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Mini-split air conditioners and heat pumps are very popular and excellent at cooling a relatively small space compared to a central AC system. But my question is, what wire do I need to run from the main panel to the outdoor box since Im installing 2 multi split systems? ), How To Make A DIY Air Purifier (5 Easy Steps! For example, if your units minimum ampacity markings say it needs 35 amps, 6-gauge aluminum or 8-gauge copper wire would be sufficient. Many thanks for your answer. Let us break it down for you before we go any further. = 4.5 x CFM x h (std. This would cause your circuit breaker to trip and your power to go out. Electric heat provided from a non heat pump system will draw anywhere from 40 to 80 amps of current depending on the size of the system. Here is an example: Let's say that we have a 21,000 BTU 14 SEER mini split. Unless you are an advanced DIYer with extensive experience in electrical work, we strongly advise you to hire a professional to get the job done. 8 What kind of wire to use for mini split? ), Are Mini Splits Worth The Cost (AC Costs Broken Down). Depending on whether you are installing a single zone or a multi-zone unit, you will have a different number of connections. Based on this principle, we can calculate how many amps do different sizes of mini splits use: Here are two calculators. The two most common choices are fuses or circuit breakers. 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. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We are going to show you how to answer questions like these quite easily. In that case, this is a safety hazard. 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. It runs on 3,910 watts on 230V and, Mr Cool DIY 12k mini split has a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU (1-ton unit). Outside The Box 1.16K subscribers Subscribe 29K views 4 years ago in this video , we use a power consumption meter to measure. You could use two single zones instead. One watt is equal . 3 Ton Quad-Zone Mini Split AC - Heat Pump: With a 36000 BTU total Cooling-Heating Capacity, this ductless split system can cool and heat 4 separate 350 sq.3 TON Quad-Zone AC - Heat Pump (9k x 4) how many watts and amps does a 12000btu mini-spit AC use? Mini-split air conditioners and heat pumps come in various sizes, but you can generally find units between 1 ton (12,000 BTU/hour) and 2 tons (24,000 BTU/hour). Can the typical indoor cassette mount flush within a 16 (and/or 20) OC joist hard ceiling? Great information but I have a question. A double-pole breaker has two hot wires with one neutral wire. Contact an electrician for more details. If it is 12 (a reasonable number), divide the BTUs by the EER (this AC then uses 3 kilowatts). Window air conditioners and heat pumps are incredibly portable, easy to install, and energy-efficient, so its no surprise they are very popular. 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. On a 240-volt circuit, the voltage drop should not exceed 3% or about 233 volts. Different-sized heat pumps generally will provide you with varying amounts of amps used. Namely, EER rating is defined as: As you can see, we have wattage there. Although, not sure what signifies on or off. It can quickly become overwhelming if youre inexperienced in this sort of thing. Most manufacturers insert the year in a two-digit form in the serial number. 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? A 25-amp breaker would likely trip frequently because the 80% rule allows 20 running amps. (1000-3000+ Sq Ft Homes), Thermostat Says Heat On But No Heat? Wire Size Guide: What Size Wire Do I Need? In short, having a high energy-efficiency air conditioner with a high EER rating pays off. If you are lucky enough to have a heat pump with just such a label, count yourself lucky. Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier Reviews, 4+6 Best Whole-House Dehumidifiers (Ducted, Portable), 4 Quietest Dehumidifiers (Best Bedroom Dehumidifiers): 52.1 dB Or Lower, How Long Do AC Units Last? The voltage will depend on the model type and manufacturer. The 24kBTU unit has an MCA of 15, so you'd need a circuit capable of supplying at least 15A. The whip must be wired into the shutoff box and then to the unit as we will talk about next. It is recommended to use 14 gauge stranded wire for installation. Total Home Supply offer Honeywell 14/4 Mini Split wire in 50 ft and 250 ft rolls. Amps or amperage are a unit used to measure electricity. Wattage is the combination of voltage and amps. It runs on 2,090 watts on 230V and. Unlike wattage, amps measure how fast the electric current flows, and you need to have enough amps so that the mini split can function correctly. Most central units run on 220V or the equivalent. Breakers trip at around 125% of the amperage, so why is wire size such a big deal? Use 6-gauge aluminum wire or 8-gauge copper wire. Regarding heat, one ton equals 11,917 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour, often rounded to 12,000 BTU/hour. How many square feet does a 1 ton mini split cool? Just want to make sure I dont cause an issue by flipping the switch. I need a dual zone mini split unit the is only 115 volts. With any electrical project, be sure to check with a licensed electrician and verify the requirements of your local codes. This is the much more straightforward way of determining the amps needed, but you will need to know the wattage. This must be rated for the wire size as well. We have two Mitsubishi Mr. If you are still unsure how to follow this guide, you can quickly look at the nameplate data on the 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. How many amps does an 18, 000 BTU air conditioner use? This guide will explain how many amps a mini split uses and how to calculate it for yourself. Dont forget that in AWG, smaller numbers mean thicker wires. Please help anyone who might know. I am planning on using dedicated 6-3 UF wire w/ 50amp breaker to exterior 30amp-rated condenser a a 4-zone system with disconnect then 12-2 from condenser to each indoor handler. The formula for amps is simple: Watts / Volts = Amps. 5. A double pole breaker can handle two 120V circuits, but you use them more often for a single 220V circuit. A mini split's power requirements will vary, depending on size. Weve provided some general guidance to the two main options below: Related Article Mini Split Sizing: Complete Guide. Using a 30-amp breaker, 80% of the amps are 24 running amps. You can calculate the amps if you know the wattage and voltage. If my split system is 220 v how do I connect it to my 110 V supply? To convert amps (electrical current) to watts (electrical power) at a fixed voltage, you can use the equation: watts = amps volts. 3. You cannot change out any parts. BTUs are used to indicate the area a mini split can cover. Pictured is a 14 gauge solid wire which will work but should only be used if the stranded wire is unavailable. Usually, you can also estimate the SEER rating from the model number. The ground wire is essential for safe operation, preventing damage to the air conditioner and protecting your family, which is why going with 14/4 is always better than 14/3. There are hundreds of A/C products on the market, and not all of them are worth your time and money. 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. Given that information, the main power panel has two separate breakers for the air handler and the other one for the heat pump condenser. Now you know these terms, there are two steps to follow to get the amps: Firstly, you need to determine the electrical power or watts required. Mini-split wires are used to connect the outdoor compressor unit with the indoor evaporator unit, delivering electricity and control signals. This would cause your circuit breaker to trip and your power to go out. (Specs Comparison). It will tell you what size breaker is required. 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. Using a higher amp breaker than the recommended size can cause serious problems. (Rooms, Sq Ft, BTUs, Zones), What Is Bigger 4/0 AWG Or 250 MCM Wire? 230v is available there. Recommend / must use a GFCI at the main breaker? How many Watts Does a mini split system use? I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. Now you know these terms, there are two steps to follow to get the amps: 1. 5. Ductless mini splits are one of the most popular AC choices for homeowners and businesses alike. Youd want to remove the thousands portion of the number and remember that every 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity equals precisely 1 ton. Typically you should expect each mini split to need 10-45 amps. There are a wide variety of air conditioners and heat pumps on the market, so it should come as no surprise that there are many variables to consider when choosing a breaker size for your unit. Smaller and more efficient air conditioners require an average of 318 watts per hour. You can also use a mini split calculator to get an estimate of its power usage. Assuming the 18,000 BTU air conditioner operates at 120 volts, it will consum. Central air conditioners and heat pumps are some of the largest units that youll find in a residential home. Its not all that easy to figure out exactly how many amps does a mini split use. 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. Question is, would i have to pass all 4 12-2 wires through conduit into soffit and then unto rest of the house? 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. Depending on code in your area, you should not need to run the wire through conduit unless this is a commercial installation. 1 How many amps does a 12000 BTU Mini Split? Mini Split Air Conditioner Electricity Requirements. 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. You can see the green, black, and red wires connect the terminal blocks on the bottom right. 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. To meet the code, you must have a shut-off box at the location of the unit. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. So a 10-2 outdoor cable, is that for each disconnect box or is the one cable enough to power both systems? Should I use a 12/3 or 12/2 romex wire from the panel to the disconnect box? When installing a mini-split air conditioner, its vital to choose cable thats large enough to handle the current your system requires. 3 Ton Quad-Zone Mini Split AC Heat Pump: With a 36000 BTU total Cooling-Heating Capacity, this ductless split system can cool and heat 4 separate 350 sq.3 TON Quad-Zone AC Heat Pump (9k x 4). I am installing a 30k btu lg air mini split with an 18k cieling cassette and a 12k wall unit. If not can the blower motor be switched with a 115V blower motor? This is the smallest 6,000 BTU vs the biggest 6-ton mini split. Unless your unit calls for it, 12/2 it is overkill for going from the outdoor unit to the indoor units. In other words, the wire is slightly larger than the electrical current rating. (120 or 240V) Here, we offer a step-by-step guide to everything you need to know about the electrical specifications for installing ductless mini splits. ), OK to run 4 on a single run of 14/2 wire ? Be the first to rate this post. 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. However, we can estimate the approximate amperage based on the power (in watts) and the voltage of the unit. Do I need to buy a transformer? Getting 240V to the location is not easy and looks like it is going to be expensive due to the existing wiring. Depending on the distance from the panel to the unit you would want to use 10/2. He says 220 and 230 are the same. 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. 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. 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). It was difficult to find and get the required 14-3 cable. Example: You have a 2,000-watt mini split running on 220V voltage. From here, you can follow this equation to determine the amps: Remember, the voltage will generally be 115V for smaller units, or 220V for larger ones. The vast majority of mini-split units are 230/208V, but some are 115V. Its important you understand the amps or amperage needed for the mini split so it can operate correctly and so that you can be as energy efficient as possible. 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. A ductless mini-split air conditioning system costs $2,000 to $14,500 with an average of $3,000 for a 12,000 BTUs system. Is the Circuit Breaker Size Listed on the Data Tag? While there are small and larger mini-split units, most fall into 1 to 2 tons. Regardless, the MCA is the required Minimum Circuit Ampacity, meaning your circuit needs to be sized appropriately for at least that amperage. How many amps does a window AC use? How many amps does a 9000 BTU Mini Split draw? 3 What size breaker do I need for a mini split? Just like the outdoor unit, the indoor connections must be made in the correct order. 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. Is there a specific type of splice that needs to be done or does the splice need to be soldered? How many amps does a 24000 BTU Mini Split use? It is essential to know how many breakers you will need for a split heat pump or central AC in the first place. That is about 110 to 120 volts on the low end and 208 to 240 volts on the higher end. In the photo example above, electrical requirements for this 3-ton American Standard unit require a minimum amperage rating of 25 Amps. On average an air conditioner uses this much Amps: A 5,000 BTU AC unit uses: 3.62 to 5.43 Amps; An 8,000 BTU AC unit uses: 5.80 to 8.70 Amps; to 10.87 Amp; A 12,000 BTU AC unit uses: 8.70 . If either of the hot wires causes the circuit to trip, both switch off. Since tags provide a lot of information, you may be wondering if the breaker size is on it in the first place. Running the air conditioner for one month will cost around $33.60. 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. 2 0.08 ton = 1,000 BTU/hr = 293.07 Watts 3 BTU and tons are often used interchangeably. The amps will change because of the different units and measurements used and accounted for. In the United States, ductless mini split systems come in either 110V or 220V. Simple calculation: 50A115V = 5,750 watts. Most indoor units, if wired separate from the outside unit, call for a 15 amp breaker. When calculating the wire size you need, dont forget to determine the voltage drop and wire capacity. The electric current is measured in amps. This is what I got to install my system from LG. (If understood correctly 12/2 is the one because you do not use the neutral wire) -thanks. A higher gauge wire that cannot handle the supplied current is a significant fire hazard. Can I run my camper AC on 20 amp? One should follow name plate data on the side of the outdoor unit itself. Because most mini splits operate on a 220V circuit, we have the voltage. Whether or Not it is Factory Charged How many amps does a 3 ton mini split use? For example, if your wiring and unit require you to install a 30 amp breaker, but you install a 20 amp one, it will continuously trip and make using your air conditioner nearly impossible. Wire the two hot leads to the fused connections in the box and the ground to the provided connection. The vast majority of mini splits require 208/240 volts. 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. With a power draw of about 4-8 amps, you dont need a large circuit breaker for window units. A larger 12,000 BTU unit draws between 9 and 13 amps. Using this ensures that you will have no issues with meeting code and keeps the process simple for you. They indicate the cooling capacity of your heat pump in tons, so hypothetically speaking, if that number were to say 24, meaning that the BTU of your heat pump is 24,000. Both the wire and breaker size fall within the parameters outlined above.