Adding An Air Conditioner With a 9 Amp Rating

Unfortunately most room air conditioners require a dedicated circuit. Depending on how loaded the 20 amp bedroom outlet circuit is…. © By: Dave Rongey

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Electrical Question from Jonathan about Rewiring a Home
[ad#block]Question: Hello,

I want to add an air conditioner with a 9 amp rating to an upstairs bedroom, but all the the ac outlets on my upper level are on one 20amp circuit.

What are my options?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question.
Hi Johnathan – Unfortunately most room air conditioners require a dedicated circuit. Depending on how loaded the 20 amp bedroom outlet circuit is you may be able to use it IF the manufacturer does not require a dedicated circuit. If your air conditioner specifies a dedicated circuit then you need to look at where the electrical panel is located at your home and what your options are for installing a circuit from the second floor bedroom to the panel with the least amount of exposed electrical conduits. This may include having a the wiring installed up through the attic, or it may require an exposed conduit. And then there is the option of opening up the sheet rock  or wall coverings in order to conceal the wiring. Other methods cold include using a closet space to run a conduit down to a basement or crawl space where the wiring could be taken to the electrical panel location. Or – you may want to just move to Alaska (sorry, it’s really late and I’ve been answering way too many questions! – Stay in Hawaii and visit the beach more often!)
Better yet – let me come over an install the circuit for you – I haven’t been to Hawaii in ages!
Well anyway – I hope this helps, really I do!
(a Hoola girl with a Banana leaf and grapes or a mango? – pinia colada!)

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