Should a portable AC be on its own circuit?

A good rule of thumb is that units with a rating higher than 15,000 BTUs will require a dedicated 220-volt circuit. Some air conditioners also feature a non-standard plug, indicating that it may require a dedicated circuit.

How many amps does it take to run a portable AC?





Portable air conditioners have an amp draw that ranges from 3.1A to 12.8A. The average portable AC amperage is 10.44A and the most common is 12A.

Why is my portable air conditioner tripping the circuit breaker?

When an air conditioner trips the breaker, there are three major possible explanations— overloading, faulty AC or damaged breaker. It’s critical to rule out overloading before checking other possible causes by unplugging other devices using the same breaker and resetting the breaker.

What size breaker do you need for a portable air conditioner?

For smaller 1-ton (or up to and including 15,000 BTU) AC units, you only need a standard 110/120V circuit with the standard 15 amp breaker.

Can a portable air conditioner be plugged into a surge protector?

It is not safe to plug an AC unit into a conventional power strip as it can cause electrical fires to break out. Instead, you can use surge protectors. These devices look and function just like a power strip but with added protection against power surges, which can damage your unit.

Do you need a separate breaker for air conditioner?





Since air conditioners have a high amperage draw, it is recommended to install a separate circuit breaker for your aircon to avoid it from tripping your MCB.

How many amps does a 12000 BTU portable AC?

about 13 A

Example 2: How many amps does a 12,000 BTU mini-split use? We can see from the air conditioner amperage chart that it draws about 13 A. Example 3: 18,000 BTU unit draws a little less than 20 A.

Can you use a portable AC with an extension cord?

The FDNY specifically warns against using extension cords or power strips for large electrical appliances like air-conditioners, along with televisions, clothes dryers, refrigerators, and freezers, warning that extension cords are “only for temporary use,” and cannot handle as much current as permanent wiring.

How many watts does a portable AC pull?



Even though portable air conditioners don’t require ducts, they tend to use more electricity than a central air conditioning system. Portable air conditioning units use 2,900 to 4,100 watts per hour.

Can an air conditioner run on a 15 amp circuit?

Most common voltage ratings for AC units are 115, 125 and 220 volts, and amperage rating can run from 15 to 20 amps.

How many amps does an 8000 BTU air conditioner use?

How many amps is an 8000 BTU window AC? Most are 6-9 amps depending on the efficiency of the air conditioner. For example, an older 8 EER AC draws almost 9 amps. An 11 EER model uses just 6.3 amps.

How many amps is a 12000 BTU Mini Split?



We can see from the chart that 12,000 BTU mini split draws an estimated 4.5 amps.

Does a mini split need a dedicated circuit?

You might be wondering, “Do I really need a disconnect?” All mini split systems require a dedicated circuit to supply power to the system. A disconnect box is required by code to be installed near the outdoor unit and allows for a technician to shut off power to the system when performing any service or repairs.

How many amps does a mini split air conditioner draw?

Typically, you will need between 15 and 45 amps per mini split. That is about 110 to 120 volts on the low end and 208 to 240 volts on the higher end. Anything that runs on amps must have a circuit to prevent amp overload.

What size breaker do I need for a 12000 BTU air conditioner?

Example 1: You might ask, “what size breaker for 12,000 btu mini split?” Find 12000 on the chart above, and you’ll see that a 12,000 BTU mini split needs a 15 amp breaker.

Do AC units have circuit breakers?



Your air conditioning unit has two breakers; one operates the outside unit while the other operates the inside. If the breakers appear tripped, turn the breakers off and then back on to reset them.

How many amps does a window AC pull?

How many amps does a window air conditioner use?

Window AC amps category Amps (A)
Average 7.82A
Most common 11A
Highest 20A
Lowest 3.8A


How much current does an air conditioner draw?

15-60 amps



Central air conditioning units require 208/240 volts. They must be hard wired and have a dedicated circuit. Units require anywhere from 15-60 amps depending on how many tons they are.

Why is my AC drawing too many amps?

How old is your condensing unit? Your compressor may be getting close to it useful lifespan. As internal wiring and parts become worn, the compressor will pull more amps over time until something eventually gives. If it is still cooling and not tripping the breaker you should be ok.