If the installation instructions say to use one, and you want one installed, find another electrician who won't argue with you but will give you what you request.

If the indoor portion of the mini split uses 120 volts then it most certainly has a neutral wire. Additionally, it is between any conductor and ground that a GFI detects a fault, hence the name Ground Fault Interruptor. I can't imagine that unit has no ground.

 

Sorry, I wasn't specific enough. Its actually a 220v circuit. I'm not insisting on the GFCI breaker if its not needed. I'm just wondering if the electrician was correct in what he said (GFCI breaker NOT required for mini split). I just want it done correctly and am having trouble deciding who is correct (the broken English Daikin manual or the electrician).

Thanks

 

There are 220 volt two pole breakers that are GFCI.

Is there a permit pulled on this installation? If so electrical inspector may require GFCI double pole for 220 volt in addition to Daikin manual.

A GFCI gives you and anyone whoever works on that system in the future an added layer of protection. Conventional breakers trip only in an overcurrent situation. They cannot detect ground faults, which can kill you just as if you touched a bare, live wire, and the path to ground went through your heart.

I keep returning to - broken English or not - what the Daikin manual says. If it specifies a GFCI I would install one, especially if any warranty concerns ever arose.

 

I keep returning to - broken English or not - what the Daikin manual says. If it specifies a GFCI I would install one, especially if any warranty concerns ever arose.

In some parts of the manual it mentions arc fault interrupter as well. There are also three separate sentences in the manual that state the air that comes out of the air conditioner is dangerous to humans, pets, and plants. Super confusing.


I'm basically just wondering what is the "norm" and considered safe. From what I read in the above posts, it is most common to use a standard(non gfci) breaker if the unit is hardwired. If anyone else has comments, I'm all ears. Thanks for your time guys.

 

Are you sure they're not talking about a disconnect. I do Mitsubishi Mr. Slim and I've never done a GFI. It usually calls for one breaker 15 or 20 amp. Mitsubishi does not require a breaker on the inside unit, and a disconnect only if the local jurisdiction requires one.

Stud

 

Most generally if anything is hardwired in it doesn't require GFCI. Exceptions usually have something to do with water. But with the new code all outlets must be arc fault and GFCI protected. But then I might have just misunderstood something, or misinterpreted.

 

I've been told not to use a GFI breaker on minisplits using inverted technology.

Outside next to the unit there should be a outlet for purposes of servicing though.

 

Required,
specifically noted in installation instructions.