115v mini-split wiring

Hi, I bought a 115v Gree 9,000 btu ductless mini-split. The person who did the installation is certified and was recommended by the store who sold me the mini split system. After the installation was completed, a friend who is an electrician (but not an expert in mini-split installation) looked at the wiring and said that the followings are missing: – no ground wiring – GFCI missing – the box where all the wires are connected to the condenser outside (see attached) is only 1.5 feet above the ground. He is worried that there could be a problem in case there is 3 feet of snow. Then I called the mini split vendor and got the following answers: – ground wire isn’t mandatory for 115v mini split systems. – GFCI isn’t needed – the electrical box and condenser are waterproof, so no need to worry. Who is right? Should I be worried? Thanks!

aurelien

in Heating and Cooling 10 years and 6 months ago

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aurelien | 10 years and 6 months ago

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Thank you both for your replies. I will take care of the ground as a priority.

GreenThinker | 10 years and 6 months ago

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You can use the red wire as ground. just tape it up with green tape and connect it to the ground bar in both panels. GFCI isn’t needed, but a gfci protected outlet must be within 25 feet of unit. There is no code for height.

brucef | 10 years and 6 months ago

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Upon inspection, your installation fails code in multiple ways. Yes higher, different box, yes ground wire, also now required to have double throw disconnect inside by evaporator. Aside from code inspection, I wouldn’t stay up nights worrying about imminent problems. This is more an arcane code matter more if you were inspected for other reasons, or were selling. While I am certified, that and a MetroCard would get me on the train. What is required is a Licensed electrician for the box, and the installer should be OK on the low voltage side.