2007-07-03 06:54:08 · 8 answers · asked by sara j 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
so i should wire each ac on a separate breaker to be on the safe side right.. with that decided can i use 12 gauge wire with 15 amp breakers?
2007-07-03 07:30:31 · update #1
No, it would not be safe. The idea of a breaker is to protect both the house wiring and the electrical appliance. If the appliance in connected to a circuit that can carry twice its rating it can overheat and start a fire without tripping the breaker. What you propose also does not meet code. Also it is unlikely that the wiring could carry the current demand of both AC's.
You need to add a circuit for the other AC, this is neither difficult nor expensive. Go get the Black and Decker Complete Guide to Home Wiring. It will tell you how to do this with about $50 worth of material.
2007-07-03 07:05:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should open the outlet and use one of those "wire guage" things so you can determine the exact wire size in the outlet. With that you'll know how much current this wire can handle.
if the wire can handle the full load current then increase the breaker 10% higher than is needed - you're allowing for fluctuations in the power & the load.
Personally, I would run two on the same breaker but I would install the outlets and wiring to be sure they are the only thing on that breaker, and to further be certain what size wire is used - so I know the wire can handle the draw.
Remember though, if the two outlets for these ACs are at different locations and they come together in a junction box. Then the juction box is directly off of the breaker.
The only wire that needs to handle both current draws in the stretch from the breaker to the junction box because neither outlet is carrying both loads - each only carries one load. However, one they come together from that point onward is where the two currents are carried and that is the wire that has to be able to handle this, and the breaker, as well.
This Link should help in determining wire size and how much current it can handle safely.
http://www.interfacebus.com/Copper_Wire_AWG_SIze.html
Err on the side of caution !
2007-07-03 07:20:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, don't do it.
.
An AC unit really draws a lot of power when the compressor kicks in, a lot more then when it is running steady.
Two units would over tax not just the circuit breakers but the wiring as well.
Most house wiring is only good for 15 to 20 amps, max.
Unless you have a special line set up, your regular wiring won't hold up and a fire could start inside the walls where you would not see until it's too late.
.
2007-07-03 07:00:42 · answer #3 · answered by MechBob 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not advisable to do that. If they are 110V units the breaker will trip. At most you will have #12 gauge wiring in the walls for a receptacle. That would be rated for 20A max. The breaker should not be larger than 20A rating. That will not support 2 AC units.
You would want 2 circuits either 110 or 220V with their own breaker and they should also be a dedicated circuit. (meaning that is the only plug on that line and nothing else is attached to it.)
2007-07-03 07:06:15 · answer #4 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be safe because when the second unit came on the breaker would kick off. The a/c needs a fifteen amp circuit, so put them on separate breakers. turn the breaker off and plug in a lamp to see which receptacles are on the same breaker.
2007-07-03 07:02:07 · answer #5 · answered by T C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you put them both on the same circuit, it would be ok..PROVIDED...that only one runs at once. If they both try to start at the same time, it will trip the breaker, and if it didn't, the starting load with the voltage drop would kill your AC unit(s) very soon.
Run a 20 amp ckt. to each one. Use 12 guage wire. and enjoy
2007-07-03 09:03:19 · answer #6 · answered by backyard_tire_biter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to look at the amperage of the units.
If you have two units rated for 10A each, you need to have a 20A circuit available - assuming that you have nothing else plugged in on the same circuit.
Don't forget that the starting amperage can be higher than running. This can happen if you have a thermostat setting where the units are starting and stopping. If you are blowing fuses but know that the amperages are ok, they might be trying to come on together.
Hope this helps!
2007-07-03 07:03:24 · answer #7 · answered by canon350ns 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would need to check the amps on the units before using them. Allow for increased amp usage when the units kick on.
2007-07-03 07:00:19 · answer #8 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋