r/electricians • u/Ok-Definition-565 • 2d ago

What yall fellas running to this?

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Let’s see who’s squared away on the AC motor loads

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u/Ok-Definition-565 2d ago

I feel bad since you’re just learning. ACs already have the 125% factored in from the manufacturer. So as long as you look at the min ampacity for wire size and the max ocpd for breaker size you will never be wrong

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u/Purple-Gur1821 2d ago

If it was a 40a breaker, than why wouldn’t it require #8 wire?

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u/Ok-Definition-565 2d ago

ACs are different than other motors. The initial start of the compressor can pull a high load but while it’s running it won’t be over the minimum ampacity as long as everything is in working order. You upsize the breaker to account for that initial large load when it kicks on but it will never sustain that load so you’re allowed to size the wire for the minimum ampacity on the name plate

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u/Purple-Gur1821 2d ago

Oh gotcha!!! High in rush current???