How to fix a Circuit Breaker?
Question:I have an AC running on a 15 amp circuit. I asked a question here and the common theme was that I may need to upgrade / fix the circuit.
I have a 10,000 BTU (2 week old) Air Condition running and it popped the 15 Amp Circuit a bunch of times tonight. I currently have an extention cord running across the room into another room and it has yet to pop the other circuit.
Can somebody direct me to a good diagram and description of how to fix it and if at all possible, tell me the level of difficulty.
If you can think of anything to tell me, please feel free. I am reading and will add information if needed.
Answers:
You can replace the breaker. You can exchange a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker, but, you shouldn't! The breakers are sized to protect the wiring from over heating, so, potentially, you create a fire hazard. Using an extension cord for the A/C is also a potential fire hazard. I have heard that a lot of people change out the breakers. They find the one that supplies the A/C. They shut it off (flip the switch). They remove the panel cover, place it aside. Remove the breaker from panel box. Unscrew the wire. Screw the wire into the new breaker. Replace the breaker. Replace the cover. Then they would sit back and enjoy the A/C. But, I wouldn't and you shouldn't.
Number one, what does this thing draw as far as amperage. Number two, is this cicuit dedicated solely for this air conditioner. You may be on circuit overload. You may need to up your breaker to a 20 or 30. While you are at it, it would be a good idea to change the wire size.
You have too many things also running at the same time on that circuit. An airconditioner of that size should be on its own 15 Amp circuit. Get an electrician to help you.
sounds like a 120 volt unit you need branch ckt using a #12 romax wire breaker ed at 20 amp and it will be just fine if you want detail inst you can e-mail me
its not real hard just have to be care full working around electric devices
nothing is wrong with the circuit. it is just not enough for that AC. do not replace or upgrade it. call the landlord or a electrician. you could start a fire.
also, an extension cord creates heat and could cause a fire.. do not use one.
get a 5000 btu air it will work on that outlet
but to run the 10000 unit you need a new outlet installed just for that unit with #12 wire to the panel.
no good to run it through a cord
Reading your other question, it looks like you have other things plugged into this circuit. You did not state that this circuit serves your bathroom as well, but evidently it does since the hair dryer caused problems.
A 15 amp circuit may be wired with a 14 gauge wire. Not a problem for a 15 amp circuit, but rules out the possibility of simply switching the breaker for a larger one. You would need to change the wire as well which is certainly more complicated.
That's OK, you really don't need to upgrade this circuit anyway. You really need to add a circuit dedicated to the air conditioner. 20 amp, 12 gauge wire, 20 amp receptacle. The air conditioner you have now may not need the full 20 amps but you (or someone else) may have one that requires it in the future.
There are many factors that determine the cost -- ease of access to the floor or ceiling area, type of framing, distance to the breaker box. Materials should be less than $100. If the conditions are right for an easy installation you might get by with $150 - $200 in labor. More difficult conditions this could get into $1000. You will need an electrician on site for a good number.
At the very least, you will need the owner's permission for this kind of work. The argument could be made that the owner should pay for it, but generally they would not be required to. If you owned the home you could do this yourself in most areas. Since it is an apartment, a licensed electrician is probably required. In some states, the owner could do it if there are fewer than three units but you would not be allowed to as a renter.
In any case, you need to get rid of the extension cord. Long term use of an extension cord in this kind of situation creates a fire hazard.
NUMBER 1 - DON"T RUN THE A/C THROUGH AN EXTENSION CORD THAT IS DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
You know everyone says you shouldn't "up the amperage" because you wiring is rated for a certain amount however you a/c only pulls extra amps momentarily when the compressor kicks on. So, in my opinion, (and I've done it) you should up the amperage by 5 amps but no more. You'll be fine. BUT if it still trips you will need to run a dedicated circuit for it -
REMEMBER THIS :
WINDOW UNIT + EXTENSION CORD = FIRE HAZARD
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