Which NEC article covers air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment?

• A. Article 430
• B. Article 440
• C. Article 600
• D. Article 517

Answer: (B)

Air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment is addressed in the NEC by a dedicated article that covers how these systems are wired, protected, and installed. This article specifically governs air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigeration units, and related components, outlining requirements for their supply conductors, disconnecting means, overcurrent protection, wiring methods, and overall safe installation. That focused scope is why this article is the best fit for questions about air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

Other NEC articles cover different topics and aren’t specific to HVAC equipment. For example, the article dealing with motors and motor circuits governs motor-driven equipment, which HVAC systems use but falls short of addressing the entire HVAC installation. The article addressing healthcare facilities sets requirements for electrical systems within hospitals and similar settings, not for the general electrical coverage of HVAC gear. The remaining article covers topics outside HVAC equipment altogether.