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How to Solve Window Air Conditioner Electrical Problems

Window Air Conditioners and Electrical Circuit Problems


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
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Window Air Conditioners and Electrical Circuit Problems
Electrical Question: A TV and window air conditioner were rendered inoperable after the (5,000BTU) air conditioner was turned on (15A circuit). It appeared that the CB tripped, but it had not, so I tripped the suspected CB, checked for obvious fire hazard (burnt stuff), turned on the CB and the fault manifested itself by:

After four days of study (with problem circuits shut down), including studying your very helpful site, I commenced procedures which you suggest, hitting pay dirt at the step (to paraphrase): [examine where the trouble began,] which was at the air conditioner (but maybe not?). This is what happened (all CB’s on — my new voltage/current tester in hand) before I even started checking anything:

Heat is coming from the electric baseboard heater unit located a foot beneath the outlet which the air conditioner is plugged into; the other baseboard units are cold; the 24v thermostat unit is off.

I turned off all CB’s to the electric heat system and everything is now normal! (except the TV and air conditioner which were cooked). The switches, lights, outlets all normal. But there will be a day of reckoning — when winter comes and I have to power up the heat.

Any ideas?
I’m trying figure out how one heater unit can be on when the thermostat is off and the other heaters are off. I would hope that simply bypassing this one heater might solve the problem but I have a hunch it won’t be that simple.

Anyway, thanks for reading this. I hope you can help.

This electrical question came from: Jim, from Bethel, Connecticut

See more about Home Wiring for Connecticut

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Jim

Electrical Circuit for a Window Air Conditioner

RESOURCES

Electrical Outlet Wiring
outlet-wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

Home Electrical Circuits
home-electrical-circuits

Electric Circuit Listing

The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

Electrical Outlets

Using Testers to Identify Electrical Problems
digital-tester

Testers to Help Solve Electrical Problems

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
Types of Electrical Testers


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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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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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