What is the wire diameter of a 60-foot service cable for a 1 1/2 ton unit?

For a 60-foot service cable feeding a 1 1/2 ton unit, the wire diameter must be sufficient to handle the load while minimizing voltage drop and ensuring safety. When selecting the appropriate wire size, it's important to consider the ampacity, or the maximum amount of electric current a conductor or equipment can carry before sustaining immediate or progressive deterioration.

In the context of air conditioning units, a 1 1/2 ton system typically draws a current of around 12 to 15 amps. Based on standard wire sizing guidelines and national electrical codes, a No. 12 wire is rated for carrying up to 20 amps, which makes it a suitable choice for this application over a distance of 60 feet.

Using No. 12 wire strikes a balance between adequate capacity to handle the load and maintaining safety without excessive voltage drop, which can result in inefficient operation of the cooling system. Larger wire sizes, such as No. 8 or No. 10, while capable of carrying more current, are generally unnecessary for the demands of a 1 1/2 ton unit and may not be cost-effective or efficient in this scenario. Additionally, opting for a smaller gauge, such as No. 14, could lead to