plug ac into light controller?

sounds kind of stupid, and I know I could probably get away with it but it would work perfectly for my situation. Plugging ac in light controller.

Im moving, getting mini split and ac. Also going from 4 to 8 lights. Long story.

To simplify wiring and save money.
there's no reason I can't run 6 lights and an air conditioner 1500 watts on a helios 7, correct?

Also, could i run only 4 lights on a 8 light controller using 10-3?

I know this sounds stupid but I'm just trying to figure out the best method for my situation. Long story.

Thanks

I don't see how continuously shutting off an AC could be good for it. If you are getting a minisplit with heat pump, then get a compatible wall controller that will let you set different temperature zone for lights on and lights off. Mine will stay between 65* to 75* when lights are off and 65* to 80* when the lights are on. It will save energy because you aren't trying to hold steady on one temp.

The best method is to run a higher gauge wire. Why would you only want to run 10-3? How many feet? The cost won't be much different.

The ac should be on its own breaker. And a normal minisplit electrical connection is outside with a service disconnect usually.

Running 6 lights is a lot, and spending the extra bucks on wiring is chump change.

I'm not an electrician so.....take my comment fwiw

nevergoodenuf said:

I don't see how continuously shutting off an AC could be good for it. If you are getting a minisplit with heat pump, then get a compatible wall controller that will let you set different temperature zone for lights on and lights off. Mine will stay between 65* to 75* when lights are off and 65* to 80* when the lights are on. It will save energy because you aren't trying to hold steady on one temp.

Click to expand...

Lights on and lights off.........is this a feature of your model mini-split? I've never heard of that.

- Jiji

jijiandfarmgang said:

The best method is to run a higher gauge wire. Why would you only want to run 10-3? How many feet? The cost won't be much different.

The ac should be on its own breaker. And a normal minisplit electrical connection is outside with a service disconnect usually.

Running 6 lights is a lot, and spending the extra bucks on wiring is chump change.

I'm not an electrician so.....take my comment fwiw



Lights on and lights off.........is this a feature of your model mini-split? I've never heard of that.

- Jiji

Click to expand...

Lots of A/Cs have day and night settings, even cheap window units. Think "programmable thermostat"

Red1966 said:

Lots of A/Cs have day and night settings, even cheap window units. Think "programmable thermostat"

Click to expand...

Strange because I've never seen one on a mini split or window unit.

- Jiji

jijiandfarmgang said:

Strange because I've never seen one on a mini split or window unit.

- Jiji

Click to expand...

Mini split thermostat is attached to wall. My 3 year old Kenmore 5200 btu window unit has day and night settings.

I have a mini split. But its not like Central air, you cant just go out and buy a thermostat and wire it to the terminals (there are none.)

I've used splits that have brand specific wall mounted thermostats but they still didn't have the day and night feature.

I dunno maybe this feature is common, and I just don't know about it.

- Jiji

Sorry to be a post whore, and not trying to steal your thread.

Haven't been in the market for a few years for a split so I didn't know.

But after researching a lot of brands do now programmable thermostats, and wireless apps software etc.

If you haven't bought a mini split yet, I would recommend one that does, as it would save a lot of headache and give you more control.

- Jiji

The girls are sleeping. This model is design to switch between heat and cool, not all are. It was around $70 at Home Depot. This will also be the point at which the temperature will be taken.

This is hooked to an Ideal Air 12000 btu 110v unit. It is a 15 Seer with heat pump and quick disconnect. The few I have installed all had a 15' or so cord with 3 or 4 thin wire to connect to the wall controller. What brand and model is it?