Air Conditioning Electrical Circuit Requirements
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How to Know if your Air Conditioner Requires a New Electrical Circuit |
Will You Need New Circuit For Your Air Conditioner?
Electrical Question: I want to buy a stand-alone room air conditioner.
- Most of them are 9000 – 12000 BTU.
- Most of them say they are for a single circuit. What does that mean.
- Do they have to have a separately wired plug-in?
- My house is small and the circuit breakers are mostly labeled front- room, kitchen, etc.
- Would I have to do wiring, and would it be worth the cost?
Background: Sue, a Homeowner from Indiana
See more about Home Wiring for Indiana
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Sue.
How to Know if your Air Conditioner Requires a New Electrical Circuit
Will Your New Air Conditioner Require a Dedicated Electrical Circuit?
Sue these are all great questions.
- The air conditioner you choose should also say what size space or room it will be capable of providing cooling for.
- Then the installation manual will specify the electrical circuit requirements.
- If the amperage is less than 7 amps or half of the circuit size for the room then you might be able to plug it into a room outlet, however this really depends on a few things such as the age of the home, how many circuits there are, how many of the room outlets are being used for other devices which may prevent the added load of the air conditioner.
- So as you can see there are several factors just having to do with the existing electrical circuits.
- If you find that a new circuit is required for the air conditioner then there are considerations having to do with the location of the electrical panel, the available capacity of the panel and where the air conditioner outlet will be required, and of course the type of access that will be used to install the new circuit.
Should You Purchase and Install an Air Conditioner?
- Then of course you ask will it be worth it?
- Well that depends on just how uncomfortable you are without an air conditioner.
- No doubt Indiana can have some very warm summer days and an air conditioner surely will keep your space cooler.
- Alternative would be installing a ceiling fan if you do not already have one.
RESOURCES
Electrical Circuit
Electric Circuit Listing
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Circuit Breaker
Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
Electrical Wire
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring
Step-by-step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.
Ceiling Fan Wiring
Ceiling Fan Wiring diagram #1
Ceiling Fan Installation #1
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How to Install Ceiling Fans
Take the mystery out of ceiling fan wiring. Ceiling Fans are a great way to lower your energy bill and brighten up one of your favorite rooms.
Electrical Code Articles for Home Wiring
Electrical Code Directory covering electrical-circuits.
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Does the breaker for a mini split outdoor unit need to be GFCI and does it also need arc fault AFCI?
Hi Dave,
Unless specifically required in our local area, an outdoor HVAC unit only requires a standard type circuit breaker, and does not require GFCI or AFCI type protection. However a 120volt service outlet near the HVAC unit should be on a separate circuit and have GFCI protection.
I hope this helps,
Dave