What Wire Size and Breaker for Heat Pump? How Many Amps Are Required For Ductless Mini Split Systems? All 18k btu and greater models require 220V. For additional guidance, check out: Wire Size Guide: What Size Wire Do I Need? Recommend / must use a GFCI at the main breaker? If youre unsure whether the wire youre using is copper or aluminum, look at its outer insulation, where its often labeled. 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? How many amps does a 24000 BTU Mini Split use? Mini-Split Heat Pumps and Electricity Bills. ), OK to run 4 on a single run of 14/2 wire ? 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. Generally, a mini split that has a BTU rating of 36000 typically requires around 30 amps when working with a 220-volt power and around 15 amps when working . Table: How Many Amps Do Window, Portable, Mini-Split Air Conditioners Draw What size wire do I need for an outside AC unit? Mini-splits have particular power requirements that are dependent on the model and size. The number of amps you need will be influenced by the overall BTUs of your mini split and how many zones you want it to cover. 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? Ft. 750-1000 Sq. The average labor cost to install ductless air conditioning is $500 to $2,000.Dec 7, 2020 READ How much does a skip tracer make? The same mini split system may run on 800 watts for cooling. You'd want to remove the thousands portion of the number and remember that every 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity equals precisely 1 ton. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Slim units; one upstairs apartment and one downstairs. It depends on your specific unit. How many watts does an 18000 BTU AC 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. Most central units run on 220V or the equivalent. 8 What kind of wire to use for mini split? You can do this calculation manually, or you can use these two calculators for watts and amps: RV AC Wattage Calculator (How Many Watts Does An RV AC Use?) air), Latent Heat (BTU/hr) = 0.69 x CFM x gr. But what exactly does it mean when an AC unit is one ton, and how does that help choose breaker size? Are the indoor units just basically low current devices small fans & condensate pumps (no electrical heating elements, etc. 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. Anything that runs on amps must have a circuit to prevent amp overload. Always reference the instruction manual before attempting any electrical connections. A larger 12,000 BTU unit draws between 9 and 13 amps. The amps for a 2 ton mini split varies in size, also know as a 24000 btu unit. 3. A surge protector can also be used to help protect the . A ductless mini-split installation costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average. The vast majority of mini splits require 208/240 volts. With all electricals, its important to have safeguards in place to prevent your wires from overheating and causing a fire. 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 . 4 How many amps does it take to run a mini split? This will help you operate the mini split more efficiently and save you money on your energy bill. This will help you save money on your electric bill and make the mini split much more affordable. All mini splits require a dedicated circuit. Estimated square footage: 600 sq ft. Wiring: Many ductless systems require three 14-gauge stranded conductors with a dedicated ground between the indoor and outdoor units, or a 14/4 stranded cable. 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. In general, we can say that mini splits draw anywhere between 2.3 amps and 27.3 amps. 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. An 18,000 BTU air conditioner is capable of drawing about 8 Amps of power. You can also cut the ends of the wire to check it visually: copper wire is golden brown, while wire made from aluminum is dull gray. This information is often located directly beneath a barcode for reference, but this may not always be the case. Here you use the basic electrical power equation: P = IV; in unit terms, this is Amps = Watts / Volts. Here, we offer a step-by-step guide to everything you need to know about the electrical specifications for installing ductless mini splits. 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. This would cause your circuit breaker to trip and your power to go out. If its able to cover a higher square footage and has a higher BTU, then it will likely be closer to 45 amps. That information also provides you with the maximum overcurrent protection or MOP rating. Voltage drop occurs across the length the electrical current has to travel. The breaker will need the correct amps the mini split is rated for and will be displayed on the breaker. ), How To Make A DIY Air Purifier (5 Easy Steps! If you have your average 240 volts 2 kW air handler, you will need a 30 amp breaker and a #10 electrical wire. For example, the same mini split system may run at 2,050 watts for peak cooling and 2,390 watts for peak heating. How many amps does a 24 000 BTU Mini Split use? 15 amps 120 volts = 1800 watts; 20 amps 120 volts = 2400 watts Again, it depends on what unit you have. But what about your specific unit and situation? 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. The electric current is measured in amps. It can get confusing if youre not careful because lower gauge wire can handle more power than higher gauge wire. It runs on 2,090 watts on 230V and. In the 2nd, you can insert mini split tons (Example: 2 tons), and you will get the amps. Regarding HVAC units, a ton refers to the amount of air a system can cool in a single hour. Using this ensures that you will have no issues with meeting code and keeps the process simple for you. At 240 volts divide the power. I need a dual zone mini split unit the is only 115 volts. Single zone mini splits cover a single room or area in your home. However, Id still recommend the 8-gauge wire. Always check the inside of the wire and not the outside to see past any coating or wrapping. With any electrical project, be sure to check with a licensed electrician and verify the requirements of your local codes. Generally, most systems need 220 volts or higher, but a few of the 9k to 12k systems may only need a 110-volt service. Hopefully, this article has given you a helpful overview, and you have a better understanding of how many amps a mini split will use. It also calls for 12-3 cables from the outdoor condenser to each unit. This offers a couple of enormous benefits for people who choose ductless heat pumps over gas heating. 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). If you picture a river, the voltage is the angle or steepness of the river, whereas the amperage is the volume of water. 5 How many square feet does a 1 ton mini split cool? 2. 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 Watts Does a mini split system use? 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. Depending on the distance from the panel to the unit you would want to use 10/2. If youre installing a multi- zone mini split, then you may need to upgrade to 200 amps. It sounds like someone flipped the switch on you. It is recommended to use 14 gauge stranded wire for installation. air), Sensible Heat (BTU/hr) = 1.1 x CFM x t (std. We have two Mitsubishi Mr. The voltage will depend on the model type and manufacturer. 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 * Voltage depends on the system. A higher gauge wire that cannot handle the supplied current is a significant fire hazard. Is 20 to much ? Let us break it down for you before we go any further. Make sure to write down which wire color is connected to which number. For one thing, they arent using oil to heat their homes. Understanding the intricacies of your HVAC system, the wiring, and the subtle other nuances that make it work can be complicated and far too much work for some people. . You can often find exact requirements for breaker size printed on your mini-split compressor unit. The 24kBTU unit has an MCA of 15, so you'd need a circuit capable of supplying at least 15A. When calculating the wire size you need, dont forget to determine the voltage drop and wire capacity. )? How many amps is 1000 watts at 240 volts? Example: You have a 2,000-watt mini split running on 220V voltage. Is it okay to use a mini-split ceiling cassette with a 115V condenser? Although, not sure what signifies on or off. If you have a mini split and need to know how many amps they draw, you have a problem. 2 How many amps does a 18000 BTU Mini Split use? We can see from the chart that 12,000 BTU mini split draws an estimated 4.5 amps. One should follow name plate data on the side of the outdoor unit itself. 3. 100-500 Sq. We use it to cool our hours for 8 hours. A regular heat pump requires two dedicated branch circuits: the condensing or AC unit and the air handler. 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. 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. I am installing an 18000 BTU Mitsubishi mini split in the room above my garage. Most large air conditioning units and heat pumps run on 220V and require their circuit with a double-pole circuit breaker. Choosing the correct wire gauge for the power going to your air conditioner or heat pump is crucial. Or can the unit work no matter if the switch is flipped on or off? The out side unit specifies , max breaker size at 20 amps. The minimum ampacity helps determine the minimum gauge wire you need to use. It is recommended to use 14 gauge stranded wire for installation. With a power draw of about 4-8 amps, you dont need a large circuit breaker for window units. A small window unit rated at 5,000 BTUs has a current draw of about 4 to 6 amps. If you are lucky enough to have a heat pump with just such a label, count yourself lucky. Click to see full answer Similarly, you may ask, how many amps does a heat pump use? Ductless mini splits are one of the most popular AC choices for homeowners and businesses alike. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Step 1 - Mini-Split Shut-Off Box: 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. 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. 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. It is essential to know how many breakers you will need for a split heat pump or central AC in the first place. Copyright 2023 Total Home Supply. Wattage is the combination of voltage and amps. How many amps does a window AC use? You need to make sure you have the right size circuit breaker for mini splits. A wire with more electrical current than its rated for will get hot and trigger the breakers thermal switch to trip, even at normal operating ranges. It was difficult to find and get the required 14-3 cable. From BTU To Electrical Power (Measured In Watts) Firstly, you need to determine the electrical power or watts required. How Much Power Does a 24,000 BTU Air Conditioner Use? Pictured is a 14 gauge solid wire which will work but should only be used if the stranded wire is unavailable. Generally speaking, a 12,000 BTU model typically requires around 18. Any negatives of going this route vs 240? I had an electrician come in and make the run to code which required the wiring to be spliced because of the run. For that reason, we do not recommend homeowners try to install the unit themselves. Still, the easiest way to break down these numbers is to determine what type of zone you are using. Based on this principle, we can calculate how many amps do different sizes of mini splits use: Here are two calculators. All Rights Reserved. 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. The vast majority of mini splits require 208/240 volts. Youll need between 10 and 45 amps, but this will depend on the specifications of the unit. You need to run 14/4 from each indoor unit back to the outdoor unit. 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. Namely, EER rating is defined as: As you can see, we have wattage there. Some manufacturers provide minimum wire and breaker sizes, while others offer the maximum fuse or breaker size you can 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. 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. 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). Hi, I am installing a Split Duct unit in my house can I install the outdoor unit on the exterior wall above the height of the indoor unit ? 7 How many BTUs does a Fujitsu mini split use? Often the US and Canada maximum breaker sizes are the same. You can install a 230v breaker in your house breaker panel. Learn more, After a HVAC Quote - Call a Licensed Technician. 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. Namely, a 12,000 BTU mini split (1-ton unit) will draw fewer amps than a 3-ton unit. An 18,000 BTU air conditioner is capable of drawing about 8 Amps of power. Check out our multi zone mini split buying guide! You cannot connect a 220 volt product to a 110 volt power supply. 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. Wire gauges are measured in diameter based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) chart. 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. 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. One watt is equal . A mini-split AC system costs $1,500 to $8,000 on average, depending on BTU size in tons, SEER rating, mount type, and number of zones. Mini Split Air Conditioner Electricity Requirements. Welcome to Air Conditioner Lab. Here, we have created a chart to help you better understand based on 1 to 5 heat pump unit draws. Tankless Water Heater Breaker Size Calculator: What Size Breaker? 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. On a 240-volt circuit, the voltage drop should not exceed 3% or about 233 volts. Regarding heat, one ton equals 11,917 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour, often rounded to 12,000 BTU/hour. It runs on 960 watts on 220V and, Carrier 40MBFQ24 Performance Series mini split has a cooling capacity of 24,000 BTU (2-ton unit). My house has 120V how to do 230V Please help me. So, you could get by with a 30 amp breaker. That is about 110 to 120 volts on the low end and 208 to 240 volts on the higher end. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! 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. Is this accurate? The amps will change because of the different units and measurements used and accounted for. I want to install a mini-split system for cooling in my house to supplement the existing central AC which doesnt work well on the top floor due to a lot of glass and a lot of sunshine. In other words, the wire is slightly larger than the electrical current rating. How to Market Your Business with Webinars. The higher the BTU, the greater the coverage and the more amps needed. Mount the shut-off box on the outside wall and connect the wires from the break box. It is not advisable and probably against code to have two units running on the same disconnect. While installing a lower amp breaker usually doesnt present a safety issue, it will cause the breaker to trip nearly constantly. (Rooms, Sq Ft, BTUs, Zones), What Is Bigger 4/0 AWG Or 250 MCM Wire? 1 How many amps does a 12000 BTU Mini Split? 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. In return, it makes it much easier to determine what size breaker you need. This information will be available in the specifications. It should be kept in the off position while you continue to work on the unit. Please help anyone who might know. Example: Lets say we want to find out how many amps does a 3-ton mini split uses. Using the calculators and the charts, you will likely be able to estimate what amount of amps does your mini split operates on. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. Your email address will not be published. Great information but I have a question. When do I use a 10/2 or 10/3 for mini splits? The breaker panel needs to be sized correctly. 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. Getting 240V to the location is not easy and looks like it is going to be expensive due to the existing wiring. Because this is HVAC equipment, a 14 AWG circuit and 15A breaker is insufficiently sized. A mini split's power requirements will vary, depending on size. 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? Mini splits are really useful pieces of equipment that, if set up correctly, will make your home a much nicer place to live in. Insert RV Air Conditioner Capacity (Example: 13,500 BTU): 13,500 Share. Manufacturers list the maximum breaker size on the data plate located on the side of both units. Air conditioners smaller than 3 tons often use a 15 amp breaker with 14-gauge wire, while larger units can use up to 60 amp breakers and 3-gauge aluminum or 4-gauge copper wire. Heat pumps run on electricity, while traditional heaters run on gas. Youd want to remove the thousands portion of the number and remember that every 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity equals precisely 1 ton. There is one value that is missing from the question is voltage. Amps matter. How Many Amps Does a Heat Pump or AC Use? Be the first to rate this post. Can the typical indoor cassette mount flush within a 16 (and/or 20) OC joist hard ceiling? 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. Using a higher amp breaker than the recommended size can cause serious problems. The table below gives a breakdown of the amps needed for different sized mini splits. There are equations to work this out, but for air conditioners, its a bit too complicated. How many amps is a 12000 BTU Mini Split? This is the much more straightforward way of determining the amps needed, but you will need to know the wattage. Exact wire specifications depends on your units needs. A 10/2 wire has two connectors, the black and white, both hot/lead wires as well as a ground wire. This tells us that the hypothetical 24,000 BTU heat pump has a cooling capacity of 2 tons. 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. Most of the time, youll find a window unit set in a window opening and plugged into a regular 110V/120V outlet. 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. Typically, you will need between 15 and 45 amps per mini split. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. is there a transformer in the unit? It may be worth investing in a lock for your disconnect switch. How many amps does a 3 ton mini split use? Size, Refrigerant, Pressure, Electrical (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dkY0zs7sBQ), 200 Amp Wire Size: Residential Service Guide, Bad GFCI Outlet: 13 Things You Should Know, Microwave Breaker Size: Wire & Outlet for Microwave Ovens, 40 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide, 30 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide, a 2.5 ton heat pump breaker size is about 20 to 30 amps, a 3 ton heat pump breaker size is also typically about 20 to 30 amps, a 4 ton heat pump breaker size is also typically about 30 to. Many thanks for your answer.