This new expansion extends to hardwired equipment as well, except for snow-melting equipment and lighting outlets. This means that the condenser unit for an air conditioner needs to be GFCI protected, too.

Do you need a GFCI breaker for an air conditioner?

GFCI protection is required for each HVAC unit rated more than 50 amperes. GFCI protection is never required for an outlet supplying an HVAC unit.

Does a mini split need to be GFCI protected?





For the 2020 NEC, all outdoor outlets for dwelling units (with exceptions) that are supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less, will be required to be GFCI protected.

What size breaker do I need for AC condenser?

AC Breaker Sizes Chart (For 1.5-Ton To 5-Ton Units)

Air Conditioner Tonnage: Max. Wattage (At 10 EER): Min. Breaker Size
2 Ton 2,400 Watts 15 Amp Breaker
2.5 Ton 3,000 Watts 20 Amp Breaker
3 Ton 3,600 Watts 25 Amp Breaker
3.5 Ton 4,200 Watts 25 Amp Breaker

Do 220v circuits require GFCI?

Where GFCIs Are Required. GFCI protection is required for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.

What type of breaker is needed for mini split?

You need a minimum 25 amp breaker for mini split systems up to 24,000 BTU/2 tons. A 30 amp breaker is sufficient for 36,000 BTU/3 ton systems, and a 50 amp breaker meets requirements for larger units to 60,000 BTU/5 tons. All the details follow.

Does a mini split need AFCI breaker?





CAFCI protection is also required for kitchens. If mini-split AC or heat pumps are used, CAFCI breaker protection is required, as there is an outlet inside the living area.

Where are GFCI breakers required 2020?

The NEC mandates GFCI protection in many areas of the home: bathrooms, garages, outdoor receptacles, crawl spaces, basements, kitchens and anything within six feet of a sink or water source. While that may seem like a lot, the entirety of a home is not covered.

Which location is not required to be GFCI protected?

GFCI protection is not required for receptacles that are not readily accessible, such as a ceiling-mounted receptacle for a garage door opener. Nor are they required for a receptacle on a dedicated branch circuit located and identified for a cord-and-plug-connected appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer.

Can 220 be GFCI protected?

The 220 outlet is a dedicated outlet not a duplex outlet and it doesn’t serve a countertop space. It is not required to GFCI protected.

Does a mini split need a double pole breaker?



A 25 amp circuit breaker is the correct size for a 24,000 BTU mini split. Using a 30-amp breaker is fine too.
220V Mini Split Breaker Size.

220V Mini Split Breaker Size
30000 BTU 30 Amp
36000 BTU 30 Amp

Does a mini split need a dedicated circuit?

You might be wondering, “Do I really need a disconnect?” All mini split systems require a dedicated circuit to supply power to the system. A disconnect box is required by code to be installed near the outdoor unit and allows for a technician to shut off power to the system when performing any service or repairs.

What size breaker do I need for a 3 ton AC unit?

For a standard 3-ton residential air conditioner or heat pump, you’ll need a 20 amp breaker with 12-gauge wire. 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 wire or 4-gauge copper wire.

How many amps does a 3 ton central AC draw?



Your central air conditioner or heat pump uses 3 to 21 amps based on its size and efficiency. A 3 ton AC in the SEER range from 14 to 24 SEER will use 7.5 to 12.3 amps.

How many amps does an AC condenser use?

Central air conditioning units require 208/240 volts. They must be hard wired and have a dedicated circuit. Units require anywhere from 15-60 amps depending on how many tons they are.

How many amps does a 3 ton mini split use?

You can calculate the amps if you know the cooling capacity (BTUs or tons). Here we will have to presume the EER rating to do this but you can easily calculate amps for 9,000 BTU, 12,000 BTU, 18,000 BTU, 2-ton, 3-ton mini split and so on. Example: An average 3-ton mini splits on 220V circuit will draw about 13.6 amps.