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Electrical Wire and Cable


Electrical Requirements for Window Air Conditioners

My wife would love to be able to have a window air conditioner but I’m concerned that it may not be safe with the old wiring…


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Electrical Question from Dave about Electrical for a Window Air Conditioning
Background: Dave, a Homeowner from Sudbury,MA
[ad#block]Question: My family owns a summer house in NH which has old wiring (metal sheath type). My wife would love to be able to have a window air conditioner but I’m concerned that it may not be safe with the old wiring. Is there a way I can test the wiring to determine if it’s suitable for a 5-6k air conditioner?

Thanks for your help.

P.S. I used diagrams from your web site when I added a ceiling fan/light in the house this spring. The fan works great.

Dave

Additional Comments: very informative.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Dave.
Unfortunately most window air conditioners require their own dedicated circuit with few exceptions. It really depends on the size of the room that needs to cooled which will dictate the size of the air conditioner. The 6k btu size operating with a 120 volt circuit would consume aproximately 14 amps. Rather than taking a chance of overloading an existing room circuit it is best to install a dedicated circuit. If I was to install such a circuit I would recommend a 20 amp circuit, however it really depends on the actual size air conditioner that is purchased and what the manufacturer specifies.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

For more information about Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety

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Do-It-Yourself Electrical

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The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

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
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


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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