Peter D

Is there any advantage to adding localized fused protection for A/C equipment even when the nameplate allows a breaker?

Only reason I ask is that I picked up a bunch of fused A/C disconnects at HD on clearance for $1.40 each. I figure at the very least I'll put some pieces of copper tubing in there to bypass the fuse holders.

mcclary's electrical

I've had HVAC contractors require a fused disconnect. I definately would have bought all I could at that price. No copper tubing though.

Rudeboy

Good job getting those discos for that price!
If the nameplate allows for max fuse or hacr breaker for example, I don't see how it can hurt to have a fused disconnect but if it's labled "max time-delay fuse" then it's required, not sure what the hvac guy has do with your disconnect. most hvac installers that I work with just tell me the amperes over the phone or give me a cut-sheet so i know what awg to run before hand. After that, I do what I need to do, they do what they need to do and the unit is up and running.

MDShunk

There's still some equipment out there that says "max fuse size". I'd save those discos for the special occasions where the equipment must have fuses. Other than that, I see no advantage.

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Peter D

Thanks, I didn't see any advantage either, but wanted to make sure.


As an FYI, HD and Lowes are clearing out their stock of Square D A/C disconnects. I bought a case of non-fused 60 A regular pull out style for $3.23 each on clearance at Lowes. HD also had them on clearance for the same price. Good time to stock up now for next year.

micromind

One disadvantage to using fused disconnects for A/C equipment is that in the event of a fault, a fuse will blow before a breaker will trip.

A fuse needs to be replaced, a breaker can be reset.

Rob

Black4Truck

That is a good thing.. HO will reset a circuit breaker, but most won't go near a fuse that needs a "puller" to get it out

I don't think Peter would mind doing the service call

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Peter D

Haha...yeah. I do HVAC work on the side now.

Black4Truck

So on your resume, you list HVAC experience because you changed a fuse?

I forgot thermostat "analysis"

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Bob Badger

Maybe you could get a job as a full time spelling cop?

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Bob Badger
Electrical Construction and Maintenance
MA, RI, CT

Black4Truck

good one

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drsparky

Fuses ofter better protection than breakers. They clear faster than breakers and if properly sized are better for arc flash mitigation.

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Peter D

randomkiller

And what just have him jump right over the yellow striper and put him out of business?

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randomkiller

I bet he is cutting the copper to length already.

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A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life."

"One Nation Under God"

Peter D

Ooohh...the big scary doggy is back.

Peter D

Does it make you feel like a big man to make fun of everybody?

randomkiller

Nope, it's called a sense of humor, I exercise mine all the time. It keeps me young and smiling. If you think I'm bad you need to hang out with a group of Marines sometime. I'm just having fun, unlike a few guys on here that feel it's necessary to spell check and play grammer teacher to the forum as a whole.

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A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life."

"One Nation Under God"

Peter D

You have no sense of humor.

Peter D

It's "grammar", not "grammer".