E4 HVACR Electrical Installation

#3 Circuit breakers, disconnects,

and fuses

 HVAC Installation

• The following diagram shows that several

different voltages could be used in one
installation:
– 240 volts for the condensing unit
– 120 volts for the air handler or gas furnace
– 24 volts for the control circuit

© 2005 Refrigeration Training Services - E4#3 Circuit Breakers, Disconnects, and Fuses v1.2   2
 HVAC Power Needs in a Home
Thermostat

Service Entrance

Furnace Disconnect
A/C Disconnect Electric Panel

240 Volts

Condensing Unit
120 Volts

Control Wiring 24 Volts Furnace

© 2005 Refrigeration Training Services - E4#3 Circuit Breakers, Disconnects, and Fuses v1.2   3
 Single Phase Electric Panel

• The following drawing shows how circuit

breakers access the incoming power

© 2005 Refrigeration Training Services - E4#3 Circuit Breakers, Disconnects, and Fuses v1.2   4
 Electric Panel
Main Power
240v / 120v -1Ø

Main Breaker
Double Pole Circuit
Breaker 240v
Bus Bars

240v Circuit
Single Pole
Circuit Breaker
120v

120v Circuit

Neutral Ground

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 Disconnects

• The electrical code requires a safety

switch at the equipment to disconnect
power if necessary

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 Indoor Disconnect

Safety switch with a

circuit breaker for a
heat pump air handler

© 2005 Refrigeration Training Services - E4#3 Circuit Breakers, Disconnects, and Fuses v1.2   7
 Outdoor Safety Switch / Disconnect

Courtesy of Carrier

© 2005 Refrigeration Training Services - E4#3 Circuit Breakers, Disconnects, and Fuses v1.2   8
 Different Types of Disconnects

• Some disconnects are just switches

• Some are switches with circuit breakers or
fuses
• Some are “pull-outs” that may or may not
be fused

© 2005 Refrigeration Training Services - E4#3 Circuit Breakers, Disconnects, and Fuses v1.2   9
 “Pull-out” Fused Disconnect

© 2005 Refrigeration Training Services - E4#3 Circuit Breakers, Disconnects, and Fuses v1.2   10
© 2005 Refrigeration Training Services - E4#3 Circuit Breakers, Disconnects, and Fuses v1.2   11