EC&M Tech Talk — Tips for Installation of Air Conditioning and Refrigerating Equipment
In this EC&M Tech Talk, Randy Barnett reviews the NEC rules for air conditioning and refrigeration equipment found in Art. 440. Fortunately, in the typical installation, the rules become simple to follow. Details are found in the article, but the nameplate on the equipment that houses the hermetic refrigeration compressor answers the basic questions about sizing conductors and overcurrent protection. The video explains how a 35A circuit breaker can protect 12 AWG conductors by explaining the difference between short circuit and ground fault protection, and overload protection.
If your interest is learning air conditioning installation, it is recommended to open your code book to Art. 440 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment, highlight, and take notes. Pay special attention to the nameplate information as it will most often simplify the rules.
About the Author
Randy Barnett
CESCP
Randy Barnett is a master electrician, ICC Commercial Electrical Inspector, NFPA-certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional and has worked as an electrician and technician in nuclear and coal-fired power plants, government nuclear research facilities, and in industrial maintenance and construction. He is the author of Commercial and Industrial Wiring – American Technical Publishers, numerous articles, and the producer of a monthly Tech Talk video series for EC&M Magazine. Randy provides training and program development services for clients such as, NTT Training, ABB, American Polywater, Socomec, and Schneider Electric. Randy can be reached at www.randybarnett.net.