What should be the minimum rating of a receptacle for use near a rooftop air conditioner?

The minimum rating of a receptacle for use near a rooftop air conditioner is typically 15 amps. This is because many rooftop air conditioning units, especially residential models, are designed to operate efficiently on circuits that can handle this rating.

A 15-amp receptacle can accommodate common tools and equipment used for maintenance and servicing, providing an appropriate level of safety and suitable power supply without exceeding the rated capacity. Furthermore, the wiring and circuit breakers connected to a 15-amp receptacle are also standardized for such loads, ensuring that the system is designed to prevent overload and potential hazards.

In this context, higher ratings like 20 amps or 30 amps may not be necessary for typical residential air conditioning units, which usually fall within the lower range of power consumption, whereas lower ratings, such as 10 amps, would be inadequate for the starting and running currents of many air conditioning units. Hence, a 15-amp receptacle strikes a balance between capacity and safety for applications near rooftop units.