Question multiple hvac

[hhsting]

I have two pumps. Each pumps have MOCP of 20A. Both pumps are powered from same branch circuit. So both are powered from panel A circuit #1.

One would understand for one pump breaker of 20A. However for both pumps on same circuit What size should the branch circuit breaker be?

 

[augie47]

If the MOCP is 20 amp then, golly gee, the maximum breaker would be 20 amps !
Depending on the actual current ratings of each pump, there may be no problem.

 

[hhsting]

If the MOCP is 20 amp then, golly gee, the maximum breaker would be 20 amps !
Depending on the actual current ratings of each pump, there may be no problem.

But the MOCP of one pump is 20A.
Lets say I wire circuit number #1 with two pumps. MOCP for two pumps wire under one circuit still 20A?

 

[mikeames]

What the pumps draw and what they are protected at are two different things. So its possible you can run them both on 1 20a circuit and meet all requirements. Like Augie said above, depending on the type of motor and the starting characteristic you may or may not have issues. Will they both start together? Are they heavily loaded? If you make this a feeder instead of a branch circuit, it changes.

 

[augie47]

If you had 1 pump or 20 pumps each with a max OCPD of 20 amps then the max OCPD IS 20 amps (each pump must be protected at it's max OCPD).
Whether you can put them all on the one circuit depends on the actual load (FLA, MCA) and how many pumps will operate at the same time.

You put 12 15 amp receptacles on 1 circuit.. If the circuit holds it depends on how much you plug in

 

[LarryFine]

We understand your question.

But the MOCP of one pump is 20A.
Lets say I wire circuit number #1 with two pumps. MOCP for two pumps wire under one circuit still 20A?

Yes. MOCP is 20a for EACH pump. You can't just add several together.

That means you need a separate 20a breaker for each one, as in a sub-panel.

Added: Unless you can run more than one as the guys described above.