Problems and Solutions: Running a Portable Air Conditioner on a Surge Protector

Are you curious if running a portable air conditioner on a surge protector is safe? Here we explore the common concerns and recommend the best practices for ensuring your equipment stays in top shape.

Power Requirements

The primary concern when connecting a portable air conditioner to a surge protector is the power requirements. Portable AC units require a substantial amount of power, especially during startup. The startup current can be significantly higher than the running current, and this can present a problem for surge protectors which are typically rated around 15 amps.

Surge Protector Rating

In addition to the power draw, the surge protector's rating can also be an issue. If the surge protector is not rated for the high wattage that a portable air conditioner draws, it risks overheating or becoming damaged. This can potentially lead to the circuit breaker tripping, causing further disruptions.

Potential for Damage

There is also a risk that using a surge protector can increase the potential for damage to the air conditioner itself. If the surge protector fails or if there is a power surge, it may not provide the necessary protection for your appliance, leaving it vulnerable to harm.

Warranty Issues

Furthermore, some manufacturers may void the warranty if the appliance is not used according to their guidelines. This can include using a dedicated outlet without a surge protector. Ensuring that your equipment is operated in compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations is crucial for maintaining the warranty and getting the best performance from your portable air conditioner.

Best Practices

Given these concerns, it is best to plug your portable air conditioner directly into a wall outlet that can handle its power requirements. If you are concerned about power surges, consider using a dedicated circuit with a surge protector designed for high-wattage appliances. These protectors are specifically engineered to handle the power draw of large appliances like air conditioners and can provide the necessary protection against surges and fluctuations in voltage.

Our personal experiences with surge protectors have shown us that they are not always reliable. In a hotel setting where we used a whole building surge protector, we experienced a power outage that resulted in a TV failure. The issue was further compounded by a LG washer's electronic card failure on a Koblenz Line Conditioner. However, we found that our second washer and other TV's, protected by Koblenz brownout protectors, did not experience any loss during brownouts.

During a severe power outage, we observed that even a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) with a voltage gauge indicated that the voltage was still at 70 volts. This suggests that the surge protector was not providing the necessary protection during a power surge. Nonetheless, the brownout protection worked by shutting off during both under and over-voltage conditions, and then delaying the start for 30 seconds to 3 minutes after the proper voltage and current are restored. For electronics, 30 seconds is sufficient, but for appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners, a 3-minute delay is preferable to allow gas in the unit to equalize before restarting.

In summary, while surge protectors can be beneficial in protecting your electronics from power surges and brownouts, they are not always reliable for high-wattage appliances such as portable air conditioners. Directly plugging your portable air conditioner into a suitable wall outlet with a dedicated circuit is the most reliable and recommended approach to ensure the longevity and performance of your equipment.