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Understanding Air Conditioning Circuit Requirements

Electrical Troubleshooting tips for an Air Conditioner: I need a 2 pole 20 amp breaker for my panel box, It is for the wire to my air conditioning unit. The specs are rated voltage…


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The Air Conditioner Specifications Tell It All
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I need a 2 pole 20 amp breaker for my panel box. It is for the wire to my air conditioning unit. The specs are rated voltage 208/230 phase 1 hertz 60 voltage min 197 max 253. Minimum circuit ampacity 18.9.max. Fuse or circuit breaker 30 amps. I was told that on the 12/2 wire I need a 20 amp breaker, but in looking at different 20 amp breakers I see also other nos. as q22o etc. Can you please tell me what is the proper breaker for me to use. Thank you.

This electrical question came from: Kevin, a Homeowner from Canada

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repair question Kevin.

The Following  will assist you with your Electrical Troubleshooting Question:

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House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

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Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

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Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

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Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Understanding Air Conditioning Circuit Requirements”
  1. don says:

    What size wire and breaker do I run use for a Fridgare 18000 btu window unit 230 volts 12 amp?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Don,
    The specifications for your 18000BTU AC unit is helpful, however the size of the circuit for this particular AC unit would be indicated by the size of the male plug-in on the end of the cord. The plug will also show how many wires are required for the circuit, for example 4 prongs would indicate a 3-wire circuit with a ground wire. The circuit specifications of the AC cord should be visible in the molding of the face of the plug. Note also the configuration of the plug prongs which will indicate the receptacle outlet counterpart that is required.
    If the plug indicates that it is rated for 20 amps then a dedicated 20 amp circuit will be required consisting of #12 copper wire and a 2-pole 20 amp circuit breaker.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave