All mini splits require a dedicated circuit. 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. 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. Here is are 3 ways how you can figure out how many amps does your mini split use (we will use the 3rd method for Mini Split Amps Calculator and chart below): Examples of mini splits and their amps, wattages, and EER ratings (do notice that the average EER rating is about 12): To adequately answer how many amps does this or that mini split draw, can use a 12 EER rating as the guideline. Hi, Im not an electrician so what to make sure I dont cause an issue. Doing a quick search on the manufactYouds website might yield the answers you are looking for a little shorter, but put in the extra effort to ensure you have the exact name, brand, and model before going on your journey for clarity. 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. How much does a mini split air conditioner cost? 3 How many amps does a 9000 BTU Mini Split draw? Getting 240V to the location is not easy and looks like it is going to be expensive due to the existing wiring. The amps will change because of the different units and measurements used and accounted for. I have a 75 ft run from breaker to disconnect and only 30 ft from outside to inside unit. In most cases, its easier to replace a breaker than it is to pull a new wire. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Given that information, the main power panel has two separate breakers for the air handler and the other one for the heat pump condenser. Obviously, the amps they draw differ as well. If you cant find the answer here, you can use the comment section below, describe your mini split a bit, and well try to help you out. In most cases, five times the average generated amount is sufficient but refer to your owners manual for specific details regarding your heat pump. How to Market Your Business with Webinars. Window air conditioners and heat pumps can typically manage up to 500 square feet and range from 0.5 tons (6,000 BTU/hour) to 1 ton (12,000 BTU/hour). You must follow the manufacturers specific instructions. Thank you. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. ft)Breaker Size (Amps)14-812,000500-600151.56-1218,000750-9001528-1624,0001,000-1,20015-202.510-2030,0001,250-1,50020-30312-2436,0001,500-1,80020-303.514-2842,0001750-2,10030-40415-3048,0002,000-2,40030-40519-3860,0002,500-3,00040-60. Multi-zone mini splits are used to help heat or cool multiple rooms in your home. For this, you need to use the following equation: BTUs = Energy Efficiency Rating x Watts Again, it depends on what unit you have. 4 How many amps does it take to run a mini split? Most central units run on 220V or the equivalent. You would need one 10/2 wire, an independent breaker, and a disconnect box for each outdoor unit. Cooling Capacity . To accommodate the different cooling needs of homes, mini splits come in a range of sizes. This makes it essential that you have the right power going to the device. 8 What kind of wire to use for mini split? We have many different sizes of mini splits. For example, suppose that a units minimum ampacity is 42 amps and its maximum is 60 amps. I got 1 20 amp circuit in the main panel. Wire Size Guide: What Size Wire Do I Need? Just check the table and you will see that a 3-ton mini split uses an estimated 13.6 amps. 100-500 Sq. The breaker panel needs to be sized correctly. In other words, the wire is slightly larger than the electrical current rating. One should follow name plate data on the side of the outdoor unit itself. However, Id still recommend the 8-gauge wire. Usually, you can also estimate the SEER rating from the model number. Every home has the option of using 208/230 volt. Here is how easy it is to calculate how many kWh a mini-split use: Mini Split kWh Usage = Wattage Hours Of Use / 1000 This is it. 15 Amp Outlet On 20 Amp Circuit: Can You Do That? Your email address will not be published. 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. I would not recommend using 14/3 from the disconnect to the unit. Check the specs of your mini split. Recommend / must use a GFCI at the main breaker? Make sure to write down which wire color is connected to which number. 600 sq ft If you have your average 240 volts 2 kW air handler, you will need a 30 amp breaker and a #10 electrical wire. In both calculators, we presume you are using a 220V circuit and 12 EER rated mini split: Here is the 2nd Calculator where you start with the mini split tonnage: Basically, you just input BTU or tons, and you will get the amps such a mini split draws. 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. If it is 12 (a reasonable number), divide the BTUs by the EER (this AC then uses 3 kilowatts). Figuring out precisely how many amps your heat pump will use is a tricky question to answer. Using the calculators and the charts, you will likely be able to estimate what amount of amps does your mini split operates on. What Wire Size and Breaker for Heat Pump? Central air conditioners and heat pumps are some of the largest units that youll find in a residential home. On the other hand, a heat pump will draw much less, somewhere between 8 and 24 amps depending on the system size. For a single mini split, you wont need 200 amps, and you can make do with much less. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. For the outside unit to the inside unit you should use 14/4 mini split wire. Both the wire and breaker size fall within the parameters outlined above. Dont forget that in AWG, smaller numbers mean thicker wires. Now that you know a little about measuring air conditioner and heat pump capacity, lets look at the common tonnages for these units and what breaker size each requires.Unit Size (tons)Draw (Amps)BTU/HourCooling Area (sq. . 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. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. These two particular numbers are always divisible by six. Hopefully, this article has given you a helpful overview, and you have a better understanding of how many amps a mini split will use. A split heat pump or air conditioner has two separate electrical circuits, one for the outdoor unit (condenser) and the indoor unit (air handler or furnace). Whether its accidental or you dont have the proper hardware, here is what happens if you put in an improper breaker when wiring an air conditioner unit. Since tags provide a lot of information, you may be wondering if the breaker size is on it in the first place. Any negatives of going this route vs 240? 10 review (s) $1,540.00 Description DIY Installation: Easy & Affordable Heating & Cooling Perfect for additions, workshops, garages, sunrooms, or other spaces without ductwork, the 12,000 BTU MRCOOL DIY mini split provides efficient heating and cooling without needing professional installation. Smaller mini-splits with only nine to 12k BTUs may need 110-volt service, while most of the larger . How Many Amps Are Required For Ductless Mini Split Systems? A volt is the unit of electric potential difference. Always check the inside of the wire and not the outside to see past any coating or wrapping. Check out our multi zone mini split buying guide! I has Air conditioner Panasonic 208/230V. Just like the outdoor unit, the indoor connections must be made in the correct order. In any case, I pulled my switch out and turned it upside down and my unit works now and my switch now looks like the downstairs switch. We can see from the chart that 12,000 BTU mini split draws an estimated 4.5 amps. (an electrical whip is simply a pre-done version of this.). Since it was not working and by flipping the switch and it works now, only way for it to not work someone had to have flipped it? This is why circuit breakers are generally preferred to fuses. Generally, most systems need 220 volts or higher, but a few of the 9k to 12k systems may only need a 110-volt service. At 240 volts divide the power. Be the first to rate this post. Simple calculation: 50A115V = 5,750 watts. Or, if you have a 3600-watt appliance and it is running on a 240-volt circuit, then the formula would be 3600 watts / 240 volts = 15 amps. Fortunately, the label includes the maximum breaker size (or it may say max fuse size). You determine the number of watts a mini split uses by multiplying these two factors together. If you have a mini split and need to know how many amps they draw, you have a problem. The exact details of a connection like this are specific to your unit. It can get confusing if youre not careful because lower gauge wire can handle more power than higher gauge wire. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. A mini split's power requirements will vary, depending on size. 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. The information in itself would be on the side of the condenser. How Does A Mini Split Air Conditioner WorkIn order to keep yourself and loved ones warm and cozy during the winter and cool over the summer months, most families install a mini split air condition. Smaller 2-ton central units need a 20 amp breaker, while larger 5-ton units often require a 60 amp breaker. (Window, Portable, Mini-Split, Central), Senville Mini Split Reviews: Best 4 Units Compared & Rated, Ductless Mini Split Vs Central Air AC: Which Is Better? I had an electrician come in and make the run to code which required the wiring to be spliced because of the run. How many amps does a 12000 BTU Mini Split? How many square feet does a 1 ton mini split cool? 1500 - 2250 W. 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). How Many Amps Does a Heat Pump or AC Use? 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. On the smaller side of practical knowledge, but it is readily available as well, this line indicates whether or not your pump is using the old R-22 refrigerant, which is slowly pulled from circulation, or the newer, industry-standard R-410A. If you are lucky enough to have a heat pump with just such a label, count yourself lucky. Generally speaking, a 12,000 BTU model typically requires around 18. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here youll find just how much electricity is required to start the compressor. This Friedrich multi-zone unit has connections for 4 units, all of which are numbered for easy cross-referencing to the indoor unit. While it might be difficult to see through the other wiring in the unit, here we have included a picture of the main power connections to a Friedrich Mini Split Unit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); For years, Total Home Supply has been a trusted distributor of indoor and outdoor home products. Alternatively, run your own wire through an outdoor grade conduit so that is protected from the elements. How many Watts Does a 6K BTU air conditioner need? With all electricals, its important to have safeguards in place to prevent your wires from overheating and causing a fire. In general, we can say that mini splits draw anywhere between 2.3 amps and 27.3 amps. Most manufacturers insert the year in a two-digit form in the serial number. Following on from above, weve created some worked examples to help you understand how to calculate the number of amps your mini split needs. Youd want to remove the thousands portion of the number and remember that every 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity equals precisely 1 ton. Related Article Is Getting A Mini Split Worth The Cost? If electrical wires get too hot, the insulation can melt on the inside, leading to a fire happening. Im installing 2 multi split system in my house. The circuit breaker requirements for central air conditioning systems vary widely depending on the units size. 6 What gauge wire do I need for a mini split? How many amps does a window AC use? On a 240-volt circuit, the voltage drop should not exceed 3% or about 233 volts. Here your labeling will tell you whether or not the unit you are looking at is an AC, or its slightly more energy-efficient cousin, the heat pump. For example, suppose you have a relatively large heat pump with 24,000 BTU, yet your wire is only a 12 gauge. For example, suppose your wiring is 10 gauge, and youre supposed to install a 20 amp breaker, but instead, you put in a 50 amp one. Let us break it down for you before we go any further. Assuming the 18,000 BTU air conditioner operates at 120 volts, it will consum. 1. Ductless mini splits are one of the most popular AC choices for homeowners and businesses alike. The condenser requires a 30 amp breaker. How many amps does a 15,000 BTU air conditioner use. DC Wire Gauge Calculator: What Gauge Wire (12V, 24V, 48V)? It depends on the size of your mini split in British thermal units or BTUs. Or can the unit work no matter if the switch is flipped on or off? We can determine the size of your heat pump from the model number. While it may seem unimportant initially, the number itself is needed to know just how much electricity you would need to run your entire system off of a generator should the need arise. Most modern homes built in the last few decades have a central air conditioning system or heat pump. There are three main types of air conditioners and heat pumps used in residential buildings: Each air conditioner type has different power requirements. There are equations to work this out, but for air conditioners, its a bit too complicated. How many watts does an 18000 BTU AC use? Ductless Mini Split AC Installation: How to Install, DIY + Placement, Ductless Mini Split Sizing Guide: Heat Load & BTU Calculator, Mini Split Failures, Problems & Troubleshooting Guide. Is 20 to much ? Then, reattach the faceplate and insert the on/off switch. Typically, you will need between 15 and 45 amps per mini split. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. Otherwise, the system will not operate correctly. 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. 14/3 stranded is hard to fine and expensive. What size wire do I need for a mini split? It is also critical to make sure that each indoor unit on a multi-zone system is wired to the same input that its line set is connected to. For mobile applications like RVs and boats, power receptacles have ratings in amps, 50Amp, 30Amp, 20Amp. How many amps does a 24 000 BTU Mini Split use? Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. On the other hand, 10/3 wires have three connectors, black, white and red plus a ground wire. Mount the shut-off box on the outside wall and connect the wires from the break box. 230v is available there. Everything should be completely fine if you use a lower gauge wire for an air conditioner or heat pump. Some manufacturers provide minimum wire and breaker sizes, while others offer the maximum fuse or breaker size you can use. In most cases, that number is the first or second pair of numbers appearing in the sequence. 1 A BTU is equivalent to about 1/100th of a watt. You could use two single zones instead. Mini split air conditioners are one of the most effective solutions, but even the best mini splits need to be set up correctly to work. Choosing the correct wire gauge for the power going to your air conditioner or heat pump is crucial. Some smaller capacity units only require 110/120 volts. Share. You will get a total of 10,557 watts. Yes, the outdoor unit can be installed above the indoor unit. 6 amps. 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 Exact wire specifications depends on your units needs. 1 How many amps does a 12000 BTU Mini Split? I have 10-2 w/gnd wired to outdoor disconnect box, which means I would wire the whips ground and neutral to the supply ground wire in the disconnect box. Next, we will discuss the max breaker size for a heat pump or air conditioning unit. Is it ok to run 12/3 solid core wire with a double pole 15 amp from the breaker box to the disconnect, then run 14/3 stranded from the disconnect to outside and inside unit. (std. Click to see full answer Similarly, you may ask, how many amps does a heat pump use? For example, if your units minimum ampacity markings say it needs 35 amps, 6-gauge aluminum or 8-gauge copper wire would be sufficient. * What is the supply voltage? . Running Load Amperage, or RLA for Short. Pictured is a 14 gauge solid wire which will work but should only be used if the stranded wire is unavailable. Typically 9k btu and 12k btu units are 110V. It depends on your specific unit. At first glance, sorting through the seemingly endless amounts of information displayed on the label may look daunting. Total Home Supply offer, Honeywell 14/4 Mini Split wire in 50 ft and 250 ft rolls. This would cause your circuit breaker to trip and your power to go out. Each summer we help thousands of people find the best room air conditioners and heaters for their needs. Thanks, Very good information, I have one question: I am planning to install an 18,000 BTU Mitsubishi ductless air condition. In that case, this is a safety hazard. Tankless Water Heater Breaker Size Calculator: What Size Breaker? It may even be written on the unit itself. Now that we have that clarified, follow these steps to wire up your ductless mini split system: Run a 230/208 volt or 115 volts* dedicated line from the main break box to the area where the shut-off box will be installed next to the unit. Insert RV Air Conditioner Capacity (Example: 13,500 BTU): 13,500 For example, if you have a 4160-watt appliance and it is running on a208 volt circuit, then the formula would be 4160 watts / 208 volts = 20 amps. The model number allows us to glean the cooling capacity of this particular heat pump by using two specific numbers located in the middle of this string of numbers. Regarding heat, one ton equals 11,917 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour, often rounded to 12,000 BTU/hour. The voltage will depend on the model type and manufacturer. The formula for amps is simple: Watts / Volts = Amps. If you picture a river, the voltage is the angle or steepness of the river, whereas the amperage is the volume of water. How do you take care of a dwarf lilac bush? A 25-amp breaker would likely trip frequently because the 80% rule allows 20 running amps.