Electricity help!

[Floogeldy]

Should I run my 8,000 BTU air conditioner (window unit) off of a 25 ft. heavy duty extension cord (12/3 guage)?

:shrug:

[oneighty]

1. First thought no.

Second thought-read your instructions and follow them.

What else might be used on that same circuit when the AC is in use?

What is the amp rating on that circuit?

Is that circuit properly grounded and fused?

180

[Floogeldy]

2. You obviously know what you are talking about.

I am grateful for your response. The answer is that nothing, except for perhaps a lamp, will be running on the same circuit.

It is a Sears AC. They always say DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD.

I do not know the amp rating, but the AC runs on 110.

The circuit is protected by a 20 and 50 amp breaker. The 50 amp is a double pole thing. Grounding may be a problem, since the plugs in the room are two pronged.

I'm not so concerned about a fire starting from the extension cord as I am damage to the AC.

Thanks,

Floog

[oneighty]

4. You will be at risk

without a grounded circuit. The resistance provided by a long ext cord can damage your AC motor. Where the ext cord plugs into the outlet it can also overheat.

Best bet pay an electrician to pull a new and proper circuit to your AC. I would guess a hundred bucks or so. But your AC will run cheaper and more efficient when properly wired. And it will be safer.

Your home wiring must be fairly old to have a fifty amp service box.

IMO

180

[Floogeldy]

7. Unless I do not understand the vernacular . . .

. . . which is entirely possible, it is a 50 amp breaker; not a 50 amp box. The 50 amp circuit breaker controls two circuits.

I looked into getting a 10 guage extension chord, but they seem to be too long or cost outrageous.

[oneighty]

8. Good

Must be a branch circuit from your main service. You should have grounded 12 wire from that box to your outlet. An electrician could easy run the proper wire to your AC and install a grounded outlet. You will be safe, happy and cool.

180

[Solemya]

5. two-pronged outlet...

...could be a problem. You should consider upgrading your wiring.

[Solemya]

3. maybe, maybe not...

Betcha your A/C unit's installation instructions says never to use an extension cord. But that's just to cover their butts...

You should check the specs on both your A/C unit and the extension cord. The A/C unit will give a peak current rating -- something like 15 amps. The cord will give a maximum current capacity. If the capacity for your cord is over the peak demand of the A/C unit you should be able to get away with it. A shorter cord can handle more current; use the shortest cord (and best quality) you can find that will reach the outlet.

Assuming a quality cord and good outlets in the room, and adequate wiring in the walls (I live in a Very Old House...), it can be done.

The UL reluctantly provides guidelines for using extension cords with air conditioners here:

http://www.ul.com/media/newsrel/nr052705d.html

I suggest investing in a high-quality extenson cord that is long enough to reach the outlet, but no longer. 25 feet sounds long to me...

[Floogeldy]

6. I read you. Thank you to all of you.

The cord and AC are both 15 amps.

I'm gonna try it. As long as there is no chance of a fire, I am willing to take the risk.

It's hot in here.