Electrical – Placement of a package unit heat pump for the shop

electricalhvac

I was wondering if I would benefit by locating my 3 ton package unit heat pump closer to the load center. The ducting would be my only interference with it closer to the load center. The unit would also be in the sun during the hottest time of day.

If the unit is to be placed 50 feet on the other side of the shop, it will be in the shade during the hot part of day. The ducting will not interfere with anything. I just have to run 75 feet of 6ga wires instead of 20 feet.

Best Answer

Assuming 50 amps (which is probably high for a 3 ton heat pump), the voltage drop for copper 6ga is less than 0.5% at 20 feet, and less than 1.5% for 75 feet. Both of those are far less than the 3% allowed, so you're good.