does a 2 ton mini split use? Most indoor units, if wired separate from the outside unit, call for a 15 amp breaker. Assuming the 18,000 BTU air conditioner operates at 120 volts, it will consum. If you are like me and despise doing math on your own to find out what breaker size you will need for your heat pump, the first place you want to check out is the data tag. Are there any mini split systems that do not require electrical from outdoor to indoor unit? I would not recommend using 14/3 from the disconnect to the unit. Its worth noting in that same regard that not all manufacturers are created equal, and as such, you may have additional steps and information to sort through to find that precious heat pump data tag. You can also throw unnecessary costs into the equation even more to the point. For the outside unit to the inside unit you should use 14/4 mini split wire. Following on from above, weve created some worked examples to help you understand how to calculate the number of amps your mini split needs. This Friedrich multi-zone unit has connections for 4 units, all of which are numbered for easy cross-referencing to the indoor unit. Yes, the outdoor unit can be installed above the indoor unit. Weve provided some general guidance to the two main options below: Related Article Mini Split Sizing: Complete Guide. But even professionals have to learn the ropes, and so if you are an electrician who simply has not undertaken a mini split installation project before, this post is for you. How many Watts Does a small window air conditioner use? My upstairs unit cannot he a straight run back to the compressor/controller. At 240 volts divide the power. We have many different sizes of mini splits. Everything should be completely fine if you use a lower gauge wire for an air conditioner or heat pump. Choosing the correct wire gauge for the power going to your air conditioner or heat pump is crucial. Is it okay to use a mini-split ceiling cassette with a 115V condenser? If you have an amplfier using 1600W of power on a 120v circuit, you can use the equation Current (Amps) = Power (Watts) Voltage to calculate that the draw of the amplifier is 1600 / 120 = 13.3 amps. The wire size is essential because an overload can occur if it is not sized appropriately. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. What kind of wire do I need for a mini split? My questions is that 20 amp circuit gtoing to power both inside and outside unit or do I have to have two different circuits, one for inside unit and one for outside unit? Calculator + Chart (Natural Gas), Average Gas Bill For 1-Bedroom Apartment: State-By-State Cost Analysis, Average Electricity Bill For 4 Person Household (Survey Analysis), How Many kWh Per Day Is Normal? How many amps does a 12000 BTU Mini Split? Obviously, the amps they draw differ as well. Central air conditioning requires between 208 and 240 volts to operate and draws between 15 and 60 amps depending on the size. Its possible someone snuck in the backyard and flipped the switch. BTUs are used to indicate the area a mini split can cover. It runs on 2,090 watts on 230V and. You must follow the manufacturers specific instructions. AC Size GuideBTU to TonnageSEER to EEREER to SEEREER to COP, Watts to AmpsKilowatts to AmpsKilowatts to BTUKVA to AmpsACH Calculations, My name is Josh and I am obsessed with the HVAC industry. The breaker panel needs to be sized correctly. The distance from the panel to the outside disconnect box is approximately 70 ft the specs for the unit says 20 Amps max , 220 Volts. A surge protector can also be used to help protect the . Generally, most systems need 220 volts or higher, but a few of the 9k to 12k systems may only need a 110-volt service. The best thing to do is read the specifications and instructions for your mini split, as this will show the maximum circuit breaker amperage. We participate in several affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program in which we earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. Make sure to write down which wire color is connected to which number. Still, it gets much easier when you understand that most of it arent intended for your typical homeowner to grasp. Most brands require 14/4. The voltage will affect how you install the mini split unit. It should be kept in the off position while you continue to work on the unit. Even if you are a master electrician and can distinguish between the two with a passing glance, having the title given to you is always pleasant. Hence, we'll pay less for electricity and still get the 5,000 BTU of cooling power. Bringing things full circle, we come to the last bit of info required, and sometimes the easiest to establish, just who built the product you are looking at. Ready for the next step? Now the unit will power on and shut down in under a minute. For this, you need to use the following equation: BTUs = Energy Efficiency Rating x Watts How many amps does a window AC use? An electrical whip is a premade, outdoor grade wire set that is intended to run from a shutoff box to the unit being installed. However, a smaller 4-gauge aluminum or 6-gauge copper wire would be fine. That is about 110 to 120 volts on the low end and 208 to 240 volts on the higher end. Not only that, but the amount of voltage the heat pump needs also determines the size of the breaker. It is recommended to use 14 gauge stranded wire for installation. Wattage is the combination of voltage and amps. ($0.05 $0.22/h), How Much Does 1000 Watts Cost Per Hour? The ES-55Z-M5/ACIQ-12CC-H 55,000 BTU 21.3 SEER2 ACiQ 3-Zone Ceiling Cassette Mini Split System - 12+18+24 | HVACDirect.com Portable Vs Window AC Which Is Best for Home Cooling. Depending on the distance from the panel to the unit you would want to use 10/2. An 18,000 BTU air conditioner is capable of drawing about 8 Amps of power. A 25-amp breaker would likely trip frequently because the 80% rule allows 20 running amps. Larger mini-split systems and central air conditioners or heat pumps utilize much larger breakers, so make sure to use an appropriately smaller wire gauge. How many amps does a 9000 BTU Mini Split draw? I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. For one thing, they arent using oil to heat their homes. From the compressor to each of the airhandlers I installed a 14-4 soft cable (make sure its not solid wire). What do 10/2 and 10/3 wire numbers mean? How Many Amps Are Required For Ductless Mini Split Systems? While initiallItspearing to be a string of numbers, this sequence provides a few essential bits of information. This is why circuit breakers are generally preferred to fuses. Thanks! Unfortunately, none of the major manufacturers make a multi-zone unit that is 115 volts. Is 20 to much ? However, the numbers do remain relatively the same. Regarding HVAC units, a ton refers to the amount of air a system can cool in a single hour. What is the fastest way to harden salt dough? For additional guidance, check out: Wire Size Guide: What Size Wire Do I Need? Regardless, the MCA is the required Minimum Circuit Ampacity, meaning your circuit needs to be sized appropriately for at least that amperage. These will need to be weatherproofed because theyll have to travel outside. Now you know these terms, there are two steps to follow to get the amps: 1. 2 0.08 ton = 1,000 BTU/hr = 293.07 Watts 3 BTU and tons are often used interchangeably. So far, weve discussed the general breaker and wire sizes that you should use for different air conditioners and heat pump units. Pictured is 14 gauge solid wire which will work, but should only be used if stranded wire is unavailable. * What is the supply voltage? It will also depend on the voltage requirement of the heat pump. You would need one 10/2 wire, an independent breaker, and a disconnect box for each outdoor unit. For example, if a units power needs require you to use an 8-gauge wire, but instead, you use a 12-gauge wire, it can cause severe problems. The exact amount of amps a 36000 BTU mini split uses depends on the model of mini split and the voltage, as different models and different voltages may require different amounts of amps. Here youll find just how much electricity is required to start the compressor. (1000-3000+ Sq Ft Homes), Thermostat Says Heat On But No Heat? Is there a specific type of splice that needs to be done or does the splice need to be soldered? How many amps does an 18,000 BTU air conditioner use? 2. The circuit breaker requirements for central air conditioning systems vary widely depending on the units size. On the other hand, a heat pump will draw much less, somewhere between 8 and 24 amps depending on the system size. Finally, divide the 10,557 watts by the voltage range of the AC. Basically, a 50 amp generator is the same as a 5,750-watt generator. The same mini split system may run on 800 watts for cooling. For most ductless mini-splits, the right wire is a 14/4 stranded conductor cable. We are going to show you how to answer questions like these quite easily. For a single mini split, you wont need 200 amps, and you can make do with much less. Making its grand appearance next would be the model number, which thankfully is made more evident than some other more reclusive bits of information we will go over. It's rather hard to get the wattage, however. Amps = BTU / (Energy Efficiency Rating x Watts). If I run one line to my mini split that is 12-3 gauge from a 20 amp double pole breaker, is there room for me to add an identical mini split to a separate disconnect box in the future? How Do You Determine The Size Of Circuit Breaker For Mini Splits Using Amps? Window air conditioners and heat pumps are incredibly portable, easy to install, and energy-efficient, so its no surprise they are very popular. The area I need to cool is around 500 sqft and Im wondering if I should just go with a low voltage system given the small area. Thoughts? The first number is the thickness in AWG (American wire gauge). As you can see from the table above, a 12,000 BTU air conditioner can use 1500W (8 EER rating) or 1000W (12 EER rating). We sell tons of mini split air conditioners each day on our website, and, on our blog, have previously written about all the benefits of and features to consider when purchasing a mini-split AC of your own. For ample spaces and significant heating/cooling, some homeowners choose a mini-split with 36,000 BTU capacity. Most mini-split units run on 220V or the equivalent. The indoor units receive power from the outdoor unit. Pictured is a 14 gauge solid wire which will work but should only be used if the stranded wire is unavailable. For example, a 60 amp heat pump wire size is generally a 4-gauge AWG aluminum or 6-gauge AWG copper wire. 4. Voltage or volts is another measurement of electrical charge, but where amps measure the volume of electrons, volts measure the pressure that allows amps to flow. My house has 120V how to do 230V Please help me. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and its a measurement of how much energy it takes to heat 1 pound of water by 1 degree. Formula to calculate amps. What size breaker do I need for a mini split? The formula for amps is simple: Watts / Volts = Amps. How many amps does a 18000 BTU Mini Split use? For a 35-amp breaker, the running amps should be around a maximum of 28 amps. Check out our multi zone mini split buying guide! This is what I got to install my system from LG. Namely, a 12,000 BTU mini split (1-ton unit) will draw fewer amps than a 3-ton unit. So would that be the only way the unit didnt turn onsomeone had to have flipped the breaker? They dont have nearly the capacity of a central air conditioning unit, but a 2-ton mini-split can cool areas up to 1,200 square feet. Keep reading to find out more information and what wire and breaker sizes are needed for your central cooling system. Answer (1 of 3): You need some additional information: * The EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) which tells you the efficiency of this 3 ton AC. For all these reasons and more, youd want to adhere to a measure twice, cut once mentality, especially when safety and financial stability are the cost.