Is this Aircon wiring install legal?

[EEVblog]

Hi
I asked this on my own forum, but someone pointed me here as a better bet.
I had a new 3.5kW aircon installed and was very surprised to find that it was just wired into the existing house 20A power point breaker.
We have 3 other aircons that share two dedicated aircon circuit breakers, so I assumed they would install another breaker, or at least share the existing aircon breakers.
The entire house only operates from two power point breakers, so a good majority of the house was already off this existing single 20A breaker now shared by the new aircon.
I measured the consumption of the new aircon at 1.1kW on full cooling mode (I have a solar analytics power monitoring system, which also has a dedicated aircon power measurement input that this new install bypasses by being on the power point wiring)
Also, the wire cores are hanging out of the box and the box is not secured.
I suspect they have done this because it was very convenient as our internal roof access ladder is right next to the aircon, as was the power point wiring, so they just spliced it in and job done. No need to pull a cable through the roof and install a new breaker.

So my questions are:
1) Is this up to legal NSW code?
2) If it technically meets code, is it a shoddy job that I should get them redo it with a dedicated breaker?

Thanks
Dave.

 

[telectrix]

dunno about australian regs. but that is dog rough. the sheaths of those cables should be inside the box with cable restraint and no basic insulation visible. and that's not considering if the existing circuit is siutable for the extra load.

 

[Pete999]

Hi
I asked this on my own forum, but someone pointed me here as a better bet.
I had a new 3.5kW aircon installed and was very surprised to find that it was just wired into the existing house 20A power point breaker.
We have 3 other aircons that share two dedicated aircon circuit breakers, so I assumed they would install another breaker, or at least share the existing aircon breakers.
The entire house only operates from two power point breakers.
I measured the consumption of the new aircon at 1.1kW on full cooling mode (I have a solar analytics power monitoring system, which also has a dedicated aircon power measurement input that this new install bypasses by being on the power point wiring)
Also, the wire cores are hanging out of the box and the box is not secured.
I suspect they have done this because it was very convenient as our internal roof access ladder is right next to the aircon, as was the power point wiring, so they just spliced it in and job done. No need to pull a cable through the roof and install a new breaker.

So my questions are:
1) Is this up to legal NSW code?
2) If it technically meets code, is it a shoddy job that I should get them redo it with a dedicated breaker?

Thanks
Dave.

Dave that install looks RAF in my eyes, judging by the way those cable enter that enclosure.

 

[EEVblog]

dunno about australian regs. but that is dog rough. the sheaths of those cables should be inside the box with cable restraint and no basic insulation visible.

Thanks. Yep that was my thought as well.

 

[telectrix]

lokks like the install was done by:

 

[Zerax]

Surely the question is... "Is it good enough for Australia ??"

 

[telectrix]

looking at the pic of the connection box, seems like transportation of criminals is still current.

 

[EEVblog]

Updated photo of the unsecured junction box

 

[Wilko]

Also, the wire cores are hanging out of the box and the box is not secured.

No, this is not in accord with the local wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000:2018).

Surely the question is... "Is it good enough for Australia ??"

I doubt the work was done by a Licenced Electrician.

 

[EEVblog]

No, this is not in accord with the local wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000:2018).


I doubt the work was done by a Licenced Electrician.

Thanks. Yes, I've been told it breaches section 3.10.1.2

 

[EEVblog]

I heard back from the company, this is their response:

It is standard practice and within the all rules to add an existing appliance to a power cct as long as it does not draw above 10amps.

It also needs to have a dedicated isolation switch so the unit can be serviced and to follow code.
The current for a 3.5 kw system is well below the 10amp max.
When we are talking 3.5 kw it is cooling capacity not anything to do with electricity consumption.
Any kitchen appliance would draw much more than the AC.

However you are correct about the wires that are visible they should not be shown this needs to be rectified and I need to make sure that an isolation switch has been fitted so the unit can be serviced without turning off your power.

It’s extremely important to us to get this done correctly as we do not cut corners and need everything to be done to code.

I will get the boys to call you and get this resolved immediately.

 

[ductcleaningportlandpro]

It is normal that every appliance that consumes a large amount of voltage and ampheres has it's dedicated circuit switch for easy servicing. This also applies when you are planning to add another appliance.

 

[DPG]

It is normal that every appliance that consumes a large amount of voltage and ampheres has it's dedicated circuit switch for easy servicing. This also applies when you are planning to add another appliance.

Bot alert

 

[Pete999]

Hi
I asked this on my own forum, but someone pointed me here as a better bet.
I had a new 3.5kW aircon installed and was very surprised to find that it was just wired into the existing house 20A power point breaker.
We have 3 other aircons that share two dedicated aircon circuit breakers, so I assumed they would install another breaker, or at least share the existing aircon breakers.
The entire house only operates from two power point breakers, so a good majority of the house was already off this existing single 20A breaker now shared by the new aircon.
I measured the consumption of the new aircon at 1.1kW on full cooling mode (I have a solar analytics power monitoring system, which also has a dedicated aircon power measurement input that this new install bypasses by being on the power point wiring)
Also, the wire cores are hanging out of the box and the box is not secured.
I suspect they have done this because it was very convenient as our internal roof access ladder is right next to the aircon, as was the power point wiring, so they just spliced it in and job done. No need to pull a cable through the roof and install a new breaker.

So my questions are:
1) Is this up to legal NSW code?
2) If it technically meets code, is it a shoddy job that I should get them redo it with a dedicated breaker?

Thanks
Dave.

I would guess that the 3.5KW refers to the heating/cooling load NOT the electrical consumption, can someone confirm???

 

[plugsandsparks]

He has confirmed, its a tiny a/c unit , running current will be on the rating plate (hopefully) probably around 6Amps.

 

[Pete999]

He has confirmed, its a tiny a/c unit , running current will be on the rating plate (hopefully) probably around 6Amps.

So what seems to be the problem?

 

[Pete999]

He has confirmed, its a tiny a/c unit , running current will be on the rating plate (hopefully) probably around 6Amps.

You will need to take into account the starting current and size your OCPD accordingly I would suggest a D type OCPD for starters.

 

[GBDamo]

You will need to take into account the starting current and size your OCPD accordingly I would suggest a D type OCPD for starters.

They're pretty much all inverted now Pete so no longer require C/D type devices.

 

[Pete999]

Bot alert

Recommendation is that anything 2KW and above should have it's own circuit

 

[KennyKen]

Old Thread but love your YT channel EEV Blog.