I want to get a 5kw split system aircon installed and put the task on Airtasker. Two installers have given me some conflicting information.
One says that a dedicated connection will be needed form the switchboard for a 5kw unit. The other one says that a normal power connection will be enough.
Hoping to get suggestions from the experts here.
Cheers mate. Just what I was after.
In places i’d lived a/c had own circuit breaker. Are they proper electricians or just handymans?
They’re claiming to be licensed installers.
Probably a silly question. Are aircon installers and sparkies interchangeable?
There's an electrical and gas part, two tickets needed. Most installers would have both.
Need dedicated circuit as above
My sparky said he does aircon installations for tgg customers. I guess they can if everything is electrically powered.
Employ a proper electrician with insurance
For sure. Just wanted to see who was providing the right info.
Is the 5kW the “cooling power” or the actual electrical load?
If the electrical load is under 10A you can use an existing circuit.
It adds up because the way ac works. Stick to ponzi scheme advice if you dont understand
Aircon doesn't directly heat or cool the air. It 'pumps' the warmth from the side (inside or outside with reverse cycle) away from where it is unwanted - much like when you can feel the warmth at the back of the fridge as it 'pumps' the warmth out of the ice box.
The efficiency of the 'pump' has improved dramatically over the last decade or so, to the point that one of the top range units can move 7 times as much energy as it requires to do it.
To say it another way, for the same heat output as a 2000w bar heater it can use just 350w.
Even the cheap and cheerful units produce 3 times results, so if the 5kW is "capacity" is is likely using well under 2000w in electricity.
This is a huge advance in heating/cooling, and is why electrifying your house in preference to gas is such a strong argument (and, of course, you can generate electricity renewably) .
Manufacturers use kW power to confuse users into thinking that they're getting more capacity out of less energy consumption.
There would less confusion if they used BTU.
@rektrading: I don’t disagree, but measuring capacity allows for comparisons to be made between devices of different efficiency.
@rektrading: Stick to shilling shitcoins.
Watt is the SI unit for power.
You might argue Joules is a better unit (I wouldn't) but then people like you might get confused between what it says on the back of a yogurt and your aircon apparently.
@rektrading: Why would a country which has embraced the metric system devolve and use BTU?
kW is a fine unit for measuring power. People with double digit IQs are typically capable of determining that a 20kW heat pump understand that the heat pump is capable of generating 20kW of power and that the input power will vary depending on ambient conditions.
kW - Cooling
50
Means the unit will draw 5kW (ie 20Amps @240V) and therefore will require a dedicated circuit.
Means the unit will draw 5kW (ie 20Amps @240V)
No it doesn't. That unit has max draw of just under 2Kw at full noise in heating mode. 8.3 amp or so.
@brendanm: So Bunnings have fcuked up?
I thought it sounded ridiculously efficient and massively overpowered for a regular sized house!
They're claiming 50kW Cooling and 58kW heating capacity.
No. 5kW 'Cooling Capacity' requires only 1.39kW electrical input. Source: https://mhiaa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/SRK50ZSA-W_D…
Here's a good rundown of the magic of "pumping heat":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J52mDjZzto
@dazeller: I'm well aware of the magic of latent heat.
But Bunnings website claim 50kW Cooling capacity, which could only mean the consumption was 5kW (assuming Bunnings website was accurate, which I agree, now it probably isn't)
No it doesn't.
If the electrical load is under 10A you can use an existing circuit.
Not true, you have to factor in other loads on the circuit etc.
Sure, but that is equal to saying you need to factor in other loads before plugging in a fan heater. You need to do that, but it doesn’t require an electrician.
FWIW, I think a dedicated circuit is sensible.
The other one says that a normal power connection will be enough.
Handyman without a licence?
If they say they’re licensed, am I rightfully allowed to ask their number? And if so, can I check it?
yeah you can. also ask if certificate is included as part of the job. Some exclude that info in the quote and later say you need to pay extra for that.
Not only can you, you actually should and check online that it's valid and actually theirs.
Not sure on your state, but NSW Public Register:
https://www.onegov.nsw.gov.au/PublicRegister/#/publicregiste…
Yes not only that you can lookup licenses by name, number, and even car rego.
Of course. That is the first thing you should do when you hire any licensed tradespeople.
Check their REC # on the registry, ARCTick certification, etc.
Thanks mate. Kinda noob to all of this.
What is the amperage of the a/c unit? The 5KW for an air con is normally the BTU equivalent and is way more than the actual power used.
I see from your profile that you're in Brisbane - from January 2019, in Queensland, all air cons must be installed on a dedicated circuit to be compliant. I'd stay away from the sparky that is telling you that this isn't required. I also had three air cons installed in 2009/10 and all 3 were installed on a dedicated circuit (for each one) without me even having to ask. It's the right way to do it - you're just asking for issues if you don't. If you look in the manual that comes with the air con as well, you'll likely find that it the manufacturer requires it to be installed on its own dedicated circuit - this has been the case for many mid-size (3.5kw) and larger air cons for quite some time now.
Thanks mate. Surely getting a dedicated circuit done.
Piggybacking off a GPO will work as many will tell you. I wouldn’t let it happen at my home or IP with a 5kw. Might be acceptable for a tiny unit that comes with a plug. You won’t regret doing it properly.
One says that a dedicated connection will be needed form the switchboard for a 5kw unit.
Read the warranty, most will say they have to be on a circuit of their own.
Bunnings don't employ installers.
They provide a service to find one for you and make money in the process with a referral commission.
Still better than getting a dodgy Airtasker person WHO CLAIMS TO CERTIFIED but ISNT actually certified
They are certified to go onto the Airtasker web site in order for Airtasker to get their cut.
As for real certifications that matter they may or may not have them, so you need to check and use google to see if the certificate paperwork is real or not.
I have done the airtasker route twice and been burnt twice. Get a Mitsubishi or Daikin installed by a dealer with a guarantee. I wouldn’t stuff about with the guys that do commercial during the day and domestic units on the drive home. I had two flare joint leaks from two units at two different properties - done by two different guys. It cost me more to get each sorted out for good.
If anyone is still confused about the kw capacity vs kw input, see below. You will notice that the input is much lesser than the capacity value.
https://www.energyrating.gov.au/products/space-heating-and-c…
But in any case, it is best to have a dedicated circuit for high consumption appliances like ovens and ACs.
You'll need a dedicated circuit.
You also need to be licensed for both refrigerant and electricity
https://www.arctick.org/refrigerant-handling-licence/licence…
Getting someone off Airtasker is just plain stupid
If you don't get it on a dedicated circuit you'll likely void both your warranty and home insurance.
The electrician may also need to check the cable between the switchboard to the power line if it’s up to spec. In older homes it may not and need an upgrade. This can only be performed by an L2 electrician.
Cheers mate. The home was built in 1994. So I think it should be fine.
A dedicated circuit is required.
Qualified electrical contractor.