Distance from outside breaker box to A/C Unit

Nec requires three foot in front and I believe it's 30 inches wide area without obstruction.

Is that minimum 3'? Is there a maximum?

Yes, you need a minimum of 3' X30" working space. No maximum

I think I'm misunderstanding your question. If you want to know the maximum distance an A/C disconnect can be from the condenser, that's something else. It must be "in sight from" which means in sight of and within 50 feet.

That's what I need....Thanks.

why not locate it at the compressor?

The current box has about 12" in front of it. It was installed about 40 years ago before the code said that there needs to be 3' of cleared space in front of it.

If I replaced the box near the compressor, there would be too many bends in the wire to be to code. If I put it 15' away, there would be three bends between the breaker box and the a/c, and 3 bends between the breaker box and the electrical panel.

There is no maximum bends for cable. Conduit would limit the number of bends, but this does not apply to romex.

If you do have conduit, you are allowed to put a box at the existing location. The requirement is between pull points, not the breaker box. This can be no more than 360 degrees.

Everything outside should be weatherproof.

Terry,

Thanks for the clarification. Since this is outside, there will be conduit, so the 360 degree rule will apply.

Lots of people use Romex designed for outside, outside. For ACs. No need for conduit. In Virginia too, I'm sure.