16amp MCB ok for 3.5kw?

[jobin]

Have a/c unit rated at 3.5 kw and Hagar MCB rated at 16 amps. Would 20amp MCB be better, or even excessive, or is 16 adequate? Formula indicates 15.9 amps for this kw load.

 

[riveralt]

Have a/c unit rated at 3.5 kw and Hagar MCB rated at 16 amps. Would 20amp MCB be better, or even excessive, or is 16 adequate? Formula indicates 15.9 amps for this kw load.

The Nominal voltage rate in Hong Kong is 220v (not sure whether you are converting to 230v nominal) but in either case the current used will be less than 16 Amps.
The issue is less about the size of the MCB but the size of the cable and its current carrying capacity which must always be greater than the MCB that protects it.
So provided the cable is say T&E 2.5mm2 then either 16 or 20Amp will be okay - I would use 20Amps.

 

[ricicle]

What do the A/C's instructions recommend ?