It is also critical to make sure that each indoor unit on a multi-zone system is wired to the same input that its line set is connected to. Typically, you would expect the energy efficiency rating to be between 8 and 12. Pictured is 14 gauge solid wire which will work, but should only be used if stranded wire is unavailable. 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 or 4-gauge copper wire. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Related Article Is Getting A Mini Split Worth The Cost? How many amps does a 15,000 BTU air conditioner use. The voltage will depend on the model type and manufacturer. 3. In that case, then yes, the right breaker size amount has been listed on the data plate. Multi-zone mini splits are used to help heat or cool multiple rooms in your home. Smaller window units can run on 120V, so you could put one on a single-pole breaker using only one of the hot wire slots. 3 How many amps does a 9000 BTU Mini Split draw? Given that information, a single-zone heat pump uses around 15 to 20 amps, while a dual or tri-zone uses 20 to 30 amps or more. You can also peer inside the condenser to see if the reversing valve exists. For one thing, they arent using oil to heat their homes. A split heat pump or air conditioner has two separate electrical circuits, one for the outdoor unit (condenser) and the indoor unit (air handler or furnace). Finally, divide the 10,557 watts by the voltage range of the AC. In the photo example above, electrical requirements for this 3-ton American Standard unit require a minimum amperage rating of 25 Amps. ACiQ's Energy Star multi zone mini split systems are designed to give you maximum efficiency at a lower cost than the Max Heat models. A mini split's power requirements will vary, depending on size. Mini Split Air Conditioner Electricity Requirements. Some manufacturers provide minimum wire and breaker sizes, while others offer the maximum fuse or breaker size you can use. The area I need to cool is around 500 sqft and Im wondering if I should just go with a low voltage system given the small area. Depending on whether you are installing a. , you will have a different number of connections. I thought that I needed 3 insulated wires and a ground??? A standard 15 amp breaker is sufficient for a window air conditioner or heat pump in almost every case. On a 240-volt circuit, the voltage drop should not exceed 3% or about 233 volts. Still, the easiest way to break down these numbers is to determine what type of zone you are using. Example calculations. In general, we can say that mini splits draw anywhere between 2.3 amps and 27.3 amps. Mini-splits have particular power requirements that are dependent on the model and size. Step 2 - Mini-Split Wiring: But what exactly does it mean when an AC unit is one ton, and how does that help choose breaker size? Formula to calculate amps. Hi, Im not an electrician so what to make sure I dont cause an issue. Next, determine how many watts the AC uses by dividing 36,000 BTUs/hour by 3.41 (1 watt = 3.41 BTUs per hour). A 14/4 stranded cable provides two 14-gauge conductor wires for power, one communication wire and one ground wire. How many amps does an 18,000 BTU air conditioner use? It runs on 1,210 watts on 220V and, Senville SENA-48HF-MOQ dual-zone mini split has a combined cooling capacity of 48,000 BTU (4-ton unit). A regular heat pump requires two dedicated branch circuits: the condensing or AC unit and the air handler. 1 How many amps is a 12000 BTU Mini Split? You need to run 14/4 from each indoor unit back to the outdoor unit. Just want to make sure I dont cause an issue by flipping the switch. (an electrical whip is simply a pre-done version of this.). Usually, you can also estimate the SEER rating from the model number. The installation manual will say what is required. 5. However, we can estimate the approximate amperage based on the power (in watts) and the voltage of the unit. When calculating the wire size you need, dont forget to determine the voltage drop and wire capacity. I want to install a mini-split system for cooling in my house to supplement the existing central AC which doesnt work well on the top floor due to a lot of glass and a lot of sunshine. Our electrician says he will install 220v for our 230v/208v mini split. Double-pole circuit breakers often look like two single-pole breakers fused. What If You Dont Use the Correct Size Breaker or Wire? Always check the inside of the wire and not the outside to see past any coating or wrapping. 12,000 BTU/hour can generally cool 500 to 600 square feet. Smaller and more efficient air conditioners require an average of 318 watts per hour. Fortunately, the label includes the maximum breaker size (or it may say max fuse size). My questions is that 20 amp circuit gtoing to power both inside and outside unit or do I have to have two different circuits, one for inside unit and one for outside unit? Simple calculation: 50A115V = 5,750 watts. What is the fastest way to harden salt dough? As circuit breakers age and wear out, the breaker tripping threshold erodes back toward 100% of the breaker amp load and maybe less. A 36000 BTU mini split with an energy efficiency rating of 8 instead of 12 would need 37.5 amps, a much higher draw that would impact your energy bills. Dont forget that in AWG, smaller numbers mean thicker wires. How many amps does a 3 ton mini split use? (8 Differences), Mr Cool DIY 9k, 12k, 18k, 24k, 36k Breaker Sizes, How Many Mini Splits Do You Need? We know that we are running it for 8 hours. There are hundreds of A/C products on the market, and not all of them are worth your time and money. Table: How Many Amps Do Window, Portable, Mini-Split Air Conditioners Draw What size wire do I need for an outside AC unit? From BTU To Electrical Power (Measured In Watts) Firstly, you need to determine the electrical power or watts required. The amperage rating of 24,000 BTU air conditioners falls between the range of 8.4 amps to 12.7 amps. 13.04 - 19.57 Amps From the table above, it's evident that window and portable air conditioners can draw anywhere from 3.52 amps to almost 20 amps. Does front door trim have to match window trim? The above table is by no means a definitive guide to which wire gauge you should use, but it is a good rule of thumb. Check the specs of your mini split. Now that you know a little about measuring air conditioner and heat pump capacity, lets look at the common tonnages for these units and what breaker size each requires.Unit Size (tons)Draw (Amps)BTU/HourCooling Area (sq. While there are small and larger mini-split units, most fall into 1 to 2 tons. Generally speaking, a 12,000 BTU model typically requires around 18. From the compressor to each of the airhandlers I installed a 14-4 soft cable (make sure its not solid wire). Mini-split wires are used to connect the outdoor compressor unit with the indoor evaporator unit, delivering electricity and control signals. I would recommend contacting our sales department at 877-847-0050 for help with your questions. It also calls for 12-3 cables from the outdoor condenser to each unit. Otherwise, the system will not operate correctly. Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier Reviews, 4+6 Best Whole-House Dehumidifiers (Ducted, Portable), 4 Quietest Dehumidifiers (Best Bedroom Dehumidifiers): 52.1 dB Or Lower, How Long Do AC Units Last? To meet the code, you must have a shut-off box at the location of the unit. 1. Should I use a 12/3 or 12/2 romex wire from the panel to the disconnect box? In most cases, its easier to replace a breaker than it is to pull a new wire. The vast majority of mini-split units are 230/208V, but some are 115V. Therefore, there are 5 amperes. Peak wattage varies on factors like the room size youre heating or cooling in cubic feet. Central air conditioners and heat pumps are some of the largest units that youll find in a residential home. Great information but I have a question. For a single mini split, you wont need 200 amps, and you can make do with much less. Below well take a closer look at the different types of ACs, and heat pumps to help you choose the correct breaker and wire size. Many people get these amps confused with battery amps, but they are AC at a higher voltage. When choosing a unit for your home, youll often see ACs and heat pumps ranging from 0.5 tons up to 5 tons, and sometimes even larger. A 10/2 wire has two connectors, the black and white, both hot/lead wires as well as a ground wire. This will impact the amps needed for it to operate. Wire the two hot leads to the fused connections in the box and the ground to the provided connection. Otherwise, the system will not operate correctly. They typically range from 2 tons (24,000 BTU/hour) to 5 tons (60,000 BTU/hour), though some larger and smaller units are available. The formula for amps is simple: Watts / Volts = Amps. Running the air conditioner for one month will cost around $33.60. Now you know these terms, there are two steps to follow to get the amps: 1. 1 How many amps does a 12000 BTU Mini Split? Do you need 200 amp service for a mini split? It will also depend on the voltage requirement of the heat pump. Mini split air conditioners are one of the most effective solutions, but even the best mini splits need to be set up correctly to work. As you can see from the table above, a 12,000 BTU air conditioner can use 1500W (8 EER rating) or 1000W (12 EER rating). You would need one 10/2 wire, an independent breaker, and a disconnect box for each outdoor unit. Given their large current draw and high voltage requirements, central . Example: Suppose you measured 60W and 12V, calculate the amperes. You must follow the manufacturers specific instructions. Wire Size Guide: What Size Wire Do I Need? Watts and voltage are equivalent, so a 2,000-watt mini split using a 220V voltage would use 9.1 Amps. In both calculators, we presume you are using a 220V circuit and 12 EER rated mini split: Here is the 2nd Calculator where you start with the mini split tonnage: Basically, you just input BTU or tons, and you will get the amps such a mini split draws. Now that we have that clarified, follow these steps to wire up your ductless mini split system: Run a 230/208 volt or 115 volts* dedicated line from the main break box to the area where the shut-off box will be installed next to the unit. How Many BTUs Do I Need? 14/3 stranded is hard to fine and expensive. A wire with more electrical current than its rated for will get hot and trigger the breakers thermal switch to trip, even at normal operating ranges. 4. This Friedrich multi-zone unit has connections for 4 units, all of which are numbered for easy cross-referencing to the indoor unit. In most cases, five times the average generated amount is sufficient but refer to your owners manual for specific details regarding your heat pump. So a 14-gauge wire is medium sized, 12-gauge would be a little bigger, and 10-gauge is the biggest wire youre probably going to need for a mini-split. An 18,000 BTU air conditioner is capable of drawing about 8 Amps of power. Unless you are an advanced DIYer with extensive experience in electrical work, we strongly advise you to hire a professional to get the job done. Is it okay to use a mini-split ceiling cassette with a 115V condenser? 5 amps, and a 36,000 BTU model typically requires up to 34. Is 20 to much ? 15 Amp Outlet On 20 Amp Circuit: Can You Do That? If you are like me and despise doing math on your own to find out what breaker size you will need for your heat pump, the first place you want to check out is the data tag. With all electricals, its important to have safeguards in place to prevent your wires from overheating and causing a fire. All Mr Cool Mini Split air conditioners use a 208/230V power supply, so you will need to make sure the output from your power source is compatible. ), Are Mini Splits Worth The Cost (AC Costs Broken Down). The voltage will affect how you install the mini split unit. How Do You Determine The Size Of Circuit Breaker For Mini Splits Using Amps? My house has 120V how to do 230V Please help me. Please help anyone who might know. A volt is the unit of electric potential difference. Everything would be identical, same unit, same location, separate disconnect. To convert amps (electrical current) to watts (electrical power) at a fixed voltage, you can use the equation: watts = amps volts. How many amps does an 18, 000 BTU air conditioner use? That is about 110 to 120 volts on the low end and 208 to 240 volts on the higher end. What size wire do I need for a mini split? How to Market Your Business with Webinars? So, you could get by with a 30 amp breaker. What To Do If AC Keeps Tripping The Breaker, determine the number of watts a mini split uses, Levoit 131 Air Purifier Wont Turn On (Troubleshooting), How To Troubleshoot A Winix Air Purifier (Solved! These are measured in amps and indicate the maximum electric current surge that can be accommodated before they need to break the circuit and shut the device down. This tells us that the hypothetical 24,000 BTU heat pump has a cooling capacity of 2 tons. 2. Because most mini splits operate on a 220V circuit, we have the voltage. It can get confusing if youre not careful because lower gauge wire can handle more power than higher gauge wire. 5. Different-sized heat pumps generally will provide you with varying amounts of amps used. Most manufacturers insert the year in a two-digit form in the serial number. When theres a surge of electricity, they literally break the circuit and switch the devices off.If you have a fuse, you need to replace it, which can be annoying, but if you have a circuit breaker, you just need to flip the fuse box. Typically, you will need between 15 and 45 amps per mini split. AC Size GuideBTU to TonnageSEER to EEREER to SEEREER to COP, Watts to AmpsKilowatts to AmpsKilowatts to BTUKVA to AmpsACH Calculations, My name is Josh and I am obsessed with the HVAC industry. For this, you need to use the following equation: The BTUs of the mini split should be clear when purchasing the unit, and the energy efficiency rating will be included in the specifications. Cooling Capacity . 4 amps, a 24,000 BTU model requires 25. Window units are some of the smallest air conditioners and heat pumps you can buy, excluding portable units. Below, we will go over each of those nine different categories and explain their importance to you and why you would need to have that information on hand in the first place. An ammeter is a measuring instrument used to measure the current in a circuit. If you install a circuit breaker with a lower amperage capacity than your air conditioner or heat pump requires, it can be a massive headache. The second number is the amount of connectors the wire has. It depends on your specific unit. Understanding the intricacies of your HVAC system, the wiring, and the subtle other nuances that make it work can be complicated and far too much work for some people. How many watts does an 18000 BTU AC use? This must be rated for the wire size as well. I got a a romex 10-3 wire between the main panel and a outside fuseless break box. Ft. 750-1000 Sq. Building-Center.org is a good resource for determining the age of your HVAC and other mechanical equipment. For most ductless mini-splits, the right wire is a 14/4 stranded conductor cable. The outdoor unit should specify the MCA (Minimum Circuit Ampacity) and MOCP (Maximum Overcurrent Protection) on its plate. Just like the outdoor unit, the indoor connections must be made in the correct order. A small window unit rated at 5,000 BTUs has a current draw of about 4 to 6 amps. This type of system can require a 30-amp circuit, so you would need 10-guage wire to handle the current. Replacing the breaker can be done relatively quickly. For example, suppose that a units minimum ampacity is 42 amps and its maximum is 60 amps. How many amps does a 12,000 BTU air conditioner use? W2 Wire Thermostat Wiring (2nd Stage), Thermostat Wire Color Codes For 3-8 Wire Thermostats (Color-By-Color), How Many Therms Of Gas Per Month Is Normal? Questions: 1. Yes, the outdoor unit can be installed above the indoor unit. It runs on 960 watts on 220V and, Carrier 40MBFQ24 Performance Series mini split has a cooling capacity of 24,000 BTU (2-ton unit). So, the one 20 amp 240 volt circuit will be all thats need ? Given that information, the main power panel has two separate breakers for the air handler and the other one for the heat pump condenser. There are many variables to consider when choosing a breaker and wiring an air conditioner (AC) in your home. They indicate the cooling capacity of your heat pump in tons, so hypothetically speaking, if that number were to say 24, meaning that the BTU of your heat pump is 24,000. So all the power I need for these units is whay goes to outside unit? The amperage should not be greater than 80% capacity. The number of amps you need will be influenced by the overall BTUs of your mini split and how many zones you want it to cover. Installing ductless mini splits requires a high level of electrical knowledge for the job to be done safely and without harm to yourself or the unit. How many amps does a 18000 BTU Mini Split use? A larger 12,000 BTU unit draws between 9 and 13 amps. The distance from the panel to the outside disconnect box is approximately 70 ft the specs for the unit says 20 Amps max , 220 Volts. ($0.05 $0.22/h), How Much Does 1000 Watts Cost Per Hour? How many amps does a 9000 BTU Mini Split draw? Typically this is in tiny print and can either be the full name or something abbreviated, but you will have some indication as to who made the product here. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! These are usually a heavier gauge and weather sealed. Use 6-gauge aluminum wire or 8-gauge copper wire. Can I run my camper AC on 20 amp? But what about your specific unit and situation? Here you use the basic electrical power equation: P = IV; in unit terms, this is Amps = Watts / Volts. Youd want to remove the thousands portion of the number and remember that every 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity equals precisely 1 ton. However, Id still recommend the 8-gauge wire. The average labor cost to install ductless air conditioning is $500 to $2,000.Dec 7, 2020 READ How much does a skip tracer make? If either of the hot wires causes the circuit to trip, both switch off. Can you run the wires from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit in the same conduit on a commercial job without causing any problems as long as all the wires are rated the same voltage. There is one value that is missing from the question is voltage. Outside The Box 1.16K subscribers Subscribe 29K views 4 years ago in this video , we use a power consumption meter to measure. . It runs on 2,090 watts on 230V and. In this part of the label, you get told just how many amps will be pulled when you initially start your compressors motor. The breaker panel needs to be sized correctly. When wiring them, its crucially important to get things right for safety reasons and to reduce the number of electrical problems youll have down the road. The 24kBTU unit has an MCA of 15, so you'd need a circuit capable of supplying at least 15A. Most mini splits only require power to the outdoor unit. Make sure to write down which wire color is connected to which number. So a 10-2 outdoor cable, is that for each disconnect box or is the one cable enough to power both systems? 14 Culprits To Check For Now, MMBTU To MMSCFD Calculator For Natural Gas + Chart, 8 Best Infrared Heaters For Indoors, Patios, Garages (With ECO Thermostats), AGM Battery Voltage Charts: 12V, 24V Deep Cycle Battery Voltage, Lead-Acid Battery Voltage Chart For 6V, 12V, 24V, 48V Batteries, Natural Gas MMSCFD To MMBTU/Day Calculator + Chart, Mitsubishi MZ-HM12NA mini split has a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU (1-ton unit). As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Mini-Split Heat Pumps and Electricity Bills. Its not all that easy to figure out exactly how many amps does a mini split use. Is this accurate? Recommend / must use a GFCI at the main breaker? Were here to break down why and to help you choose the unit that will best fit your budget, room size and needs. It is essential to know how many breakers you will need for a split heat pump or central AC in the first place. Total Home Supply offer, Honeywell 14/4 Mini Split wire in 50 ft and 250 ft rolls. If you have a 2.5 ton or 2 ton AC, you must perform the same . What do 10/2 and 10/3 wire numbers mean? How many amps is a 12000 BTU Mini Split? Now that the house and the bonus room are complete I checked and the builder only ran a 12-2 wire (2 insulated wires and a bare ground). Ready for the next step? We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. On the smaller side of practical knowledge, but it is readily available as well, this line indicates whether or not your pump is using the old R-22 refrigerant, which is slowly pulled from circulation, or the newer, industry-standard R-410A. You can also throw unnecessary costs into the equation even more to the point. Some smaller capacity units only require 110/120 volts. Ft . From figuring out the difference between 10/2 or 10/3 wires to the nitty-gritty of the wiring and installation of your mini split, we hope to have resolved your electrical wiring concerns. 15 amps 120 volts = 1800 watts; 20 amps 120 volts = 2400 watts 10 review (s) $1,540.00 Description DIY Installation: Easy & Affordable Heating & Cooling Perfect for additions, workshops, garages, sunrooms, or other spaces without ductwork, the 12,000 BTU MRCOOL DIY mini split provides efficient heating and cooling without needing professional installation. The higher the BTU, the greater the coverage and the more amps needed. It may be worth investing in a lock for your disconnect switch. We are going to show you how to answer questions like these quite easily. If you have an amplfier using 1600W of power on a 120v circuit, you can use the equation Current (Amps) = Power (Watts) Voltage to calculate that the draw of the amplifier is 1600 / 120 = 13.3 amps. Most mini splits need a 14-gauge wire with a dedicated ground between the indoor and outdoor units. Smaller mini-splits with only nine to 12k BTUs may need 110-volt service, while most of the larger . Tankless Water Heater Breaker Size Calculator: What Size Breaker? They use 220 volts capacity to deliver between 1,848 and 2,823 watts of current. 2 0.08 ton = 1,000 BTU/hr = 293.07 Watts 3 BTU and tons are often used interchangeably. How many amps does a 24000 BTU Mini Split use? 3. Hopefully, this article has given you a helpful overview, and you have a better understanding of how many amps a mini split will use. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Most brands require 14/4. A double-pole breaker has two hot wires with one neutral wire. Hello. Since tags provide a lot of information, you may be wondering if the breaker size is on it in the first place. We have two Mitsubishi Mr. Central air conditioning requires between 208 and 240 volts to operate and draws between 15 and 60 amps depending on the size. Anything that runs on amps must have a circuit to prevent amp overload. Still, it gets much easier when you understand that most of it arent intended for your typical homeowner to grasp. 2 How many amps does a 18000 BTU Mini Split use? Next, we will discuss the max breaker size for a heat pump or air conditioning unit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); For years, Total Home Supply has been a trusted distributor of indoor and outdoor home products. Using a 30-amp breaker, 80% of the amps are 24 running amps. I have spent thousands of hours studying air conditioners, heaters and home air products so you can learn & buy with confidence. For that reason, we do not recommend homeowners try to install the unit themselves. Here is an example: Let's say that we have a 21,000 BTU 14 SEER mini split. Voltage or volts is another measurement of electrical charge, but where amps measure the volume of electrons, volts measure the pressure that allows amps to flow. Advertisement Central air conditioning requires between 208 and 240 volts to operate and draws between 15 and 60 amps depending on the size. How far can you run the condensing lines from the outside unit to the inside unit ? Generally, most systems need 220 volts or higher, but a few of the 9k to 12k systems may only need a 110-volt service. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Heat pumps run on electricity, while traditional heaters run on gas. To help you out, we have calculate how many amps different BTU and different ton mini splits draw: Example: One of the most common questions is how many amps does a 12,000 BTU mini split operates at. A small window unit rated at 5,000 BTUs has a current draw of about 4 to 6 amps. (120 or 240V) Usually, you can also estimate the SEER rating from the model number. On average an air conditioner uses this much Amps: A 5,000 BTU AC unit uses: 3.62 to 5.43 Amps; An 8,000 BTU AC unit uses: 5.80 to 8.70 Amps; to 10.87 Amp; A 12,000 BTU AC unit uses: 8.70 . Furthermore, we have provided tonnage table charts below if you are a visual person and need a better reference. Just check the table and you will see that a 3-ton mini split uses an estimated 13.6 amps. One thing to remember is BTU / ((SEER*0.875) x Volt) = Amps.AC Capacity (Ton)BTUAmps112,0003.731.518,0005.59224,0007.452.530,0009.32336,00011.183.542,00013.04448,00014.91560,00018.63. This is the smallest 6,000 BTU vs the biggest 6-ton mini split. You need to make sure you have the right size circuit breaker for mini splits. The ES-55Z-M5/ACIQ-12CC-H 55,000 BTU 21.3 SEER2 ACiQ 3-Zone Ceiling Cassette Mini Split System - 12+18+24 | HVACDirect.com It will tell you what size breaker is required. Any suggestions are welcome. Some manufacturers include this for both US and Canada. (Specs Comparison). This information will be available in the specifications. (Window, Portable, Mini-Split, Central), Senville Mini Split Reviews: Best 4 Units Compared & Rated, Ductless Mini Split Vs Central Air AC: Which Is Better? How many amps does a 2 ton mini split use? Running Load Amperage, or RLA for Short. It sounds like someone flipped the switch on you. Every unit will list its amp draw and the wire choice will vary based on that. The first number is the thickness in AWG (American wire gauge). Mini-split air conditioners and heat pumps come in various sizes, but you can generally find units between 1 ton (12,000 BTU/hour) and 2 tons (24,000 BTU/hour). 3 What size breaker do I need for a mini split? One watt is equal . It's going to completely depend on the unit that's being installed, but commonly it'll be 30-60 amp with 10-4 AWG wire. What is straw bale construction used for? This Friedrich multi-zone unit has connections for 4 units, all of which are numbered for easy cross-referencing to the indoor unit. Getting 240V to the location is not easy and looks like it is going to be expensive due to the existing wiring. Most central units run on 220V or the equivalent. NOTE: These instructions are in regards to electrical specifications only, and do not include line set installation or refrigerant set-up. How many amps does a 3 ton mini split use? Since Im not an electrician, if my unit didnt work when the switch was in and by turning it upside down and now it works, would this cause an electrical issue? Answer (1 of 4): The number of amps an 18,000 BTU air conditioner uses depends on its voltage and efficiency. Depending on code in your area, you should not need to run the wire through conduit unless this is a commercial installation. Every home has the option of using 208/230 volt. If you are lucky enough to have a heat pump with just such a label, count yourself lucky. He says 220 and 230 are the same. Make sure to write down which wire color is connected to which number. So would that be the only way the unit didnt turn onsomeone had to have flipped the breaker? The watt (W) is a unit of power. If you ever feel overwhelmed or out of depth, consider consulting a professional for more in-depth guidance. Window air conditioners and heat pumps are incredibly portable, easy to install, and energy-efficient, so its no surprise they are very popular. How many amps does a 12000 BTU Mini Split? For example, suppose you have a relatively large heat pump with 24,000 BTU, yet your wire is only a 12 gauge. The exact details of a connection like this are specific to your unit. Connect the 3 main wires along with the ground to their respective terminals. You can often find exact requirements for breaker size printed on your mini-split compressor unit. Pictured is a 14 gauge solid wire which will work but should only be used if the stranded wire is unavailable. If you have your average 240 volts 2 kW air handler, you will need a 30 amp breaker and a #10 electrical wire. There are equations to work this out, but for air conditioners, its a bit too complicated. From wattage, we can calculate the amps using the basic electrical power equation: I = P / V or (in units) Amps = Watts / Voltage. Still, some manufacturers use letters and numbers instead. The indoor units receive power from the outdoor unit. Depending on whether you are installing a single zone or a multi-zone unit, you will have a different number of connections. The main electric panel contains two different amp breakers; one for the indoor unit and the other for the heat pump condenser or air conditioner.