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Air Conditioners and Electric Voltage Converters


I want to make use of the 220 volt cloth dryer outlet down my basement. My idea is to run the 120V (15 amp) portable 12,000 BTU Air-conditioner unit using the cloth dryer 220V outlet…



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Electrical Question from Lee about Electrical Voltage Converter for an AC Unit
Background: Lee, a Homeowner from Avon, Connecticut
[ad#block]Question: I hope you can help me to choose a right converter/transformer for me.

I live in Connecticut. I want to make use of the 220 volt cloth dryer outlet down my basement. My idea is to run the 120V (15 amp) portable 12,000 BTU Air-conditioner unit using the cloth dryer 220V outlet. I think I am looking for American transformer or phase converter. You can see the idea from the following website:
http://www.refreshyourhome.com/new-steamer-windows/220-110V-CONVERTER.html

Could you help me to buy the right product from you?

Another problem is the dryer’s 3 prong plug. Do you have a transformer that can fit 220V Households Dryer plugs!

Sincerely,
Lee

Additional Comments: great for non-professional

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Lee.
From what I see on the website you have provided these voltage converters are made specifically for their cleaning equipment, therefore I would advise against this. The required load of an air conditioned is such that it requires a dedicated 120 volt 15 amp circuit. Using a voltage converter with an air conditioner will most likely void the warranty and may affect the operation.

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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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