Installing a NEW AC disconnect

[@kurtreid365wellness]

Thanks exactly the video I was looking for

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

Thank you for the kind words. You’re the reason why I do these videos. 👍

[@izzy3355]

Great info and easy to follow...looking forward to seeing more great videos from an actual electrician. New subbie!

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

Thank you for watching and following newbie subbie.

[@ApexHelicopters]

Do you not need to seal the wires coming through the hardy to prevent water from running into the wall?

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

That would be correct. Did I miss that?? 😳

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

The minimum circuit ampacity is 35. Therefore, #10 AWG is not large enough to carry the full 35 amps. # 8 AWG is more expensive but is the right size conductor for this application. The maximum overcurrent device (circuit breaker) is 50 and should be sized accordingly. Obviously, the HVAC guy gave you bad information.

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

Hey electrical, Ron, good feedback. The nameplate I used was off of a four head mini split that was existing on the house . 100% that is 35 A minimum circuit ampacity. I didn’t yet have the new mini split unit for the addition which was about half the size of the existing one. Now installed I should post what that nameplate was and I’m sure the number 10 wire has plenty of ampacity for it. It wasn’t clear in the video that the nameplate I was looking at was the existing unit not the one I was wiring for. I only use that nameplate because I didn’t have the new AC unit nameplate yet . But good and I appreciate you and the feedback!! 🙂

[@seanstrickley3992]

@electricalron love your videos man your awesome

[@seanstrickley3992]

When sizing the feeders don't you want to derate at .80? Or am I thinking of another formula?

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

@seanstrickley3992 thanks for the kind words 🙏👍

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

@seanstrickley3992 you might be thinking of a continuous load. Maybe thinking of something like an EV charger that will be running continuously more than three hours. Typically, an air conditioner won’t be running for three hours. It will cycle on and off.

[@carlosh448]

Is the disconnect breaker it’s compatible with aluminum-copper ? I have 19702 home that need disconnect on my water heater ?

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

Here is what I found off of the home depot link to this item: Highlights - Used to disconnect power from an air conditioning unit - Features a metallic enclosure for outdoor use - Puller type with no fuse - Compatible with copper or aluminum lug wire range 14-3 - ANSI certified and UL listed I would imagine it's good for aluminum or copper as stated above. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@carlosh448]

@@YourFloridaElectrician thanks for the reply ! so the aluminum is 8 Awg and copper load to the water heater need 10 awg to connect the disconnect. my question the size the awg difference would compromise to a hazard situation.

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

@carlosh448 the wire sizes for which you speak according to the manufacturer they accept aluminum between 12 to 2 awg and copper between 14 to 2. You will be fine . You can find this information on the link to the item in the description.

[@billsmith9249]

the aluminum would need to be bigger (look at a aluminum/copper chart). Also, if using aluminum, you should coat the wires with Noalox (anti-oxident)

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

I would never recommend using aluminum over copper except for service conductors.

[@Cigarcyclist4541]

Good way to show folks what not to do.. 10 awg is only rated to 30 amps and the 10/2 romex doesn't have the 2 hots needed for the a/c, since you can not phase tape 10awg...

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

The name plate on this new AC unit states Min ampacity is 23.9 Amps. Good to go luckily. I’ve seen 10-2 used for years and years on water heaters. Not allowed to phase number 10 doesn’t stop that it happens. At least it’s identified correctly. Thanks for watching and commenting . 👍

[@Cigarcyclist4541]

@YourFloridaElectrician you're right it doesn't stop that it happens but when you teach people the wrong way to do something thats just unprofessional. As a master electrician, I teach my apprentices not to take shortcuts like this as it will bite you in the end, or someone else...

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

Your recommendation for wiring this same circuit? 10-3 so you have a red wire that doesn’t need phasing for 6” on each end at a great additional expense? Not to mention a neutral wire that will not be used.

[@Cigarcyclist4541]

@YourFloridaElectrician WOW... You really are a hack, you're talking about skimping on code and safety to save a few dollars, how about you bid it correctly, install it correctly and pass inspection. So YOU are putting the customer at risk to put a couple extra dollars in your pocket. What a joke. And yes, if the load is rated at 30 amps or less, I would use 10/3, since thats code.... And not all AHJs are the same that crap might fly where you are but someone watching may install how you show and when the inspector fails them they are now out even more money...

[@YourFloridaElectrician]

Done 100’s of houses and it never failed. Some violations are critical and could burn down a house. But phasing a wire will not. The electricity does care what color the insulation is. There is no danger installation here. So where do you perform your inspections? God help them.