Author Topic: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?  (Read 163003 times)

Offline Yo ssi

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #740 on: May 29, 2022, 06:51:03 PM »
 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P3KN1XS
IME very few round sockets have even 15A they are usually 10A, but it's possible. I'd be curious if you got it and opened it up :) You can always buy it and try.



I'm shocked that you have an A/C that draws more than 15 amps
Don't the ones that draw 20A use the other style outlet?
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Offline yos9694

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #741 on: May 29, 2022, 11:26:10 PM »
IME very few round sockets have even 15A they are usually 10A, but it's possible. I'd be curious if you got it and opened it up :) You can always buy it and try.


Don't the ones that draw 20A use the other style outlet?

Even the 240V A/Cs are not 20 amps.

Offline Yo ssi

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Offline yos9694

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #743 on: May 30, 2022, 10:23:53 AM »
Something like this
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hubbell-White-20-Amp-Round-Air-Conditioner-Residential-Air-Conditioner/1000050873

Yeah, that's a 240V outlet rated for 20 amps. But I don't think I've ever seen a wall or window AC that actually draws so much current. 20 amps at 240V is 4,800 watts which is insane- would equate to something like 50,000 BTU at a normal efficiency rate. Do machines like that exist? Some central air units are smaller.

It's probably a good idea to make sure the plug is rated for more amps than the AC actually needs, but even 15 amps should leave a nice buffer. With that said, if @Live N Learn needs 20 amps then none of this helps. I can recommend a very good smart switch but it's rated 15A and I can't find any that are 20.

4 plugs for $13.80
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KYHLDZ

Offline Yo ssi

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #744 on: May 30, 2022, 11:03:12 AM »
4 plugs for $13.80
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KYHLDZ
Wow a great deal! (@jj1000)

Would you happen to know if it's an ESP chip inside?
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Offline yos9694

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #745 on: May 30, 2022, 01:00:55 PM »
Wow a great deal! (@jj1000)

Would you happen to know if it's an ESP chip inside?

I have a bunch at home. How can I check?

Offline Yo ssi

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #746 on: May 30, 2022, 01:48:39 PM »
I have a bunch at home. How can I check?
Easiest way is probably with FCC number, but it seems like it isn't.
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Offline Yo ssi

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Offline yos9694

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #748 on: May 30, 2022, 05:28:52 PM »
Thanks... been a long time  :D

Fcc id: 2AMUU-MSS110V2

Offline Live N Learn

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #749 on: June 01, 2022, 01:47:49 AM »
Yeah, that's a 240V outlet rated for 20 amps. But I don't think I've ever seen a wall or window AC that actually draws so much current. 20 amps at 240V is 4,800 watts which is insane- would equate to something like 50,000 BTU at a normal efficiency rate. Do machines like that exist? Some central air units are smaller.

It's probably a good idea to make sure the plug is rated for more amps than the AC actually needs, but even 15 amps should leave a nice buffer. With that said, if @Live N Learn needs 20 amps then none of this helps. I can recommend a very good smart switch but it's rated 15A and I can't find any that are 20.

4 plugs for $13.80
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KYHLDZ
I'm looking for something that is capable of handing an A/C comfortably. Ordered the one you recommended, and I'll try it out. Thank you.
".איזהו חכם, הלומד מכל אדם"

Offline yos9694

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #750 on: June 01, 2022, 11:43:34 AM »
What numbers are on your AC sticker? It should say the amperage and theres no need to guess. I'd be very surprised if 15A is not way more than you need comfortably

Offline David R

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #751 on: June 10, 2022, 01:42:03 AM »
ISO a smart plug that can handle a 20A A/C.

I found one listing on Amazon, but it looks to sketchy for me to believe it.

TIA
I'll share my solution:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X8Z255M/ I used this for a 240V 20A circuit. It can do 40A, so nowhere close to overloading it.
https://www.grainger.com/product/6CVA2 Nice enclosure for the above.
Honeywell RTH8580WF was already situated in the same room as the air conditioner. It had been used until then only for heating.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MPPTBQ This was optional and installed just in case a thermostat malfunction required a bypass or if the receptacle would be needed for something else during the heating season.

Cut the cable going from the breaker panel to the NEMA 6-20 receptacle somewhere in the basement and installed the contactor there.
Ran a two wire thermostat cable from the thermostat to the contactor.
Turned on the air conditioner to low fan, highest cooling setting. This is an older air conditioner with knob controls. This solution may not work well for units with electronic controls.

This has been working beautifully for three years. I also collected some electric company rebates when I initially hooked it up, plus annual rebates for agreeing to participate during energy conservation events when they raise the temperature a bit to save electricity during high demand.
While a smart plug will allow you to turn it off and on with a schedule or remotely, using the thermostat can do all that plus give control over the temperature.
« Last Edit: June 10, 2022, 01:46:14 AM by David R »

Offline yoohoo

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #752 on: June 12, 2022, 04:20:57 PM »
ISO a smart plug that can handle a 20A A/C.

I found one listing on Amazon, but it looks to sketchy for me to believe it.

TIA
ive used a regular Kasa Switch for 10k btu ac. For a 220v AC I had a switch for it and used a Switchmate. Switchmate for Rocker Style Light Switches by SimplySmartHome. SnapOn Smart Light Switch That Listens https://a.co/d/1xL1AUb

Offline ushdadude

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #753 on: June 19, 2022, 11:34:56 AM »
I'm switching a smart switch back to a regular switch. What do I do with the neutral?

Offline Live N Learn

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #754 on: June 19, 2022, 11:39:24 AM »
I'm switching a smart switch back to a regular switch. What do I do with the neutral?
Cap it off with a wire nut and electrical tape.
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Offline Live N Learn

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #755 on: June 19, 2022, 11:44:47 AM »
4 plugs for $13.80
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KYHLDZ

I've been using this for a week now and it worked out great.

Thanks OP.
".איזהו חכם, הלומד מכל אדם"

Offline R.A.T.

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #756 on: June 19, 2022, 01:39:03 PM »
Don't the ones that draw 20A use the other style outlet?
Correct.
Even the 240V A/Cs are not 20 amps.
Yeah, that's a 240V outlet rated for 20 amps. But I don't think I've ever seen a wall or window AC that actually draws so much current. 20 amps at 240V is 4,800 watts which is insane- would equate to something like 50,000 BTU at a normal efficiency rate. Do machines like that exist? Some central air units are smaller.
Many 25-30k widow units required 20/30-amp circuits. They use NEMA 6-20P/NEMA 6-30P plugs/outlets.

Offline myi

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #757 on: June 19, 2022, 07:54:46 PM »
Is there really such a thing as a 20amp Decora switch? Or can I use a 15amp? Meaning it's a 20amp line. So would a 15amp Decora switch be a problem to use? Or does one need to buy a 20amp light switch?
Quote
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Offline aygart

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #758 on: June 19, 2022, 08:01:01 PM »
Is there really such a thing as a 20amp Decora switch? Or can I use a 15amp? Meaning it's a 20amp line. So would a 15amp Decora switch be a problem to use? Or does one need to buy a 20amp light switch?
Don't do it.
Feelings don't care about your facts

Offline R.A.T.

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Re: I need Electric Help... Any electricians out there?
« Reply #759 on: June 19, 2022, 09:27:58 PM »
Is there really such a thing as a 20amp Decora switch? Or can I use a 15amp? Meaning it's a 20amp line. So would a 15amp Decora switch be a problem to use? Or does one need to buy a 20amp light switch?
Don't do it.
I would add ever to that statement.

They are common and cheap.
https://www.energyavenue.com/Leviton/5621-2W?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr_eS2--6-AIVYxpMCh3ZGgqCEAQYASABEgKHC_D_BwE