I have a Trane heat pump 4 ton xr-16 and associated heat pump. The air handler is wired to a double pole (240v) 60 Amp breaker. Since I do not intend to install heat strips (ever - I have a better alternative heat source), does the air handler (variable speed) that draws only 6.81 amps when running require 240v or 60Amp breakers?
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What does the installation manual say? Is the same circuit powering the heat pump (outside unit) or is that on a separate breaker?– manassehkatz-Moving 2 CodidactCommented Jun 10, 2021 at 18:58
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Heat pump (outside unit) on separate 220 - 40 Amp breakers as called for in the manual and on the unit itself.– Joyce FiacconeCommented Jun 10, 2021 at 19:34
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Voltages in the U.S. are 120/240. Are you somewhere else?– isherwoodCommented Jun 10, 2021 at 21:04
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Can you post the actual model number of your air handler? Do you have both the indoor and outdoor units on the same circuit, or are they on separate circuits/breakers?– ThreePhaseEelCommented Jun 11, 2021 at 0:36
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TEM6A0 variable speed (C42H41S, C48H41S or D48H41S - not sure, would have to go in attic and look. The air handler and the compressor are on separate 220 breakers in separate panels. The installers used the old 220/60A breakers for the air handler (in which they did install heat strips, which I am removing) and then ran new wiring to the compressor from a sub panel on 220 / 60 amp breakers (which I have reduced to 40A to match mfg recommendations after my original compressor burned out).– Joyce FiacconeCommented Jun 11, 2021 at 15:02
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2 Answers
You'll need to switch that breaker for a 2 pole 15A breaker anyway
The submittal (on p. 7) for your air handler specifies a Maximum Overcurrent Protection of 15A for your case where no heat strips are fitted; as a result, you'll need to have the 2 pole 60A breaker changed out for a 2 pole 15A breaker to properly protect the air handler to begin with. (This may or may not get you spaces, though, depending on your panel's ability to be double-stuffed. We'll need to see photos of your panel in order to make a determination on that.)
answered Jun 12, 2021 at 0:06
You will need a breaker sized for the heat pump itself if there is not a secondary breaker. A 4 ton system will be at least 30 possibly 40 amps depending on its efficiency and how the system is wired.
