Breakers trip at around 125% of the amperage, so why is wire size such a big deal? This tells us that the hypothetical 24,000 BTU heat pump has a cooling capacity of 2 tons. 8 What kind of wire to use for mini split? Step 2 - Mini-Split Wiring: Peak loads could lead to even higher wattages. How Do You Determine The Size Of Circuit Breaker For Mini Splits Using Amps? On the other hand, a heat pump will draw much less, somewhere between 8 and 24 amps depending on the system size. How many amps does a 24 000 BTU Mini Split use? Bringing things full circle, we come to the last bit of info required, and sometimes the easiest to establish, just who built the product you are looking at. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. 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? Question is, would i have to pass all 4 12-2 wires through conduit into soffit and then unto rest of the house? Generally, most systems need 220 volts or higher, but a few of the 9k to 12k systems may only need a 110-volt service. Questions: 1. 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). One should follow name plate data on the side of the outdoor unit itself. Larger mini-split systems and central air conditioners or heat pumps utilize much larger breakers, so make sure to use an appropriately smaller wire gauge. Most central units run on 220V or the equivalent. This type of system can require a 30-amp circuit, so you would need 10-guage wire to handle the current. 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. 4 How many amps does it take to run a mini split? Total Home Supply offer Honeywell 14/4 Mini Split wire in 50 ft and 250 ft rolls. 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. For a standard 3-ton residential air conditioner or heat pump, youll need a 20 amp breaker with 12-gauge wire. When installing a mini-split air conditioner, its vital to choose cable thats large enough to handle the current your system requires. Most brands require 14/4. This Friedrich multi-zone unit has connections for 4 units, all of which are numbered for easy cross-referencing to the indoor unit. The 24kBTU unit has an MCA of 15, so you'd need a circuit capable of supplying at least 15A. For that reason, we do not recommend homeowners try to install the unit themselves. 4 amps, a 24,000 BTU model requires 25. Choosing the correct wire gauge for the power going to your air conditioner or heat pump is crucial. Connect the 3 main wires along with the ground to their respective terminals. It's rather hard to get the wattage, however. Single zone mini splits cover a single room or area in your home. Mini-split wires are used to connect the outdoor compressor unit with the indoor evaporator unit, delivering electricity and control signals. What size break will I need on my 10-2 wire for a 230V mini split. Is it ok to run 12/3 solid core wire with a double pole 15 amp from the breaker box to the disconnect, then run 14/3 stranded from the disconnect to outside and inside unit. This information will be available in the specifications. (Tonnage Chart). Generally speaking, a 12,000 BTU model typically requires around 18. Using a lower gauge wire over a higher one is better because it can handle more current than necessary and keeps things running smoothly. (an electrical whip is simply a pre-done version of this.). Mount the shut-off box on the outside wall and connect the wires from the break box. 3. The voltage will affect how you install the mini split unit. ), OK to run 4 on a single run of 14/2 wire ? Usually, you can also estimate the SEER rating from the model number. Next, we will discuss the max breaker size for a heat pump or air conditioning unit. Using a higher amp breaker than the recommended size can cause serious problems. However, Id still recommend the 8-gauge wire. 6 amps. Ways To Check The Amps A Mini Split AC Draws, How To Calculate The Number Of Amps Your Mini Split Needs. Watts and voltage are equivalent, so a 2,000-watt mini split using a 220V voltage would use 9.1 Amps. Depending on the distance from the panel to the unit you would want to use 10/2. In that case, then yes, the right breaker size amount has been listed on the data plate. The system i have is 18000 btu heat and AC. Depending on whether you are installing a. , you will have a different number of connections. 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. If the units are co-located and serviced by the same disconnect, cant you run a single 40A , 10 AWG circuit to the disconnect? I am installing an 18000 BTU Mitsubishi mini split in the room above my garage. What size breaker do I need for a 27000 BTU Mini Split? The second number is the amount of connectors the wire has. Some smaller capacity units only require 110/120 volts. 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. Youd want to remove the thousands portion of the number and remember that every 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity equals precisely 1 ton. Here is how we calculate the amps required to power the unit: I (in Amps) = 5,000 BTU / (10 x 115V) = 4.35 Amps How many watts is a ton of BTU? Let us break it down for you before we go any further. For example, if a units power needs require you to use an 8-gauge wire, but instead, you use a 12-gauge wire, it can cause severe problems. For these, we have assumed a voltage of 115 and an energy efficiency rating of 12, but this will obviously depend on your individual unit. Based on this principle, we can calculate how many amps do different sizes of mini splits use: Here are two calculators. 3 Ton Quad-Zone Mini Split AC Heat Pump: With a 36000 BTU total Cooling-Heating Capacity, this ductless split system can cool and heat 4 separate 350 sq.3 TON Quad-Zone AC Heat Pump (9k x 4). A ductless mini-split installation costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average. You cannot connect a 220 volt product to a 110 volt power supply. 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. Contact an electrician for more details. Otherwise, the system will not operate correctly. The electric current is measured in amps. 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). 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. 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? For example, the same mini split system may run at 2,050 watts for peak cooling and 2,390 watts for peak heating. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A mini split's power requirements will vary, depending on size. ), Are Mini Splits Worth The Cost (AC Costs Broken Down). For example, if you have a 4160-watt appliance and it is running on a208 volt circuit, then the formula would be 4160 watts / 208 volts = 20 amps. How Many Amps Does a Heat Pump or AC Use? 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. 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. Hi, Im not an electrician so what to make sure I dont cause an issue. It will be different for every make and model, too, with Daikin mini splits generally needing less than Mitsubishi. Hi, I am installing a Split Duct unit in my house can I install the outdoor unit on the exterior wall above the height of the indoor unit ? Furthermore, we have provided tonnage table charts below if you are a visual person and need a better reference. Still, it gets much easier when you understand that most of it arent intended for your typical homeowner to grasp. If youre ever unsure, avoid caution and use a larger wire gauge than you think you need to be on the safe side. How many watts does an 18000 BTU AC use? A 12,000 BTU air conditioner costs an average of $0.14 per hour to run. I got 1 20 amp circuit in the main panel. Not only that, but the amount of voltage the heat pump needs also determines the size of the breaker. 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? Pictured is 14 gauge solid wire which will work, but should only be used if stranded wire is unavailable. air). Small mini-split systems and window units often require a 15 amp breaker, so a 12-gauge aluminum wire or a 14-gauge copper wire is usually suitable. The wire size is essential because an overload can occur if it is not sized appropriately. Depending on whether you are installing a single zone or a multi-zone unit, you will have a different number of connections. Running Load Amperage, or RLA for Short. The model number allows us to glean the cooling capacity of this particular heat pump by using two specific numbers located in the middle of this string of numbers. Namely, EER rating is defined as: As you can see, we have wattage there. It may even be written on the unit itself. I have 10-2 w/gnd wired to outdoor disconnect box, which means I would wire the whips ground and neutral to the supply ground wire in the disconnect box. Therefore, there are 5 amperes. My house has 120V how to do 230V Please help me. So, the one 20 amp 240 volt circuit will be all thats need ? I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. The exact breaker size you need primarily depends on your air conditioner, so check the requirements usually printed on the compressor unit or consult the table above. I noticed at the shut off/disconnect box, the downstairs unit on/off switch setting was different from my unit. Here your labeling will tell you whether or not the unit you are looking at is an AC, or its slightly more energy-efficient cousin, the heat pump. How many amps does an 18,000 BTU air conditioner use? The exact amount of amps a 36000 BTU mini split uses depends on the model of mini split and the voltage, as different models and different voltages may require different amounts of amps. A surge protector can also be used to help protect the . Just want to make sure I dont cause an issue by flipping the switch. What kind of wire do I need for a mini split? How many Watts Does a mini split system use? Click to see full answer Similarly, you may ask, how many amps does a heat pump use? How to Market Your Business with Webinars. You need to make sure you have the right size circuit breaker for mini splits. When your manufacturer makes the heat pump, it can very well be handed to you on a silver platter without going through the tedious process of decoding those two seemingly random numbers in the serial number we discussed. Based on the above chart, this 3-ton air conditioner unit requires an 8-gauge wire and a maximum size of 35 amp circuit breaker. How do you take care of a dwarf lilac bush? Typically, you will need between 15 and 45 amps per mini split. It depends on your specific unit. One watt is equal . This makes it essential that you have the right power going to the device. How Much Does 500 Watts Cost Per Hour? The outdoor unit should specify the MCA (Minimum Circuit Ampacity) and MOCP (Maximum Overcurrent Protection) on its plate. You determine the number of watts a mini split uses by multiplying these two factors together. I need a dual zone mini split unit the is only 115 volts. When mounting into a hard ceiling do you typically mount to the joists or suspend from the roof rafters? It is essential to know how many breakers you will need for a split heat pump or central AC in the first place. air), Sensible Heat (BTU/hr) = 1.1 x CFM x t (std. . Im installing 2 multi split system in my house. Tankless Water Heater Wire Size Calculator: What Gauge Wire (AWG)? Do AC Units & Heat Pumps Need 240 Volt Breakers? 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. No votes so far! Yes, the outdoor unit can be installed above the indoor unit. A typical central air conditioner or heat pump needs a breaker between 15 to 60 amps. A 14/4 stranded cable provides two 14-gauge conductor wires for power, one communication wire and one ground wire. Getting 240V to the location is not easy and looks like it is going to be expensive due to the existing wiring. There are three main types of air conditioners and heat pumps used in residential buildings: Each air conditioner type has different power requirements. But what about your specific unit and situation? The 2 Ton or 24000 BTU Air conditioners use 15 Amps to work. In the 2nd, you can insert mini split tons (Example: 2 tons), and you will get the amps. Formula to calculate amps. A small window unit rated at 5,000 BTUs has a current draw of about 4 to 6 amps. 230v is available there. If you have a 2.5 ton or 2 ton AC, you must perform the same . 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. In most cases, its easier to replace a breaker than it is to pull a new wire. )? I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. As circuit breakers age and wear out, the breaker tripping threshold erodes back toward 100% of the breaker amp load and maybe less. The condenser requires a 30 amp breaker. Regarding heat, one ton equals 11,917 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour, often rounded to 12,000 BTU/hour. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Still, some manufacturers use letters and numbers instead. From the compressor to each of the airhandlers I installed a 14-4 soft cable (make sure its not solid wire). Depending on the BTU capacity amp requirements can range from 15 to 45 amps. We use it to cool our hours for 8 hours. air), Latent Heat (BTU/hr) = 0.69 x CFM x gr. In this part of the label, you get told just how many amps will be pulled when you initially start your compressors motor. We sell tons of mini split air conditioners each day on our website, and, on our blog, have previously written about all the benefits of and features to consider when purchasing a mini-split AC of your own. An 18,000 BTU air conditioner is capable of drawing about 8 Amps of power. We know that we are running it for 8 hours. Are cassettes sufficiently sealed / fire rated such that you can pile 32 of blown in fiberglass insulation directly on top of them without heat or fire issues? In the photo example above, electrical requirements for this 3-ton American Standard unit require a minimum amperage rating of 25 Amps. We have helped countless customers shop for high-quality items -- from air conditioners, to heating units, to water heaters, and more -- and have set up this blog as an extension of our commitment to helping homeowners become informed of the things that matter to them. Using this ensures that you will have no issues with meeting code and keeps the process simple for you. Whether or Not it is Factory Charged Simply multiply your amps figure by the voltage. 6 How many amps does a 3 ton mini split use? You could use two single zones instead. That is about 110 to 120 volts on the low end and 208 to 240 volts on the higher end. Before we take you through the steps on wiring a mini split system, were going to clarify some common questions about your mini split wiring. The amperage should not be greater than 80% capacity. For example, suppose you have a relatively large heat pump with 24,000 BTU, yet your wire is only a 12 gauge. You can install a 230v breaker in your house breaker panel. For example, suppose that a units minimum ampacity is 42 amps and its maximum is 60 amps. The best thing to do is read the specifications and instructions for your mini split, as this will show the maximum circuit breaker amperage. Great information but I have a question. Amps or amperage are a unit used to measure electricity. In the 1st one, you can insert mini split BTUs and the calculator will give you an estimate of how many amps does a mini split use. For example, if your wiring and unit require you to install a 30 amp breaker, but you install a 20 amp one, it will continuously trip and make using your air conditioner nearly impossible. You can also peer inside the condenser to see if the reversing valve exists. how many watts and amps does a 12000btu mini-spit AC use? 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? Is 20 to much ? You typically measure wire gauge according to the American Wire Gauge, often abbreviated to AWG. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. Ft. 500-750 Sq. From BTU To Electrical Power (Measured In Watts) Firstly, you need to determine the electrical power or watts required. Do you need 200 amp service for a mini split? Related Article Guide On How Many Mini Splits Are Needed. Central air conditioning requires between 208 and 240 volts to operate and draws between 15 and 60 amps depending on the size. Calculator + Chart (Natural Gas), Average Gas Bill For 1-Bedroom Apartment: State-By-State Cost Analysis, Average Electricity Bill For 4 Person Household (Survey Analysis), How Many kWh Per Day Is Normal? Although, not sure what signifies on or off. Because most mini splits operate on a 220V circuit, we have the voltage. A mini-split AC system costs $1,500 to $8,000 on average, depending on BTU size in tons, SEER rating, mount type, and number of zones. (Rooms, Sq Ft, BTUs, Zones), What Is Bigger 4/0 AWG Or 250 MCM Wire? Depending on the BTU and energy rating, a 5- zone mini split may need up to 200 amps to operate. Outside The Box 1.16K subscribers Subscribe 29K views 4 years ago in this video , we use a power consumption meter to measure. Table: How Many Amps Do Window, Portable, Mini-Split Air Conditioners Draw. Typically, you would expect the energy efficiency rating to be between 8 and 12. Luckily, you can find this out pretty quickly with all of the above information and by looking at a label on your compressor unit. Just check the table and you will see that a 3-ton mini split uses an estimated 13.6 amps. Weve provided some general guidance to the two main options below: Related Article Mini Split Sizing: Complete Guide. For additional guidance, check out: Wire Size Guide: What Size Wire Do I Need? Finally, divide the 10,557 watts by the voltage range of the AC. Is the Circuit Breaker Size Listed on the Data Tag? Can I use this wire to run the required 230V circuit with a 20 Amp breaker. For this, you need to use the following equation: BTUs = Energy Efficiency Rating x Watts For example, a 60 amp heat pump wire size is generally a 4-gauge AWG aluminum or 6-gauge AWG copper wire. How many amps does a 24000 BTU Mini Split use? Keep reading to find out more information and what wire and breaker sizes are needed for your central cooling system. Its not all that easy to figure out exactly how many amps does a mini split use. 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. Peak wattage varies on factors like the room size youre heating or cooling in cubic feet. In return, it makes it much easier to determine what size breaker you need. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. While it might be difficult to see through the other wiring in the unit, here we have included a picture of the main power connections to a Friedrich Mini Split Unit. How many amp hours does an air conditioner use? The information in itself would be on the side of the condenser. While it may seem unimportant initially, the number itself is needed to know just how much electricity you would need to run your entire system off of a generator should the need arise. Thoughts? . Here is how easy it is to calculate how many kWh a mini-split use: Mini Split kWh Usage = Wattage Hours Of Use / 1000 This is it. If you have your average 240 volts 2 kW air handler, you will need a 30 amp breaker and a #10 electrical wire. They use 220 volts capacity to deliver between 1,848 and 2,823 watts of current. Few times in life are the answers given to us quickly. How many amps does a window AC use? I created this website to help HVAC techs of all levels get the best out of their heating & cooling systems. It will allow more power than expected before tripping, causing your wiring to melt and potentially start a fire. How Many BTUs Do I Need? Here is an example: Let's say that we have a 21,000 BTU 14 SEER mini split. 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. (120 or 240V) Running the air conditioner for one month will cost around $33.60. So, you could get by with a 30 amp breaker. It sounds like someone flipped the switch on you. (std. Are there any mini split systems that do not require electrical from outdoor to indoor unit? If it is 12 (a reasonable number), divide the BTUs by the EER (this AC then uses 3 kilowatts). How many amps is a 12000 BTU Mini Split? What do 10/2 and 10/3 wire numbers mean? Thanks! 12,000 BTU/hour can generally cool 500 to 600 square feet. DC Wire Gauge Calculator: What Gauge Wire (12V, 24V, 48V)? 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. Since it was not working and by flipping the switch and it works now, only way for it to not work someone had to have flipped it? Always reference the instruction manual before attempting any electrical connections. Many thanks for your answer. Or it can only work if its on and never works when off? Given their large current draw and high voltage requirements, central . However, things should be fine if your wiring is the correct gauge to handle the power and your unit has built-in overcurrent protection. If you cant find the answer here, you can use the comment section below, describe your mini split a bit, and well try to help you out. Subsequently, you can use a 15 amp circuit breaker for most mini-splits, though you may need a 20 amp breaker for some of the larger units. Then, reattach the faceplate and insert the on/off switch. Voltage drop occurs across the length the electrical current has to travel. 1 How many amps is a 12000 BTU Mini Split? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are hundreds of A/C products on the market, and not all of them are worth your time and money. You should use an electrical whip designed to go from the disconnect to the unit. Is there a specific type of splice that needs to be done or does the splice need to be soldered? The breaker panel needs to be sized correctly. Here youll find just how much electricity is required to start the compressor. Hello. Recommend / must use a GFCI at the main breaker? Assuming the 18,000 BTU air conditioner operates at 120 volts, it will consum. All Rights Reserved. Air conditioners and heat pumps are necessary equipment in many homes to make things comfortable. The vast majority of mini-split units are 230/208V, but some are 115V. How many amps does a 18000 BTU Mini Split use? It is recommended to use 14 gauge stranded wire for installation. Using a higher gauge wire for an air conditioner or heat pump can be catastrophic, and you should avoid making this mistake at all costs. Thanks. Pictured is a 14 gauge solid wire which will work but should only be used if the stranded wire is unavailable. To accommodate the different cooling needs of homes, mini splits come in a range of sizes. Or can the unit work no matter if the switch is flipped on or off? Required fields are marked *. Here is how to calculate the amps: 2,000W / 220V = 9.1 Amps. I had an electrician come in and make the run to code which required the wiring to be spliced because of the run. I would not recommend using 14/3 from the disconnect to the unit. 1. Figuring out precisely how many amps your heat pump will use is a tricky question to answer. 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. Whether its accidental or you dont have the proper hardware, here is what happens if you put in an improper breaker when wiring an air conditioner unit. The maximum load the 25-amp circuit breaker can handle is 31.25 amps (125% of the breaker amperage), which is likely to trip the breaker frequently. 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? Mini-splits have particular power requirements that are dependent on the model and size. We can see from the chart that 12,000 BTU mini split draws an estimated 4.5 amps. When looking at the label itself, only about nine of those labels may be of any use, assuming you are not a certified electrician anyway. 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. It also calls for 12-3 cables from the outdoor condenser to each unit. You can also cut the ends of the wire to check it visually: copper wire is golden brown, while wire made from aluminum is dull gray. I would recommend contacting our sales department at 877-847-0050 for help with your questions. 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. It is standard to measure air conditioner and heat pump size based on tonnage. Some manufacturers provide minimum wire and breaker sizes, while others offer the maximum fuse or breaker size you can use. Its possible someone snuck in the backyard and flipped the switch. is there a transformer in the unit? How many amps does a 9000 BTU Mini Split draw? This is why circuit breakers are generally preferred to fuses. We are limited to 115 volt power supply. Total Home Supply offer, Honeywell 14/4 Mini Split wire in 50 ft and 250 ft rolls. A double-pole breaker has two hot wires with one neutral wire. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! How many Watts Does a small window air conditioner use? Still, the most notable of them would be that most manufacturers offer the manufactured year your condenser here. To convert amps (electrical current) to watts (electrical power) at a fixed voltage, you can use the equation: watts = amps volts. This must be rated for the wire size as well. Here you use the basic electrical power equation: P = IV; in unit terms, this is Amps = Watts / Volts. How many amps does a 12000 BTU Mini Split? 25 Amps 16 SEER: 24000 BTU Inverter Mini Split - Heat Pump: Enjoy full season comfort during the summer or winter with this 24,000 BTU Inverter Mini Split with 27,000 BTU Heat Pump.WHAT IS DC INVERTER? However, you may wonder what a single and dual-zone is in the first place. You can calculate the amps if you know the wattage and voltage. 5 amps, and a 36,000 BTU model typically requires up to 34. 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). Smaller and more efficient air conditioners require an average of 318 watts per hour. All mini splits require power from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. To meet the code, you must have a shut-off box at the location of the unit. The formula for amps is simple: Watts / Volts = Amps. Anything that runs on amps must have a circuit to prevent amp overload. The amperage rating of 24,000 BTU air conditioners falls between the range of 8.4 amps to 12.7 amps. Example: Lets say we want to find out how many amps does a 3-ton mini split uses. I am installing a 30k btu lg air mini split with an 18k cieling cassette and a 12k wall unit. In most cases, that number is the first or second pair of numbers appearing in the sequence. On a 240-volt circuit, the voltage drop should not exceed 3% or about 233 volts. The ground is very critical and a dedicated ground wire must be used on every fan coil or head. Most indoor units, if wired separate from the outside unit, call for a 15 amp breaker. Amps = BTU / (Energy Efficiency Rating x Watts). You would need one 10/2 wire, an independent breaker, and a disconnect box for each outdoor unit. Finally, we come around to some static (no pun intended) consistent information, this indicates the maximum rating amount of electricity your amp circuit breaker can handle before tripping, and this number is always precisely double the amount of your RLA.