What size wiring is required for 240 volt air conditioner?

Answer 1

It depends on the size and efficiency of the unit. Look on the service plate on the unit. It's a sticker the manufacturer puts on. It will have the model and serial number and a max fuse/breaker rating. This will tell you what breaker can be used with that specific unit.

Answer 2

A #8 copper conductor with an insulation factor from 75 to 90 degrees C is rated at 45 amps.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

Answer 3

Wire and breakers are sized by the connected load of the air conditioner. This load amperage can be found on the nameplate of the air conditioner. Usually if the manual for the conditioner can be found there is a chart that recommends what the wire size and breaker size should be for that particular model that is getting connected. The load having a motor connected, will have a larger than normal breaker than what is usually recommended for the particular wire size.

Answer 4

The sizing of the wire and the breaker to protect the wire is dependant upon the amperage draw of the A/C unit.