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Debate with a coworker about running boards vs. walk-in coolers on the same circuit
Last month I was on a commercial job in Phoenix where another tech insisted it was fine to share a 20 amp breaker between a reach-in and a small walk-in cooler. I argued it was a recipe for nuisance trips, especially during summer peak hours when both compressors kick on at once. He pointed to the spec sheets saying each only pulls 6 amps, but I've seen those numbers jump under load. Has anyone else dealt with this split on a repair or install, and what did you end up doing?
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margaret2341mo ago
@robert_roberts nailed it with the nuisance trips thing. I'd ask you this though - did you check the starting LRA on those specs, not just the running amps? It's wild how much they spike for those first few seconds. Especially on a hot Phoenix afternoon where both units had been off for a while and the ambient temp is cooking. Running separate circuits is just peace of mind, way cheaper than a callback for a blown breaker at 3 PM.
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emmam671d ago
Peace of mind" and a cold drink both beat a hot breaker...
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