Window AC plug arcs when plugging in

[Devinet]

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turne
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc whe
pluging in this 220 volt AC. Now compressor cycles, etc. however th
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, an
again the unit is turned off during these checks

The arc is like that of a cap discharging?

Any ideas

Thanks,

Bil


--
Devinet

[Paul Drahn]

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC. Now compressor cycles, etc. however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Bill

The compressor motor is locked(not turning).

Paul

[Stormin Mormon]

Would that trip a breaker, "even if the unit is turned off"? Doesn't sound
like it, to me.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC. Now compressor cycles, etc. however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Bill

The compressor motor is locked(not turning).

Paul

[k***@attt.bizz]

On Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:38:47 +0000, Devinet

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC.

How big are the breakers (inline and the circuit's breaker)?

Now compressor cycles, etc. however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC,

Explain. Persists?

also a little beep ocurs, and again the unit is turned off during these checks.

Do you know if the unit beeped before?

The arc is like that of a cap discharging?

Probably "normal". These will draw a *lot* of current when switched
on. Using the plug to turn them on isn't the best idea.

Any ideas?

If it's drawing more current (the inline breaker is smaller than the
circuit's breaker) it might be low on freon or the starting capacitor
might be going bad. There are things called "hard start kits" that
might work but I'd have the freon level checked. It might have a
leak.

[t***@optonline.net]

Post by k***@attt.bizz
On Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:38:47 +0000, Devinet

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off.  Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC.

How big are the breakers (inline and the circuit's breaker)?

Now compressor cycles, etc.  however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC,

Explain.  Persists?

also a little beep ocurs, and again the unit is turned off during these checks.

Do you know if the unit beeped before?

The arc is like that of a cap discharging?

Probably "normal".  These will draw a *lot* of current when switched
on.  Using the plug to turn them on isn't the best idea.

Per his post, his problems are occuring when he plugs
it in, even with the AC turned off. Plugging an AC in,
turned off should not be tripping a breaker or producing
an arc.

Post by k***@attt.bizz

Any ideas?

If it's drawing more current (the inline breaker is smaller than the
circuit's breaker) it might be low on freon or the starting capacitor
might be going bad.  There are things called "hard start kits" that
might work but I'd have the freon level checked.  It might have a
leak.

Above has nothing to do with what he's asking about
because again the problem occurs with the AC off.
Something is very wrong with that AC, eg a breakdown
of insulation in the cable, and it should not be used.
Since he apparently does not have the skills to fix it,
time to scrap it and get another one. A new one can
be had for as little as $100.

[Stormin Mormon]

I read your text, twice. Nothing comes to mind, as what the problem might
be. What do you mean, when you write "inline breaker"?

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

"Devinet" <***@diybanter.com> wrote in message news:***@diybanter.com...

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC. Now compressor cycles, etc. however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.

The arc is like that of a cap discharging?

Any ideas?


Thanks,

Bill

[h***@home.com]

On Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:38:47 +0000, Devinet

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC. Now compressor cycles, etc. however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Bill

There has to be a short in the AC. Take it to an AC repair shop, or buy
a new one.

[c***@snyder.on.ca]

Post by k***@attt.bizz
On Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:38:47 +0000, Devinet

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC. Now compressor cycles, etc. however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Bill

There has to be a short in the AC. Take it to an AC repair shop, or buy
a new one.

If it is just a small spark it's possible the unit has a transformer
that draws power all the time - and a low voltage control system. In
this case, there MAY be nothing wrong. The "beep: makes me think this
is very likely.

[t***@optonline.net]

Post by k***@attt.bizz
On Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:38:47 +0000, Devinet

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off.  Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC.  Now compressor cycles, etc.  however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Bill

There has to be a short in the AC.  Take it to an AC repair shop, or buy
a new one.

  If it is just a small spark it's possible the unit has a transformer
that draws power all the time - and a low voltage control system. In
this case, there MAY be nothing wrong.  The "beep: makes me think this
is very likely.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

It's not just a small arc. It's tripping the figging breaker
even when it's turned off.

[John Grabowski]

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC. Now compressor cycles, etc. however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?

*The device on the plug of the air conditioner is an arc fault breaker. If
it is tripping, there is a problem with the air conditioner. Arc fault
breakers are designed to prevent fires. You should not be getting any
arcing with the unit turned off while plugging it in. You should not have
removed the arc fault protection. You should have had the unit serviced
instead.

[t***@optonline.net]

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off.  Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC.  Now compressor cycles, etc.  however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?

*The device on the plug of the air conditioner is an arc fault breaker.  If
it is tripping, there is a problem with the air conditioner.  Arc fault
breakers are designed to prevent fires.  You should not be getting any
arcing with the unit turned off while plugging it in.  You should not have
removed the arc fault protection.  You should have had the unit serviced
instead.

Do they have arc faults on AC units now? I didn't know
that. Are they required? Interesting. It certainly would
explain the behavior.

As for having it serviced, unless it's under warranty, I'd suggest
the scrap heap instead. You can get a window unit AC for as little as
$100 these days.

[John Grabowski]

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC. Now compressor cycles, etc. however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?

*The device on the plug of the air conditioner is an arc fault breaker. If
it is tripping, there is a problem with the air conditioner. Arc fault
breakers are designed to prevent fires. You should not be getting any
arcing with the unit turned off while plugging it in. You should not have
removed the arc fault protection. You should have had the unit serviced
instead.

Do they have arc faults on AC units now? I didn't know
that. Are they required? Interesting. It certainly would
explain the behavior.

As for having it serviced, unless it's under warranty, I'd suggest
the scrap heap instead. You can get a window unit AC for as little as
$100 these days.


*Article 440.65 in the National Electrical Code requires that cord and plug
connected air conditioners have a factory installed arc fault circuit
interrupter or leakage current detector interruptor as part of the plug or
within 12" of the plug.

I am wondering if the OP's air conditioner is a shock hazard now that the
protection has been removed.

[t***@optonline.net]

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC. Now compressor cycles, etc. however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?

*The device on the plug of the air conditioner is an arc fault breaker. If
it is tripping, there is a problem with the air conditioner. Arc fault
breakers are designed to prevent fires. You should not be getting any
arcing with the unit turned off while plugging it in. You should not have
removed the arc fault protection. You should have had the unit serviced
instead.

Do they have arc faults on AC units now?  I didn't know
that.  Are they required?   Interesting.  It certainly would
explain the behavior.
As for having it serviced, unless it's under warranty, I'd suggest
the scrap heap instead.  You can get a window unit AC for as little as
$100 these days.
*Article 440.65 in the National Electrical Code requires that cord and plug
connected air conditioners have a factory installed arc fault circuit
interrupter or leakage current detector interruptor as part of the plug or
within 12" of the plug.

Thanks for the info.

I am wondering if the OP's air conditioner is a shock hazard now that the
protection has been removed.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

I guess that depends on what he did or didn't do with
the ground and if there is a ground at the outlet. But,
from what he's given so far, I'd just get a new AC.

[croy]

On Sat, 12 Jan 2013 06:45:20 -0800 (PST),

Post by t***@optonline.net

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off.  Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC.  Now compressor cycles, etc.  however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?

*The device on the plug of the air conditioner is an arc fault breaker.  If
it is tripping, there is a problem with the air conditioner.  Arc fault
breakers are designed to prevent fires.  You should not be getting any
arcing with the unit turned off while plugging it in.  You should not have
removed the arc fault protection.  You should have had the unit serviced
instead.

Do they have arc faults on AC units now? I didn't know
that. Are they required? Interesting. It certainly would
explain the behavior.
As for having it serviced, unless it's under warranty, I'd suggest
the scrap heap instead. You can get a window unit AC for as little as
$100 these days.

Would it be ok if he dumps the old one on your front yard?

[t***@gmail.com]

To Stormin Morman and ***@optonline:

"inline" breakers have been federally mandated since the early 1990s - starting with hairdryers.

Where've you folks been??

[Stormin Mormon]

I thought they were GFCI plugs? I've been
visiting my friends at the cryogenic lab, they
have been keeping me in suspense. They say
they will let me know when I'm getting warm.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

<***@gmail.com> wrote in message news:af0b565b-7370-4bef-8898-***@googlegroups.com...
To Stormin Morman and ***@optonline:

"inline" breakers have been federally mandated since the early 1990s -
starting with hairdryers.

Where've you folks been??

[Stormin Mormon]

I did a web search on "appliance inline breakers" and got nothing that
looked related. Please send me a URL, I'm curious what I'm missing. Must be
something.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

<***@gmail.com> wrote in message news:af0b565b-7370-4bef-8898-***@googlegroups.com...
To Stormin Morman and ***@optonline:

"inline" breakers have been federally mandated since the early 1990s -
starting with hairdryers.

Where've you folks been??

[DerbyDad03]

Post by Stormin Mormon
I did a web search on "appliance inline breakers" and got nothing that
looked related. Please send me a URL, I'm curious what I'm missing. Must be
something.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
"inline" breakers have been federally mandated since the early 1990s -
starting with hairdryers.
Where've you folks been??

You've never seen a hair dryer or window AC with a GFCI plug on the cord?
Where *have* you been?

[Stormin Mormon]

I've seen GFCI plugs. Now, send me a URL to "appliance
inline breakers" which I've not seen.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

Post by Stormin Mormon
I did a web search on "appliance inline breakers" and got nothing that
looked related. Please send me a URL, I'm curious what I'm missing. Must be
something.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
"inline" breakers have been federally mandated since the early 1990s -
starting with hairdryers.
Where've you folks been??

You've never seen a hair dryer or window AC
with a GFCI plug on the cord?
Where *have* you been?

[DerbyDad03]

Post by Stormin Mormon
I've seen GFCI plugs. Now, send me a URL to "appliance
inline breakers" which I've not seen.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

Post by Stormin Mormon
I did a web search on "appliance inline breakers" and got nothing that
looked related. Please send me a URL, I'm curious what I'm missing. Must be
something.
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
"inline" breakers have been federally mandated since the early 1990s -
starting with hairdryers.
Where've you folks been??

You've never seen a hair dryer or window AC
with a GFCI plug on the cord?
Where *have* you been?

Oh, I see! You're stuck on stubbornly repeating the terminology that the
poster used instead of simply admitting that you know exactly what he is
talking about.

OK, well, I'll leave you to enjoy that. Have fun.

[Stormin Mormon]

So, you don't have a link to an appliance
inline breaker?

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

Post by t***@gmail.com
"inline" breakers have been federally mandated since the early 1990s -
starting with hairdryers.
Where've you folks been??

Oh, I see! You're stuck on stubbornly repeating the terminology that the
poster used instead of simply admitting that you know exactly what he is
talking about.

OK, well, I'll leave you to enjoy that. Have fun.

[c***@snyder.on.ca]

On Sat, 12 Jan 2013 08:00:55 -0500, "John Grabowski"

Post by John Grabowski

Window unit started triping inline-breaker even when unit was turned
off. Bypassed inline and unit works fine, except for a strong arc when
pluging in this 220 volt AC. Now compressor cycles, etc. however the
arc-ing persists when plugging in the AC, also a little beep ocurs, and
again the unit is turned off during these checks.
The arc is like that of a cap discharging?
Any ideas?

*The device on the plug of the air conditioner is an arc fault breaker. If
it is tripping, there is a problem with the air conditioner.

Or possibly with the arc fault protector (and in some cases it is NOT
an arc fault, but simply a ground fault circuit interrupter.

Post by John Grabowski
Arc fault
breakers are designed to prevent fires. You should not be getting any
arcing with the unit turned off while plugging it in. You should not have
removed the arc fault protection. You should have had the unit serviced
instead.

[Brixton 428 Brixton 428]

If your window AC plugs are arcing, unplug it immediately and check the plug and outlet for damage. Inspect the wiring for any frayed or loose connections. If issues persist, contact a qualified technician. Avoid using the unit until it's fixed to prevent hazards

[Clare Snyder]

On Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:00:04 +0000, Brixton 428 Brixton 428

If your window AC plugs are arcing, unplug it immediately and check the plug and outlet for damage. Inspect the wiring for any frayed or loose connections. If issues persist, contact a qualified technician. Avoid using the unit until it's fixed to prevent hazards.

It should be turned off when plugged in. Any heavy load can arc when
plugged in if it is turned on. It can arc when unplugged as well.
(That's what switches are for)