AC Breaker Load

[ricklev]

I just moved into an old apartment. It currently has two 20 year old AC's. I want to replace them with a 24000 and a 12000 BTU AC in the 60 square meter living room and a 12000 BTU AC in the 25 square meter bedroom. Can I do it with this box? The main breaker says 30 amp.

Please assume I'm an electric idiot. The AC installation guys will do all the work.......

Thanks!

[lopburi3]

Are you sure your current air conditioners are attached to that breaker panel? Turn off that 30 amp breaker and see if they operate. Many times older units are wired directly and will be on 20 amp breakers by themselves.

[ricklev]

Thanks. The 30 amp breaker turns off all power in the apartment including the AC's.

[bankruatsteve]

Ideally, you would have a separate breaker for each A/C unit. Not obvious from the photo what anything is for. But yeah, you should be good for your plan - make sure at least 2.5mm2 wire goes to the A/C units.

[ricklev]

Thanks. I'm not actually sure what those individual breakers below the one that says 30 amp do. I assumed separate circuits for AC's and outlets. I'll check it out. Good to know though that it should work.

Edited January 24, 2015 by ricklev

[IMHO]

It shouldn't be any problem - based on current model inverter AC's:

12K BTU draws < 4 Amps when running.

24K BTU draws < 7 Amps when running.

I'm curious - why the mix of large and small AC's in the living room BTW? I assume there's a reason why you're not using 2x 18K BTU, or 1x 36K?

I also assume someone has already told you that 36K BTU in 60sqm is borderline too?

[ricklev]

I bought three used AC's from somebody remodelling their condo.