Heat Pump - What electrical outlets are required

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alisam

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#191309 31-Jan-2016 17:29

I have a 'chappy' coming this week to quote for a high wall mounted heat pump installation.

I try to do a bit of homework for such meetings, but what I cannot find out from googling whether

a) Both require power or

b) Both use one power outlet. If so, which one?

Anybody who has a heat pump will instantly know and so would I.

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timmmay

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#1482339 31-Jan-2016 17:32

Mine are both wired directly into my switchboard. They draw more than 10 amps on startup, and I guess knowing that it's drawing a lot of current regularly they might run higher gauge wire.

richms

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#1482341 31-Jan-2016 17:36

Power usually goes to an isolator switch on the wall beside the outside unit, and into that, then from there some multicore wire to the indoor one. 3 core+earth is the norm, and they make a blue jacketed one for aircon use.

For baby ones they will usually take power from a power circuit in the room that they are cooling, for big ones a dedicated feed from the breaker panel.

Richard rich.ms

LennonNZ

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#1482370 31-Jan-2016 18:55

A lot of (newish) houses will have wiring that will have 32A capable cables to a number of power points (but they only have a 20A fuse in them ( To allow upgrades like this)

They might hook the power off those and change the fuses to 32A (from 20A) . Its what they did in my house. I had power points near the Indoor/Outdoor units and they hooked into those. (Both needed seperate power with the Outdoor unit having an isolator switch as well.

Cable Sizes are below..

http://www.level.org.nz/energy/electrical-design/wiring/wiring-materials/

Also make sure you get a Code of Compliance when its done and put it into the Switch Board after it done (so you don't loose it). (No Code of Compliance = Not Legally done)

SATTV

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#1482372 31-Jan-2016 19:00

Depending on the power of the heatpump is how it is wired.

Ours is a Toshiba 5.5kw. The sales guy said it could be just plugged in a standard 3pin outlet. I was not keen on having a power cable down the wall and it was 200 exta to go to the fuseboard.

I suspect there is a power & control cable going between the compressor and head unit.

We do have an isolating switch outside.

Personally I would get it hard wired, looks better and less chance of issues.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

sbiddle

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#1482538 1-Feb-2016 07:28

Most are hardwired back to the board, which has caused plenty of heat pump installers to get pinged over the years for illegal electrical work (which is another story entirely).

gregmcc

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#1482546 1-Feb-2016 07:51

If it is fixed in place it needs to be fixed wiring (not plugged in). Most heatpump installers will have a suitably qualified person that is an electrician and a heatpump installation trained, otherwise they will have two people, a heatpump person and an electrician.

Make sure you get a Certificate of Compliance (which should also include on the same form an electrical safety certificate).

If you like you can ask to see their practising licence, those that renewed this last year will have a photo on (the year before will not - 2 year renewal cycle)

There is no reason why you can't get your own electrician in to do the electrical side of it, but remember that legally only an electrician can do this, any they must supply a COC when done.

Yes I am an Electrician

BTR

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#1482547 1-Feb-2016 08:08

Power feeds goes from switch board to switch outside as previously mentioned. Power then runs to the outdoor unit and a separate cable runs between the indoor and outside units to provide power and control cables.

Is the person quoting from a heat pump installation company? if so check to see if they are certified electrical installers. If its an electrician make sure they are qualified to install heat pumps.

Good luck.

gregmcc

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#1482562 1-Feb-2016 08:27

BTR:

Power feeds goes from switch board to switch outside as previously mentioned. Power then runs to the outdoor unit and a separate cable runs between the indoor and outside units to provide power and control cables.

Is the person quoting from a heat pump installation company? if so check to see if they are certified electrical installers. If its an electrician make sure they are qualified to install heat pumps.

Good luck.

There is no legal requirement to be qualified to install a heat pump, manufactures will include as part as their guarantee that the heat pump is installed by a suitably trained person, usually it's a 1-2 course run by the manufacturer.

kotuku4

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#1482564 1-Feb-2016 08:41

Mine was connected to an existing circuit, from nearest existing socket. Drilled through behind socket to external isolator switch to conduit to up to the through wall connections, split to internal and external units. I had asked where the power would be run at pre install meeting and was assured that this was standard practice for a retro fit install.

alisam

477 posts

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#1482583 1-Feb-2016 09:32

The heat pump will probably be a Mitsubishi GE35 which I was told was OK for a 28sq. metre room with 2.4m ceilings.

I have checked that the company is a Mitsubishi Authorised Service Centre so I will feel a lot happier.

Nevertheless, I will asking about a Certificate of Compliance and that the electrician is certified.

gregmcc

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#1482599 1-Feb-2016 09:40

alisam:

The heat pump will probably be a Mitsubishi GE35 which I was told was OK for a 28sq. metre room with 2.4m ceilings.

I have checked that the company is a Mitsubishi Authorised Service Centre so I will feel a lot happier.

Nevertheless, I will asking about a Certificate of Compliance and that the electrician is certified.

If you have any doubts you can check the status of registration and practising licence at www.ewrb.govt.nz