A/C compressor proximity question

[sloudone]

Is there a code/rule regarding how close an outdoor residential central air unit compressor location with proximity to the utility AC meter?

<Moved this post to an appropriate forum - Moderator>

[Tom Slick]

Why do you ask?

[atgcpaul]

Saw this on another forum:

You need a disconnect within a certain distance from, and within sight of, the condensing unit, and it has to break all ungrounded conductors (both hots, in other words). An off the shelf A/C disconnect is what's normally used (cheap to buy, actually), and since the flex conduit is length limited, it's usually mounted right next to the unit. Just don't mount it right behind it, where access is tight. [NEC 440.14]

You also need a 120V receptacle within 25 feet of the condensing unit, at the same level (like within 6-1/2 ft of the ground for a first floor A/C installation). It also can't be on the load side of the disconnect, as it has to be live when the A/C is disconnected. [NEC 210.63]

Intended for a work light, reclaiming the refrigerant, and for pulling a vacuum to remove moisture from the lines. In any case, the NEC requires it. It may be a contentious point, though, as it's probably not part of the contract, but your local jurisdiction may require it, since it's a new A/C installation.

[cabinetman]

A separate AC meter from the main meter?

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[woodturner]

Is there a code/rule regarding how close an outdoor residential central air unit compressor location with proximity to the utility AC meter?

I assume by "AC meter" you mean the standard meter provided by the utility to measure your power usage? If you mean something different, please explain.

A couple of NEC requirements could be applied in this case. In addition, the utility usually imposes requirements for meter access. Often these requirements specify nothing within 3' of the sides of the meter and 6' in front of the meter, to give the meter reader and repair personnel access.

NEC does require a shutoff for the condenser unit, located within 3' of the unit. The shutoff should be "accessible", meaning it should be easily accessed and should not be behind the condenser unit.

Another poster mentioned a requirement for 115 VAC - that's a new one on me, I will have to research it. Although NEC is enforced in this area, I have not seen any installs that comply with that requirement, even on new construction.

Edit: Researched that requirement, it specifies a receptacle within 25 feet of the unit
Edit2: Doh!! In rereading the prior post more carefully, he already said that.

receptacle within 25'

In most cases, given NEC requirements for placement of receptacles, this requirement would be satisfied by an indoor receptacle and would not required a new receptacle.

[pelligrini]

I believe the I-Codes also require service outlets for equipment too.

[LCHIEN]

wow, if the purpose of the outlet within 25 feet is for service equipment then it hardly seems right that a outlet inside although with 25 feet straight line distance might as well be 100 feet away of the only access is thru a window or door 50 feet away is acceptable.

My AC units don't have a service outlet close by - probably 50 feet to the nearest outdoor outlets by the front door.

[pelligrini]

I believe service outlets are fairly new requirement in the International Codes, unless it's an old one that was not always enforced. I've had to add service outlets on electrical plans when going through permit review during the last couple years. They are always on there now.

The discussion on the NEC requirements that woodturner linked to is intresting. I agree with most of the posters that an interior outlet doesn't meet the definition of accessible.

The 2003 IRC includes this:
E3801.11 HVAC outlet. A 125-volt, single-phase, 15 or 20
ampere-rated convenience receptacle outlet shall be installed
for the servicing of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration
equipment located in attics and crawl spaces. The receptacle
shall be accessible and shall be located on the same level and
within 25 feet (7620 mm) of the heating, air-conditioning and
refrigeration equipment. The receptacle outlet shall not be
connected to the load side of the HVAC equipment discon-
necting means and shall be protected in accordance with Sec-
tion E3802.4.

[cabinetman]

Its been about 2 weeks since his OP. Maybe he found an answer elsewhere.

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