Does a window AC unit need a dedicated circuit?
Table of Contents
- 1 Does a window AC unit need a dedicated circuit?
- 2 Can an air conditioner be plugged into a regular outlet?
- 3 How many amps does a 5000 BTU air conditioner use?
- 4 What size breaker do I need for a 8000 BTU air conditioner?
- 5 What size circuit breaker do I need for an air conditioner?
- 6 Can a window air conditioner be plugged into a power strip?
- 7 What kind of extension cord should I use for an air conditioner?
Does a window AC unit need a dedicated circuit?
Window AC units are typically easy to install, and most provide an energy saver switch option that makes them affordable to operate when you only need to cool one room. With a few exceptions, most window air conditioners will require their own dedicated circuit so they don’t overload an existing room circuit.
Can an air conditioner be plugged into a regular outlet?
Window units with standard, three-prong plugs may be used in regular household outlets, regardless of whether the air conditioner requires 110-, 115-, or 120-volt electricity. No special outlet is required. However, if the unit has a round plug, you may consider changing the wall outlet to match it.
How many amps does a 9000 BTU air conditioner use?
20 amps
The 9,000 BTU TTW air conditioner fits in a standard TTW sleeve. The unit requires 208/230 volts and 20 amps, and uses R-410A refrigerant.
How many amps does a 5000 BTU air conditioner use?
5 Amps
When plugged into a 110-volt outlet, most 5,000-BTU air conditioners use only 5 Amps. The number of watt is dependent on the number of Amps and the number of volts in the outlet.
What size breaker do I need for a 8000 BTU air conditioner?
Table: How Many Amps Do Window, Portable, Mini-Split Air Conditioners Draw
| Air Conditioner Capacity | Amperage (Estimate) | AC Type: |
|---|---|---|
| How many amps does a 6,000 BTU air conditioner use? | 4.35 – 6.52 Amps | Window AC |
| How many amps does an 8,000 BTU air conditioner use? | 5.80 – 8.70 Amps | Window AC, Portable AC |
What size breaker do I need for a window air conditioner?
So a wall/window air conditioner with a rating of over 7.5 amps would require its own circuit on a 15-amp breaker, or over 10-amps on a 20-amp breaker. If the applliance is not “fastened in place,” such as a portable dehumidifier, then it is allowed to be up to 80\% of circuit rating, per NEC 210.23(A)(1).
What size circuit breaker do I need for an air conditioner?
There are 4 answers. It depends on the unit that’s being installed, but usually it’s 30-60 Amp with 10-4 AWG wire. You’ll be in the 30-40A range if you look at a 3.5 ton unit.
Can a window air conditioner be plugged into a power strip?
It is not safe to plug an AC unit into a conventional power strip as it can cause electrical fires to break out. Instead, you can use surge protectors. These devices look and function just like a power strip but with added protection against power surges, which can damage your unit.
Can I use a surge protector for my air conditioner?
While technically you could run a portable air conditioner on a surge protector under the correct circumstances, you may not need to do so. A portable air conditioner has several safety nets already in place to prevent power surges.
What kind of extension cord should I use for an air conditioner?
A 14-guage extension cord can handle that much current, but remember that an air conditioner, like most appliances, draws more current when it starts up. For this reason, and to prevent poor performance because of voltage drop, it’s safer to use a 12-gauge cord.