Air Conditioning - What type of wiring to hook up a AC unit?

What gauge wiring should I run for a AC unit? Do I just need 3 wire or do I need 4 wire? I would tell you what type of ac unit it is but I'm not at home right now. Thanks for any help- Mike

usually only 3 wire if it is only an AC and not a heat pump but I would still check the data plate to be sure. I have been thrown too many "whoops! I guess this is not typical" through the years to guess if the info is so easily obtainable.

and gauge of wire is dependent on what size of unit you are installing so again, you need to check the data plate.


so look for the voltage rating; it will state on of the two following"

240 v
120/240 v

the first would be 3 wire, the second 4 wire.



then, there will be an current rating. Since it is a new unit, it will list a minimum and maximum. Get both and come on back.

Thanks for the help- I'll get all of the info on the unit and come back! Thanks for the help! - Mike

Are you talking about line voltage or low voltage? In other words are you trying to figure out what type of thermostat wire you need or are you trying to wire the condensing unit?

The air conditioner is AM series Model AM024MA321A http://www.luxaire.com/PDFFiles/035-21145-001-B-0606.pdf

It read 208/230 V
1PH
60MZ

I need to hook up the power and the thermostat wiring. Thanks for the help everyone! - Mike

so, you need 3 conductor cable (XX-2 plus ground)



so, what about that minimum circuit ampacity and the max OCPD (overcurrent protective device)

It will more then likely be 10/2 with ground (orange sheathing) for a 30a circuit, but need to varify. Look in the installation instructions. Tou will aso need 18/5 stat wire, depending on heat and how you are wiring.