What size breaker does a mini-split need?

It depends on the specific model - use its MOP (Maximum Overcurrent Protection) rating, which is the largest breaker the manufacturer allows. Common single-zone units land on a 15A or 20A breaker; larger and multi-zone systems need more. Look up your model above for the exact figure, and always defer to the data plate and a licensed electrician.

Does a mini-split need 220V (230V)?

Not always. Many 9,000-12,000 BTU single-zone units run on a standard 115V circuit. Larger heads and most multi-zone condensers require a dedicated 230V circuit. Check your specific model's voltage above before assuming.

What do MCA and MOP mean?

MCA (Minimum Circuit Ampacity) is the smallest conductor the circuit may use - your electrician sizes the wire to it. MOP (Maximum Overcurrent Protection) is the largest breaker or fuse allowed. Wire to the MCA, protect at or below the MOP.

Can I wire a mini-split myself?

The refrigerant and electrical work on a standard mini-split is a licensed-professional job, and local code typically requires it. Even on a DIY pre-charged system, the dedicated circuit should be run and connected by a qualified electrician. Use this tool to understand the requirement, not to replace one.

Mini-split electrical lookup

Select an imported model for published voltage, MCA, and MOP fields, or use capacity mode for clearly labeled planning ranges.

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24 of 982 systems

Model	Capacity	Voltage	MCA	MOP
Blueridge Blueridge XS5 All Climate Plus 6,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (BXAFA06WM0 / BXS5A06UC0)	6,000 BTU/h	208/230V	12 A	15 A
Pioneer Pioneer Quantum Ultra One-Way Ceiling Cassette 9,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (CK009GMSILDFHG / YN009GMSI24RPG)	9,000 BTU/h	208/230V	15 A	15 A
ACiQ ACiQ Essentials 12,000 BTU R-32 115V (ACIQ-K12W-W-32-HP115B / ACIQ-K12Z-32-HP115B)	12,000 BTU/h	115V	17 A	25 A
Bosch Bosch Climate 5000 Gen 4 3-Zone 18,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V Regular (BMS500-AAM018-1CSXRD)	18,000 BTU/h	208/230V	16 A	20 A
Carrier Carrier Infinity 25 4-Zone 24,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (37MGHAQ24DA3)	24,000 BTU/h	208/230V	30 A	35 A
Cooper & Hunter Cooper & Hunter Astoria 30,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (CH-RH30MASTWM-230VI / CH-REL30-230VO)	30,000 BTU/h	208/230V	30 A	35 A
Cosmo Cosmo Multi-Zone 4-Zone 36,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (MZ-COSMO36/O)	36,000 BTU/h	208/230V	30 A	45 A
Blueridge Blueridge XS6 Max Efficiency 6,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (BXS6A06WM0 / BXS6A06UC0)	6,000 BTU/h	208/230V	16 A	20 A
ACiQ ACiQ Essentials 9,000 BTU R-32 115V (ACIQ-K09W-W-32-HP115B / ACIQ-K09Z-32-HP115B)	9,000 BTU/h	115V	17 A	25 A
Pioneer Pioneer Quantum Ultra 8-Way Ceiling Cassette 12,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (CT012GLSILCFHG / YN012GLSI24RPG)	12,000 BTU/h	208/230V	15 A	15 A
Pioneer Pioneer Quantum Ultra One-Way Ceiling Cassette 18,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (CK018GMSILDFHG / YN018GMSI24RPG)	18,000 BTU/h	208/230V	20 A	20 A
ACiQ ACiQ Essentials 24,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-K24W-W-32-HP230B / ACIQ-K24Z-32-HP230B)	24,000 BTU/h	208/230V	20 A	30 A
ACiQ ACiQ Standard Base 30,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (ACIQ-30W-HP230C / ACIQ-30Z-HP230C)	30,000 BTU/h	208/230V	28 A	30 A
Pioneer Pioneer Quantum Ultra Four-Way Ceiling Cassette 36,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (CB036GMSILDFHG / YN036GMSI20RUG)	36,000 BTU/h	208/230V	35 A	35 A
Friedrich Friedrich Floating Air Pro 9,000 BTU R-454B 115V (FAHSW09A1C / FPHSR09A1C)	9,000 BTU/h	115V	16 A	20 A
GREE GREE Sapphire 9,000 BTU R-410A 208/230V (SAP09HP230V1AH / SAP09HP230V1AO)	9,000 BTU/h	208/230V	9 A	15 A
Haier Haier Arctic Series Premium Highwall 9,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (QS09WP2BEA / 1Q09RT2BEA)	9,000 BTU/h	208/230V	13 A	20 A
Klimaire Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 9,000 BTU R-454B 110-115V (KIWQ09H1-45T / KOIQ09H1-45T)	9,000 BTU/h	110-115V	15 A	20 A
Panasonic Panasonic Project Series High Wall 9,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (CS-YM9CKUW / CU-YM9CBUC)	9,000 BTU/h	208/230V	12 A	15 A
Senville Senville AURA Concealed Ducted 9,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (SENA-09HF-IDG / SENA-09HF-OG)	9,000 BTU/h	187-253	15 A	15 A
Trane Trane ML Series 9,000 BTU R-410A 115V (NTXWMT09A111AA / NTXSMT09A111AA)	9,000 BTU/h	115V	12 A	15 A
Toshiba Carrier Toshiba Carrier 26 High Wall 12,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (RAV-HB121KRTP-UL / RAV-BP121AT2P-UL)	12,000 BTU/h	208/230V	14 A	20 A
Della Della Optima Series Multi-Zone 2-Zone 18,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (048-TLP-MODU-1D2)	18,000 BTU/h	208/230V	16 A	25 A
GE Appliances GE Appliances Altitude Multi 2-Zone 18,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (2G18AD2BEA)	18,000 BTU/h	208/230V	16 A	25 A

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Mini-split electrical requirements, decoded

Before a mini-split goes in, its circuit has to match. The two numbers that matter are on the unit's data plate: MCA (Minimum Circuit Ampacity) - the smallest wire the circuit can use - and MOP (Maximum Overcurrent Protection) - the largest breaker allowed. Your electrician sizes the wire to the MCA and the breaker at or below the MOP. Get either wrong and you either trip constantly or under-protect the equipment.

Look up your model above for its published MCA, MOP, and voltage, or use capacity mode for the typical NEC-context ranges by BTU class when you are still shopping.

115V or 230V - which does your mini-split need?

Smaller mini-splits (usually 9,000-12,000 BTU) often run on a standard 115V circuit, which is why they are popular for bedrooms, offices, and additions - many plug into or tie into existing wiring. Larger heads and most multi-zone condensers need a dedicated 230V circuit. The jump to 230V usually means running a new circuit from the panel, which is a real line item in an install quote.

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Frequently asked questions

What size breaker does a mini-split need?: It depends on the specific model - use its MOP (Maximum Overcurrent Protection) rating, which is the largest breaker the manufacturer allows. Common single-zone units land on a 15A or 20A breaker; larger and multi-zone systems need more. Look up your model above for the exact figure, and always defer to the data plate and a licensed electrician.
Does a mini-split need 220V (230V)?: Not always. Many 9,000-12,000 BTU single-zone units run on a standard 115V circuit. Larger heads and most multi-zone condensers require a dedicated 230V circuit. Check your specific model's voltage above before assuming.
What do MCA and MOP mean?: MCA (Minimum Circuit Ampacity) is the smallest conductor the circuit may use - your electrician sizes the wire to it. MOP (Maximum Overcurrent Protection) is the largest breaker or fuse allowed. Wire to the MCA, protect at or below the MOP.
Can I wire a mini-split myself?: The refrigerant and electrical work on a standard mini-split is a licensed-professional job, and local code typically requires it. Even on a DIY pre-charged system, the dedicated circuit should be run and connected by a qualified electrician. Use this tool to understand the requirement, not to replace one.