Fuse box is full and I need to install an aircon.
Its a modern box, but is full.
Does it require an upgrade or a sub panel or some other solution? Would just like to know what to ask for when I get a quote..
Thanks for any input.
What to Do When Existing Fuse Box Is Full?
elgrande on 05/11/2019 - 16:48
Comments
i would suggest the starting point would be to properly spec the air conditioning unit for your property, you may find that if it is a particularly small unit it may be possible to run it off of an existing power circuit, but if you require a dedicated circuit or even possibly 3 phase power this would all be picked up when your AC contractor does a site survey and quote,
it isn't really something you should need to prompt the installer to do.
just ensure that switchboard work is carried out by a licensed electrician and not an installer with a restricted electrical license this dos not allow switchboard works, only generally disconnection and re-connection of electrical equipment.assuming that you have physical space and that your incoming supply is capable of handling the additional load i would expect them to install a single pole ( or larger) enclosure to give the space required, something like these and not want to do any major switchboard alterations.
http://www.electriciansupplies.com.au/shop/index.php?main_pa…
Thanks for the detailed response, its greatly appreciated.
Might need a bigger switchboard depending on how much load you already have running through your board - probably set you back around $1000.
Thanks Halo
Can't you just add an extension on? It's additional.
Can you post a photo? Quite often switchboard have large RCDs which can be replaced by a compact RCD to free up space. That's usually what an electrician would look at first or just putting in a double rail/hanger if space was a massive issue
Did your AC installer say you needed a dedicated circuit?
My 3.5kw Daiken unit piggybacked off the GPO circuit.
After all my friends having to install separate circuits for their ACs (several years back) at great expense I was very surprised. I even rang Daiken to check if this was the proper installation standard.
Either way, don't 2nd guess the sparky. They just need the AC model and a photo of the board and they will work it out from there.
It's not solely what the manufacturer recommends but rather what the Australian Standards for electrical work dictates. These guidelines has also got more restrictive over recent years so electrical standards that were acceptable even 2/3 years ago are still compliant but are not acceptable for new installations/electrical work.
It's been awhile since I looked at the AS but I'm going to say that even 10 years ago, running a 3.5kw air con off a GPO circuit was not compliant with the Australian Standards.
specs for a 3.5kw daiken Cora (L-series is similar)
Power Input (Rated)
Cool (W)
910
Heat (W)
880w/v=a
So it draws about 4 amp? A GPO circuit is rated to 15 amp (total) isn't it.
It was only installed last year. I asked both daikin tech dept and the installer if it complied with the relevant Au Standard (AS3017??) and I asked the Elec Engineers I work with as well.
I was surprised but according to the tech guy at Daiken it's the startup draw that is the killer and daikin have a soft start tech that reduces the big hit when you hit the On button.
Current standard is AS/NZS 3000:2018 which is $220.32 (mama mia).
Out of interest - does your Daiken 3.5kw have an isolation switch outside (near/next to the outdoor unit)?Without paying to look at the latest AS doc, I can see that some changes are referenced here:
https://www.nhp.com.au/Media/News/Article/Latest-News/Are-yo…
@akyeeeahdude: Thx. CBF double checking the number. I work(ed) with a quite a few AS until my employer sent me to Coventry last year.
Yes it has a lockable isolator close by.
heya, you are correct with your roughly 4 amps (input),
the main thing when looking at air conditioning is that they are generally rated in the amount of energy ( heat in BTU or KW) they can move rather than the electrical rating, also rightly so any "inverter" or "soft start" will minimise inrush current on startup, and also allow variable speed compressors and usually have higher energy efficiency ratings( inverter driven)
surely a quote will include an onsite inspection, then they will show/describe what is needed
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