Wow! Window A/C unit amperage

   / Wow! Window A/C unit amperage
  • Thread Starter
#21  
Yes, I have not checked the AMPS. My volt meter doesn't have that option. I will say when I have run the A/C nothing else was on other than an alarm clock. Stuff is plugged in but not ON. So even though 2 other small rooms are on the same circuit nothing was on. Something else I noticed, When the lights flicker they brighten back up after a second but do not seem to be full brightness because when I shut the unit off, I can notice they brighten up just a tad. I'm not liking a 6 volt drop at the plug when the unit is running. I bought the A/C for emergency power outages but wanted to try it out to have a cooler bedroom while I sleep. I think I'm gonna take it out and just use for power outages.

You guys have been alot of help, but I'm still unsure if I have a problem. I don't know much about electricity and not sure how to do in depth testing.
 
   / Wow! Window A/C unit amperage
  • Thread Starter
#22  
Not knowing exact model but 8,000 btu likely takes 800w running (6 2/3 amps) BUT on startup depending on the quality of your AC guess that these numbers would momentarily double to 1600w or about 15a.

Keep as much powered down as possible and everything else off if you can at startup.

It is a Brand new Kenmore 8,000 BTU. Box says 15 amps, sticker on unit says 7 amps/ 740 watts.
 
   / Wow! Window A/C unit amperage #23  
Yes, I have not checked the AMPS. My volt meter doesn't have that option. I will say when I have run the A/C nothing else was on other than an alarm clock. Stuff is plugged in but not ON. So even though 2 other small rooms are on the same circuit nothing was on. Something else I noticed, When the lights flicker they brighten back up after a second but do not seem to be full brightness because when I shut the unit off, I can notice they brighten up just a tad. I'm not liking a 6 volt drop at the plug when the unit is running. I bought the A/C for emergency power outages but wanted to try it out to have a cooler bedroom while I sleep. I think I'm gonna take it out and just use for power outages.

You guys have been alot of help, but I'm still unsure if I have a problem. I don't know much about electricity and not sure how to do in depth testing.

Well the screw tightning thing I talked about wont cost a dime.. just a little time. and is not dangerous. as long as you find the right breaker and flip it off. Also would not hurt to take the breaker out and push it back in too. I have seen breakers have a little corrosion on the lugs.. tighten the wires on the breaker and Neutral bar, and tighten all the outlets that run on that circuit.. cant hurt a thing. flip the breaker back on and measure your voltage drop.. If it is not less, Well you are just out a little time that is all. If it fixes it, you are one happy cool camper..

James K0UA
 
   / Wow! Window A/C unit amperage
  • Thread Starter
#24  
Well the screw tightning thing I talked about wont cost a dime.. just a little time. and is not dangerous. as long as you find the right breaker and flip it off. Also would not hurt to take the breaker out and push it back in too. I have seen breakers have a little corrosion on the lugs.. tighten the wires on the breaker and Neutral bar, and tighten all the outlets that run on that circuit.. cant hurt a thing. flip the breaker back on and measure your voltage drop.. If it is not less, Well you are just out a little time that is all. If it fixes it, you are one happy cool camper..

James K0UA

I can handle that, I've changed out plugs, light switches, etc before. Never have removed a breaker though.
 
   / Wow! Window A/C unit amperage #25  
I can handle that, I've changed out plugs, light switches, etc before. Never have removed a breaker though.

If you have never removed a breaker, write down the brand of the breakers and go down to a big box home improvement store. Practice installing and removing a breaker a few times with their new, unpowered ones.

It is not difficult at all, but it helps to know exactly what should happen.
 
   / Wow! Window A/C unit amperage #26  
I can handle that, I've changed out plugs, light switches, etc before. Never have removed a breaker though.
On the breaker you will have a screw terminal that loosens a clamp the the black wire is clamped into.. AFTER switching OFF the breaker, you can remove this black wire.. and gently pry on this end of the breaker to lift it from the buss bar. It will normally have a "tang" holding the other end and you are prying it off of the HOT buss, and it will fall out in your hand. Don't forget the buss is HOT at all times. unless you trip the main breaker to the house.. at which time you will be in the dark. Reinsert the breaker the same way, tang end in first, and lever the breaker down to contact the buss and seat firmly. Then reattach the black wire after you get done with all the outlets. Dont forget to check the white wire on this piece of romex under the screw on the Neutral bar, to make sure it is tight.. Flip breaker back on, and see that it holds, then go check your AC unit with your voltmeter to see if it still drops that much. Remember firmly tighten, but don't strip out any screws. Also remember that the curl of the wire to go under the screw goes in the direction of tightening the screw not in the direction to loosen the screw. In other words, as the screw tightens on the outlet, the wire curl or "circle" is getting tighter not looser. This procedure may or may not help, but it is worth a try. I have seen a lot of loose outlets and wires stuck in the back push in connectors of outlets. (only good for low current lighting branch circuits) and loose breakers and loose breaker screws.. it is up to you to do or not do.. Just be careful and think through everything before doing. Never become part of the circuit.. (been there, done that, didn't like it much) Good Luck.. Hope you get it fixed.

James K0UA
 
   / Wow! Window A/C unit amperage #27  
If you have never removed a breaker, write down the brand of the breakers and go down to a big box home improvement store. Practice installing and removing a breaker a few times with their new, unpowered ones.

It is not difficult at all, but it helps to know exactly what should happen.

Excellent Idea!

James K0UA
 
   / Wow! Window A/C unit amperage
  • Thread Starter
#28  
Do you guys think a 6 volt drop from A/C usage is to much?
 
   / Wow! Window A/C unit amperage #29  
Do you guys think a 6 volt drop from A/C usage is to much?

The calculator (on the web ) for voltage drop, I put your parameters in, and it said. 1.44 volts. who knows for sure, but as already noted, I do not like the 14 gauge wire, for outlets, but it is what it is, but I am thinking 6 volts is too much.. for 70 feet, and your 6.5 amps Unless it is really drawing more current. (we need to know) or you have a high resistance joint.

James K0UA
 
   / Wow! Window A/C unit amperage #30  
It sounds like the OP's outlets and lighting are on the same circuit with multiple rooms on that circuit.
I also just bought an 8000 BTU window unit for my bedroom. The paperwork says to use a 15A circuit for power. Mine works fine and does not dim the light in the room since my lighting is on a different circuit. I don't see a problem for the OP using the AC at night so he can sleep since the room lights would be off anyway.
 

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