What is the minimum outside ambient temperature at which an inspector is not required to operate an air conditioning system?

The minimum outside ambient temperature at which an inspector is not required to operate an air conditioning system is 60 degrees. This guideline is primarily established to prevent potential damage to the air conditioning unit. Operating an air conditioner at lower temperatures can lead to issues such as compressor damage or inefficient cooling performance.

At temperatures below this threshold, the system may not function optimally, and running it can result in freezing the coils, which could harm the unit. By specifying 60 degrees as the cutoff, the standard aims to ensure the air conditioning system operates safely and effectively during an inspection while protecting both the equipment and the inspection process. This threshold reflects common practice in the industry to maintain optimal conditions for air conditioning units and to ensure that the system can be tested effectively without risk.