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Practical answers from our team

Window AC electrical safety

A window AC needs the right electrical connection, not a convenient extension cord. Check the unit’s instructions, preserve its grounding, and have unsuitable outlets evaluated.

By: Tucker Yarbrough - Yarbrough & SonsUpdated
The short answer
  • Follow the installed room AC’s electrical requirements.
  • Do not use extension cords or remove the ground prong.
  • Have questionable outlets and circuits checked by a qualified electrician.

Use the correct power connection

Plug a room air conditioner into the properly grounded outlet required by its instructions. Do not use an extension cord, multi-outlet adapter, or power strip as a substitute for a suitable wall outlet.

    Budget for the electrical setup as well as the window unit

    When comparing a window unit’s cost, also ask a qualified electrician about the outlet and circuit it will use. Include the grounded connection and any dedicated-circuit recommendation in that conversation. This is separate from the appliance’s purchase price.

    Request a quote that identifies any electrical work needed for your actual unit and location. The work has to fit that setup; buying an extension cord is not a substitute for resolving an unsuitable connection.

      For a closer look at how project costs are built, see our Pricing Breakdown and ask us for a current quote for your home.

      Keep the grounding protection intact

      Never remove the third prong to make the plug fit an older outlet. The ground prong is a safety feature, not an optional convenience. An unsuitable outlet is a reason to involve a qualified electrician.

        Have the circuit checked when needed

        Have a qualified electrician check the receptacle and circuit if you are unsure whether they meet the unit’s requirements or are properly grounded. Choose the electrical arrangement for the actual model rather than assuming any nearby outlet will do.

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          This window unit caused a fire - here's how you can prevent it from happening | Oklahoma City, OK

          Video published

          Recorded prices, offers, equipment, and service details reflect the recording and may have changed.

          Professional demonstrations are not instructions to perform electrical, gas, refrigerant, or combustion work yourself. Leave that work to a qualified professional.

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          Our Source Videos

          These original recordings contributed to this guide. Recorded prices, offers, equipment, and service details reflect the recording and may have changed.

          This window unit caused a fire - here's how you can prevent it from happening | Oklahoma City, OK

          Video published

          Watch The Original On YouTube

          Read The Source Transcript

          Hey guys, here's the story. Earlier this week, a 76-year-old man passed away due to a fire in his home that was caused by his window unit and poor electrical practices. So, my dad gets into it and and makes some really, really good suggestions for if you are using a window unit, here's what you should do. So, take a listen. >> It'd be nice if the window unit was on a dedicated circuit, you know, to where it was on a power supply of its own. So, you don't ever want to plug in an extension cord. Most extension cords aren't rated for continuous duty, you know, like for air conditioners and stuff like that. It's like when an air conditioner fires off, the amp draw will spike whenever it first fires off and then drop back down. And those extension cords aren't rated to cover that kind of amperage. And then another deal, a lot of times people will have an extension cord that this little ground wire may have been broke off, you know, they may have a plug on the wall that doesn't have a ground, but this is a really important deal because it's a safety feature that if something goes wrong with the window unit, it's going to allow the electricity to have a path to get back to your breaker box and go to ground and trip a breaker to whereas if this is not here and you touch that window unit, then now then you're a better path for ground for that electrical current to go. >> And also, gosh, have that window unit maintained and serviced. I think probably the biggest deal would be if possible have a dedicated circuit that feeds to your window unit and don't don't use extension cords and make sure you've got a grounded plug. >> Hey guys, let us know what you think of this video. Our thoughts and prayers are with the the the family of the man that passed away. Take care of your loved ones. Have a good day. Bye.

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