What is the purpose of the three circuit breakers installed for a new HAVC system?

Question

Buyer had my home inspected. Write-up stated that the main panel or "Entrance panel" had breakers not labeled. The only breakers recently added were added out side by the HVAC contractor. They installed a double 60, a double 35, and two single 20 breakers. The contractor sent an electrician to change a 30 Amp to a 35 Amp for the condenser but she didn't label the 60 Amp nor the two 20 Amp breakers. What are the most likely HVAC components these breakers serve?

dtstellwagen · Accepted Answer

My guess, the 60 is heat strips, 35 compressor, one 20A is motor/controls for the air handler and the second 20 is a service receptacle outdoor by the compressor.

? · Answer

The compressor should be linked to 35, 20a in the controller on the air handler and compressor and the 60 is tied to the heat strips. We would need to know the exact location to be 100% accurate. Best of Luck
-Sigma Air Conditioning NYC

Jason · Answer

Probably the double pull on the right is AC, the double pull on the left are electric heat strips in your air handler and the single pulls are for air handler and blower motor

Spock (rhp) · Answer

the twin 60 is the compressor [outdoor unit].  the twin 35 is the air handler [indoor unit].  the single 20s could be [if side by side or separated by an even number of other breakers] an aux. heat coil installed in the air handler.

bit tricky since you didn't tell us where you are.

my daughter's external HVAC box has two separate 20 amp breakers [mirroring two in the house 20s] that are used for her pool pumps and lights.  Something like this is also possible [a pool or outdoor spa also has to have an external power service shut off which is frequently done with breakers in a nearby external box.  there is no electrical code reason why the same box can not be used for the same function for the HVAC compressor].

What is the purpose of the three circuit breakers installed for a new HAVC system?

4 Answers