Why an Air Conditioner May Cause a Hot Plug

Why does my air conditioner cord and plug get hot? How to Prevent a Hot Cord and Plug for an Air Conditioner. © By: Dave Rongey

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Hot Air Conditioner Plug
[ad#block]Electrical Question: Why does my air conditioner cord and plug get hot?

• I have an electrical plug in the house that was super hot.
• You could keep your hand on it but it was hot, this was noticed when I unplugged the Air Conditioner from it.
• The plug gradually has cooled down but it is still very warm, so I can now keep my hand on it and not burn it.
• I cannot shut off this breaker because the other plug on the line, which is in good condition is now running the Air Conditioner.
• If I were to open it later after flipping the breaker “off” and tighten down all the wires that I see will this help the situation?

Thank you very Much.

This electrical question came from: Monty, from Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Monty

Why an Air Conditioner Plug May Get Hot

How to Prevent a Hot Cord and Plug for an Air Conditioner

• Air conditioners require a lot of electricity, and it is best to install a dedicated circuit for the air conditioner, especially if the 120 volt power requirement is above 7 amps.
• With smaller air conditioners the outlets should be wired using the pig tail method and the wires should not be attached to the outlet using the push-in attachments but instead the wires should be attached using the screw terminals.
• All of the circuit wiring and terminations should be snug and tight.
• Loose wiring connections can cause heating, arching and eventually this can cause a burnt and deteriorated connection and circuit failure.
• Many house fires start as a result of an overloaded electrical circuit which over heated.

More about Air Conditioner Outlets

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• Wiring Electrical Outlets

• Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Wiring Electrical Outlets used for air conditioners, with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
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• A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring and air conditioners. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
• Guide to Air Conditioner Wire
  

• Electrical Wire for Air Conditioners

• Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects and air conditioners with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.