#2 ton package central unit how to#

AC Size BTU American Wire Gauge (AWG) Size Breaker Size 1 ton 12,000 14 gauge 15 amp 1.5 ton 18,000 12 gauge 20 amp 2 ton 24,000 10 gauge 25-30 amp 3 ton 36,000 8 gauge 30-40 amp 4 ton 48,000 6 gauge 50-60 amp 5 ton 60,000 4 gauge 60-70 amp 6 ton 72,000 2 gauge 80-90 amp 7 ton 84,000 1 gauge 100-125 amp Breaker sizes and wire gauges vary depending on the manufacturer and model. The outdoor unit should specify the MCA (Minimum Circuit Ampacity) and MOCP (Maximum Overcurrent Protection) on its plate. The minimum ampacity helps determine the minimum gauge wire you need to use.įurthermore, we have provided tonnage table charts below if you are a visual person and need a better reference. Wire gauges are measured in diameter based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) chart. If you have your average 240 volts 2 kW air handler, you will need a 30 amp breaker and a #10 electrical wire. Let us say you have a 2-ton heat pump at home. That information also provides you with the maximum overcurrent protection or MOP rating. In return, it makes it much easier to determine what size breaker you need.

#2 ton package central unit how to#

If you are still unsure how to follow this guide, you can quickly look at the nameplate data on the outdoor unit. Not only that, but the amount of voltage the heat pump needs also determines the size of the breaker. What Wire Size and Breaker for Heat Pump? (Tonnage Chart)ĭepending on the size wire, you’ll need to find the breaker’s size, which gives you the specific rating. Given that information, the main power panel has two separate breakers for the air handler and the other one for the heat pump condenser. A regular heat pump requires two dedicated branch circuits: the condensing or AC unit and the air handler.

It is essential to know how many breakers you will need for a split heat pump or central AC in the first place. Keep reading to find out more information and what wire and breaker sizes are needed for your central cooling system.