Posted in:

Do I Need a Separate Breaker for AC?

© by iStock

Many people have started investing in air conditioners to cool down their homes and save themselves from passing out from the heat. However, air conditioners have a high energy requirement and are used continuously for long periods of time. The MCB, which protects all of your home’s electrical components, is put under extreme strain as a result.

Have you ever wondered why some houses have separate circuit breakers just for their air conditioners and heaters? Having a dedicated circuit breaker for your air conditioner is the best way to guarantee its uninterrupted operation and peace of mind.

Air conditioning repair and maintenance technicians from airconservicing.org often install a separate breaker to prevent the HVAC system from being turned off accidentally if the main breaker trips. A dedicated circuit breaker may be required to protect the electrical components and the structure of your home.   

The Process Of A Circuit Breaker:

To prevent electrical fires, most homes are equipped with circuit breakers, which function similarly to fuses by cutting power when an excessive current is detected. A circuit breaker, however, can be reset after some time has elapsed, unlike a fuse, which must be replaced if it blows.

When the circuit breaker’s contacts points are shut, power might continue to flow from the power grid to the circuit it is attached to. The circuit breaker disconnects the circuit by opening the contacts when it senses a defect in the current’s flow. This will stop the current from going further, preventing electrical fires in your home’s wiring.

While most circuit breakers are located on the MCB, a dedicated breaker can be added if a very powerful device is located outside the normal reach of the MCB’s distribution panel. The air conditioner is one such device. It’s best to work with a professional air conditioning service like marvellous to make sure your AC receive the necessary maintenance and that it all runs well.

Do I Need an AC Circuit Breaker?

Separate AC circuit breakers are strongly suggested. Putting your air conditioner on its own breaker will keep you from running into problems like the one described above and will give you peace of mind that your electrical system is not being overworked.

If you’re installing an air conditioner in a home that never had one before, or if your property has older electrical wiring, you should follow this advice. If you are replacing an older AC with a new AC and there is already a dedicated circuit, check to see if it has enough amperage for the new AC. If your air conditioner operates on 110-120 volts and needs more than 7 amps of power, you should probably give it its own circuit.

Your HVAC technician will be able to make a specific suggestion after evaluating your home’s electrical setup and the air conditioner you plan to install. 

Why Do We Need A Special Circuit Breaker?

Air conditioners, furnaces, and other home heating and cooling systems each have their own dedicated circuit breaker. Because of their high power needs, these appliances should be wired into separate circuits with their own breakers to ensure they always have access to sufficient electricity and to prevent electrical problems from disrupting their normal operation.

Therefore, it is safe to conclude that having a dedicated circuit breaker placed for connecting your air conditioner to is essential for having an AC that will not experience any technical or electrical difficulties.

For those hot summer days, you can run your air conditioner without worrying about tripping a circuit breaker and miss out on the comfort it provides.

What Size Circuit Breaker Do I Need For My 12,000 Btu Air Conditioner?

There are a few factors to think about when selecting a breaker for a 12,000 BTU air conditioner. The unit’s voltage is the first thing to consider. You’ll need a breaker that can withstand 120 volts, the standard voltage needed by air conditioners.

The breaker’s amperage capacity is an additional consideration. You may find this information, along with the breaker’s current capacity, on the breaker’s label. A circuit breaker with a minimum amperage rating of 20 amps is required to power a 12,000 BTU air conditioner.

Finally, check to see if the circuit breaker you buy is suitable for your home’s electrical setup. It is crucial to verify the home’s electrical system before making any purchases. By keeping these considerations in mind, you should have no trouble locating a suitable breaker for your 12,000 BTU air conditioner.