The rules for installing the outlet for the air conditioner must be followed. They are associated with the location of the outlet and its installation, network requirements and grounding.
Socket Location Selection
When choosing the location of the outlet for the air conditioner, it is important to consider several points:
- power of the purchased device;
- the arrangement of objects in the room;
- the specifics of the layout of the room.
Air conditioning cords are short. In this regard, the distance from the ceiling to the outlet should be approximately 30 cm. It should be installed as close as possible to the device.
In exceptional cases, you have to put it on the floor. Then the height of the outlet for the air conditioner should be at least 15 cm. If installed below, water can accidentally get into the floor while washing.
Furniture and appliances should not be an obstacle to plugging in the power cord.
Network Load Calculation
The maximum power of the air conditioner is indicated in his passport. The durability of the device depends on the correct calculation of the load on the network. Before buying an air conditioner, you need to find out about the network power of the room in which it will be installed, and also 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 about 3-10A. A more powerful load for home devices is rare. Models with high kW consumption are used in enterprises and in public places.
A few important nuances:
- it is impossible to turn on devices with a total power higher than the power supply network at the same time - this will lead to overload;
- it is best to use a separate outlet for the air conditioner, preferably without connecting tees, etc .;
- grounding must be provided 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.
Socket Installation
Before buying an outlet, there are two rules to keep in mind:
- The parameters of the outlet and the requirements indicated in the passport of the air conditioner must match each other in terms of characteristics.
- Connection is made only through an automatic device - a protective connection device.
It is recommended to purchase euro outlets, as they are highly reliable when connecting powerful devices to them. No need to do the initial installation yourself, it is better to entrust the service specialists.
The basic safety rules when working with electricity should be considered:
- having disconnected the network, you should use a special tool to check the absence of current - a voltage indicator will do;
- tool handles are necessarily covered with insulating material;
- you should warn relatives and neighbors that the electricity will be temporarily turned off, otherwise it can be activated without the knowledge of the person involved in the installation of the network.
Self connect
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 a malfunction. Even if this is not the case, the warranty is voided.
Having decided to do the work yourself, before connecting to the network, you need to connect the internal and external air conditioning unit. To do this, the actions are performed in the specified order:
- Remove the outer panel.
- Remove the cable lock.
- Install a cable into the hole located on the rear surface of the cooler.
- Strip and tighten the cable ends at the terminals.
- Attach the wire using the clip.
- Install the decorative cover.
The unit located outside receives electricity from the unit installed indoors and connected to the junction box.
When you have to lay a separate line for the air conditioner, you need to remember a few important recommendations:
- between adjacent wires a distance of 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 network parameters.
Connection Options:
- Without an outlet and plug. This option is available when connecting the connection point to the junction box. An important nuance: with this method of connecting through one network, there will be a load from all household appliances. It is necessary to correctly calculate its power. In case of overload, the network is equipped with an automatic shutdown system.
- Installation during repair. While the living room 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 will have an outlet to the outlet, and the second 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.
- 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 distribution panel, the other to the outlet. The wires will have to be mounted along the wall, so to improve the appearance of the room they are masked by 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 earth and the electrical installation. The point is to lower stress to eliminate the risk to humans and animals.
Electric current chooses the smallest path of resistance, so the grounding system is below other sources of electrical circuit.
Despite this, non-compliance with the rules can lead to sad consequences. There are two important points:
- Do not pull out the plug while the device is in operation. First you need to turn off the air conditioner, and then, gently holding the plug, gently pull the cord out of the outlet.
- Contact of the ground wire is prohibited with a lightning rod, water supply system and gas pipeline.
Do not confuse grounding with grounding. If the grounding is designed to lower the voltage to a safe level, then grounding will turn off the system at the time of an emergency - for example, when a case is broken.
Manufacturers in the passport of the device indicate the obligatory presence of grounding, so do not neglect the recommendations of professionals.
If there is a suspicion of a breakdown in the power supply, grounding or outlet, you should call the wizard.
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.
