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+-- Thread: representative wiring requirements for heat/cool minisplit? (/showthread.php?tid=7331437)
representative wiring requirements for heat/cool minisplit? - EricU - 07-03-2017
I'm in the early stages of converting to minisplits for heating and cooling the house replacing radiant electric ceiling heat. My friend the HVAC engineer thinks I should keep the radiant heat as a backup, so that doesn't help my very full electric panel at all. I suppose I could have it rewired to use a subpanel that I could shut off when the minisplit(s) are working.
But if anyone has had a minisplit put in, what were the electrical requirements? I had a heater in the basement that I decommisioned, so the wiring for that is in a convenient place. But I was curious if it has high enough ampacity for the outside unit of a minisplit. That would be really convenient.
RE: representative wiring requirements for heat/cool minisplit? - blackhat - 07-03-2017
I've installed dozens. Some were 20 amp @240, some were less, some were more. What size units and how many heads are being run off it. Most use one power supply outside and a multi wire cable powers and communicates with the head(s).
RE: representative wiring requirements for heat/cool minisplit? - EricU - 07-03-2017
I think the current wiring is 20 amps, gotta check. It would be nice if it was 30 amps. I have a sub panel in the basement that can probably handle a couple of 30 amp loads, but I would like to use the existing wiring
RE: representative wiring requirements for heat/cool minisplit? - daddo - 07-04-2017
My last 2 ton mini heat pump (no strips) was a 15 amp circuit.
RE: representative wiring requirements for heat/cool minisplit? - EricU - 07-04-2017
I guess the inside units must pull a lot more if they have backup electric resistance heat. I think I'm going to end up putting the current heat on a subpanel, assuming they will let me.
RE: representative wiring requirements for heat/cool minisplit? - rwe2156 - 07-06-2017
Call an electrician.
RE: representative wiring requirements for heat/cool minisplit? - EricU - 07-06-2017
I might call an electrician, but this wouldn't be my first subpanel.