Do I need a separate outlet for the air conditioner and at what height should it be located

The rules for installing an outlet for an air conditioner must be followed. They are related to the location of the outlet and its installation, network requirements and grounding.

Choosing the location of the outlet

When choosing the location of the outlet for the air conditioner, it is important to consider several points:

• the power of the purchased device;
• the arrangement of objects in the room;
• the specifics of the layout of the premises.

Air conditioner cords are short. Therefore, the distance from the ceiling to the outlet should be approximately 30 cm. Install it as close to the device as possible.

In exceptional cases, it is necessary to place it on the floor. Then the height of the outlet for the air conditioner must be at least 15 cm. If set lower, water may accidentally get in while cleaning the floor.

Furniture and appliances should not be an obstacle to plugging in the power cord.

Calculation of network load

The maximum power of the air conditioner is indicated in its passport. The durability of the device depends on the correct calculation of the network load. Before buying an air conditioner, you need to find out about the power of the network of the room in which it will be installed, as well as study the characteristics of the device itself.

The average load volume varies from 0.8 to 1.8 kW. The permissible load on the outlet is 16A, and the indicated volume consumed by the air conditioner is approximately 3-10A. A more powerful load for home devices is rare. Models with high kW consumption are used in factories and public places.

Several important nuances:

• you cannot simultaneously turn on devices with a total power higher than the capabilities of the power grid - this will lead to overload;
• it is best to use a separate outlet for the air conditioner, preferably without connecting tees, etc.;
• it is necessary to provide grounding in the room.

Network Requirements

It is important to pay attention to the cross-section of the wires and the length of the power cable. The best section size is from 1.5 to 2 mm.

A single-phase connection is recommended. Aluminum wires are not suitable for such a powerful device. It is better to opt for copper wiring, as it provides the greatest reliability.

Installing the socket

Before buying an outlet, there are two rules to keep in mind:

1. The parameters of the outlet and the requirements specified in the passport of the air conditioner must match each other in terms of characteristics.
2. Connection is made only through an automatic device - a protective connection device.

It is recommended to purchase euro sockets, because they are highly reliable when connected to powerful devices. You do not need to do the initial installation yourself, it is better to entrust the service specialists.

Consider the basic safety rules when working with electricity:

• having disconnected the network, you should use a special tool to check the absence of current - a voltage indicator will do;
• tool handles must be covered with insulating material;
• relatives and neighbors should be warned that the electricity will be temporarily turned off, otherwise it may be activated without the knowledge of the person installing the network.

Self-connection

Having done everything with his own hands, the client deprives himself of the right to contact technical support in the event of a breakdown.Poor installation may cause malfunction. Even if this is not the case, the warranty will be void.

Having decided to do the work with your own hands, before connecting to the network, you need to connect the indoor and outdoor unit of the air conditioner. To do this, the actions are performed in the specified order:

1. Remove the outer panel.
2. Remove the cable clamp.
3. Install the cable into the hole located on the back of the cooler.
4. Strip and tighten the ends of the cable wires in the terminals.
5. Attach the wire using the retainer.
6. Install the decorative cover.

The outdoor unit receives power from an indoor unit connected to a junction box.

When you have to lay a separate line for the air conditioner, you need to remember several important recommendations:

• the distance between adjacent wires is at least 3 mm;
• you can lay the wire in a vertical or horizontal plane;
• connections are made using bolts or terminals.

Network connection rules

There are several ways to connect an air conditioner. They depend on the specific conditions and parameters of the network.

Connection options:

1. Without socket and plug. This option is available when connecting the connection point to a junction box. An important nuance: with this method of connection through one network, the load will go from all household appliances. Its power should be correctly calculated. In case of overload, the network is equipped with an automatic shutdown system.
2. Installation during renovation. While the living space is at the installation stage, it is convenient to use a special channel in the wall, in which the cable will be placed. One end of it will have an outlet to the outlet, and the other to the switchboard. As a result, the channel is closed up, remaining protected from negative external factors and not standing out in the interior of the room.
3. Open way. This option is used in a renovated room so that you do not have to break part of the wall. One end of the wire connects to the switchboard, the other to the socket. The wires will have to be mounted along the wall, therefore, to improve the appearance of the room, they are masked with a decorative box.

Grounding the air conditioner

Grounding is an integral part for the safe conduct of the electrical network. This is an artificially created contact between the ground and the electrical installation. The idea is to lower the voltage to eliminate the risk to people and animals.

Electric current takes the smallest path of resistance, so the grounding system is lower than other sources of the electrical circuit.

Despite this, non-observance of the rules can lead to sad consequences. There are two important points:

1. Do not pull out the plug while the device is running. First, the air conditioner must be turned off, and then, gently holding the plug, smoothly pull the cord out of the outlet.
2. The contact of the grounding wire is prohibited with a lightning rod, water supply and gas pipeline.

Do not confuse grounding with grounding. If grounding is designed to lower the voltage to a safe level, then grounding shuts down the system at the time of an emergency - for example, when a case breaks down.

Manufacturers in the passport of the device indicate the mandatory presence of grounding, so do not neglect the recommendations of professionals.

If you suspect a breakdown in the power supply, grounding or outlet, you should call the technician.

Correct installation of the outlet will ensure reliable and safe operation of the air conditioner for many years. It is important to take into account the nuances and do the job efficiently.