A 1.5 ton 5-star split AC draws about 4.5 A on a 230 V Indian supply; a 3-ton US condenser draws roughly 13 A at 240 V. Use this to pick the MCB / breaker and confirm you need a dedicated circuit.
Running current shown; compressor inrush is 3–6× for non-inverter units, which the breaker curve must tolerate. Wiring decisions belong to a licensed electrician.
The amps shown are running current at the selected efficiency — a 5★ inverter draws ~35% less than a 3★ unit of the same tonnage, so efficiency affects your wiring, not just your bill. Breakers are sized at ≥125% of running current; non-inverter compressors also pull a 3–6× inrush at start-up that the breaker’s trip curve absorbs (inverters soft-start and sidestep it).
Three things this tool leaves to a professional:
| Power draw | — |
| Suggested MCB / breaker | — |
| Circuit | Dedicated circuit required |
Typical running current and breaker sizes — always confirm against the nameplate MCA / MOCP:
| System | Approx running current | Typical breaker |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ton split (230 V) | ~4.5–5 A | 16 A MCB |
| 1.5 ton split (230 V) | ~6.5–7 A | 16–20 A MCB |
| 2 ton split (230 V) | ~8–9 A | 20 A MCB |
| 2–3 ton condenser (240 V, US) | ~10–15 A | 20–30 A double-pole |
| 4–5 ton condenser (240 V, US) | ~18–28 A | 35–45 A double-pole |
Figures are indicative; the data-plate MCA (minimum circuit ampacity) and MOCP (maximum overcurrent protection) are the authoritative sizing numbers.
Size it to running current plus startup inrush, but let the nameplate have the final word: use the unit's MCA (minimum circuit ampacity) and MOCP (max overcurrent protection). As a rough guide a 1.5-ton split runs on a 16–20 A MCB, and a 3-ton US condenser on a 20–30 A double-pole breaker. A licensed electrician confirms.
Yes. Central ACs and most splits need a dedicated circuit — sharing it with lights or sockets causes nuisance trips and is a code problem. Portable and small window units on 15–20 A general circuits are the usual exception, one unit per circuit.
A non-inverter compressor draws 3–6× its running current for a fraction of a second at start (locked-rotor amps). Breakers use a time-delay curve to ride through it. Inverter units ramp up softly and avoid the spike, which is easier on both the breaker and your lights.
Usually yes for one system — a 3-ton adds roughly 15–20 A — but it depends on everything else already on the panel. The calculator flags likely panel headroom; an electrician's load calculation is the real check before adding a large condenser or a second system.
breaker and circuit guidance follows NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 440 and IS 732; always confirm the nameplate MCA/MOCP — NFPA. See the wiring guide. See our full methodology.