Hi,
I have a thru-wall A/C unit that uses 110V socket but the problem is that my socket for the a/c is a 220V. I do not want to mess with it. But I have a availabe 110V socket in the next room about 15ft from the A/C unit. Is it safe to get an extension cord for it? If so, what exactly do I need to get? Any link to the item will be helpful. Thanks in advance.
Originally Posted by ill_kuma
Hi,
I have a thru-wall A/C unit that uses 110V socket but the problem is that my socket for the a/c is a 220V. I do not want to mess with it. But I have a availabe 110V socket in the next room about 15ft from the A/C unit. Is it safe to get an extension cord for it? If so, what exactly do I need to get? Any link to the item will be helpful. Thanks in advance.
As you know, extension cords are intended for temporary use. Whether this is a temporary use or not is probably your call. Extension cords have a tag showing their gauge and wattage rating. You need to make sure your cord meets or exceeds the wattage rating of the A/C unit.
Also you should check the 110v receptacle to make sure it has proper overcurrent protection, meaning the right size fuse or circuit breaker. For example I once moved into an apartment with 20A fuses protecting 14 AWG wiring. I replaced them with 15A fuses.
Then you will want to figure out what other loads are on that same circuit with the receptacle you want to use. Add up the wattage or amperage of all those loads and make sure you're under the rating for the proper fuse or breaker. If you are close to capacity, you may see lights dim or the breaker trip when the A/C compressor starts.
Extension cords, especially for high powered items such as ACs are generally not a good idea. For temporary use, they do sell AC extension cords. They are standard 120v extension cords, but are heavy duty and sized to handle the power requirements of an AC. You'll also want to ensure that the extension cord is not a trip hazard and not somewhere that it will be stepped on. Unfortunately, a lot of house fires are started with frayed, loose or damaged extension cords.
The better answer would be to have an electrician install a receptacle where you need one, so an extension cord isn't required.
I have a thru-wall A/C unit that uses 110V socket but the problem is that my socket for the a/c is a 220V.
Not really a problem. You should be able to change it to 120v in less then half an hour for probably less then the cost of an extension cord.
Originally Posted by ray2047
Not really a problem. You should be able to change it to 120v in less then half an hour for probably less then the cost of an extension cord.
I wish it was cheap to do it...my community board is charging me alot to do it.
I guess its not that safe for me to use the extension cord. The question is, is it safe/economical to buy a stepdown transformer? If so, which and where do I get it? I am electric-declined so please point me in the right direction. Also, how much would someone charge to change my 220V to a 110V?
why can't you just rewire the 220v outlet circuit to 110v at the breaker panel?
Originally Posted by daddyjohn
why can't you just rewire the 220v outlet circuit to 110v at the breaker panel?
Yeah, I know this is an option...but I dont know do it. I have a previous thread regarding this...click here.
Originally Posted by ill_kuma
Yeah, I know this is an option...but I dont know do it. I have a previous thread regarding this...click here.
We would be glad to walk you through it. An electrician probably wouldn't charge that much either.
The question of when (if ever) you are allowed use an extension cord with a window AC is a bit complicated in theory:
1) Every manufacturers' installation instructions for 120V window and portable air conditioners I've seen says something like the following :
2) Typically, when I see a window or portable AC with an extension cord, the cord is plugged into a circuit supplying power to other loads, in that case NEC 440.62 kicks in:
The total marked rating of a (each) cord-and-attachment-plug-connected room air conditioner shall not exceed 50 percent of the rating of a branch circuit where lighting outlets, other appliances, or general-use receptacles are also supplied...
So depending on the size (current draw) of the air-conditioner, often you should not be plugging it into a receptacle outlet attached to a 15A, and sometimes a 20A, circuit. (There a few exceptions, but they almost never apply in a residential situation).
3) Where NEC 440.62 does not apply, you have to consider NEC 400.8:
Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:
(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
Whether an extension cord powering an air-conditioner is a substitute for fixed wiring is up to the local building department or other AHJ - in my experience in my area at a minimum the use of an extension cord to power window or portable AC would not be allowed at rental or commercial property.
However, when I see a window or portable AC running off an extension cord, it's often violating:
(2) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
and/or
(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings.
In practice , assuming an AHJ would allow the use of a properly sized extension cord in residential situation, you are then left with the question of whether it is safe to do so. For example I would regard such an extension cord as unsafe if it was in an area subject to foot traffic or where it could be damaged by furniture legs, casters or similar, or where it was concealed under carpeting or behind drapery, or if it was possible small children or animals would chew on it or otherwise disturb or damage it.
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Home Inspection: A business with illogically high liability, slim profit margins and limited economies of scale. An incredibly diverse, multi-disciplined consulting service, delivered under difficult in-field circumstances, before a hostile audience in an impossibly short time frame, requiring the production of an extraordinarily detailed technical report, almost instantly, without benefit of research facilities or resources. - Alan Carson
Originally Posted by ill_kuma
I wish it was cheap to do it...my community board is charging me alot to do it.
I guess its not that safe for me to use the extension cord. The question is, is it safe/economical to buy a stepdown transformer? If so, which and where do I get it? I am electric-declined so please point me in the right direction. Also, how much would someone charge to change my 220V to a 110V?
For myself I will discourge useing the extendison cord for window shaker { window A/C } due they can get hot over the time. I know there are few spefic made cords for window shaker but some window shaker manufacter will not allow use the extendison cord due some cord can cause pretty serious voltage drop it can ruin the motor or damage the controller.
For the transfomer it not worth your money to do this route due if you have leigit 120 / 240 volt system but if you have 120/208 volts system most case it can be change without much issue.
going from 240/208 volt system to 120 volt system is not very hard to move white conductor if there and change the breaker and receptale to correct one.
Do your comummity board have their own electrician ? { I really doubt that part due they have inhouse handyperson (this part will cross the line due code requirement ) if not talk to them and have get them a legit electrician to come in and do the task properly.
Merci,Marc
Originally Posted by french277V
going from 240/208 volt system to 120 volt system is not very hard to move white conductor if there and change the breaker and receptale to correct one.
Do your comummity board have their own electrician ? { I really doubt that part due they have inhouse handyperson (this part will cross the line due code requirement ) if not talk to them and have get them a legit electrician to come in and do the task properly.
Merci,Marc
I am definitely not going with the extension cord now...will most like ask the community board's electrician to do it. I was really relunctant to pay them $75-$100 (thats how much they want) but seems like there no other way for me. Also, I have already spent so much money on my burnt out a/c unit and then a new one...these are thru-wall units which costs even more vs. window units. Is what they charging ($75-$100) an honest fee?
Originally Posted by ill_kuma
Is what they charging ($75-$100) an honest fee?
For a licensed electrician that sounds fair. If it's not a flat fee, you may stay closer to $75 by clearing a path to the receptacle and the load center, making sure cover screws are not rusted on, stuff like that. If it's somebody who has done a lot of work there, he or she will know pretty well what is needed and should be able to tell you that when you call for service.
The biggest factor will be beyond your control, and that's whether the existing cable has a white conductor available or if it's conduit, the electrician will need to pull one in.
Also if the electrician charges for parts you may be able to supply a 15- or 20-amp breaker depending on what size 2-pole breaker is currently in place. Good luck.
Sounds like a pretty reasonable price to me. I would pay it. I am faacing the same problem you are, 240 and need a 120 and though I have changed breakers on a different box and I am familiar with process this box does not seem to have a main disconnect. I will likely call electrician and let them pull meter or whatever they do in a case like that to kill the power. If I can get away with $75 for trip charge and all I will be thrilled.
Good luck Buddy,
Rob
Originally Posted by ill_kuma
I am definitely not going with the extension cord now...will most like ask the community board's electrician to do it. I was really relunctant to pay them $75-$100 (thats how much they want) but seems like there no other way for me. Also, I have already spent so much money on my burnt out a/c unit and then a new one...these are thru-wall units which costs even more vs. window units. Is what they charging ($75-$100) an honest fee?
Yes that is typical fee rate and I am pretty much in that spot for my service call but keep in your mind there is some items will add to the list like get proper breaker or conductor or both and receptale as well and the electrician will check the load center to make sure everything is ok at the same time.
Merci,Marc
Tags: unit, extension, cords, extension cord, Originally Posted, 110V socket, Originally Posted ill_kuma, Posted ill_kuma, volt system, community board, electrician really, less then
