I keep blowing a fuse, how can I tell if it's the A.C. or the outlet itself?

Question

Also, the A.C. has been on this outlet for it's whole life roughly around 15 years) , before that another A.C. was on the outlet lol.

Answer 1

Find a different plug it may too much for that plug

Answer 2

you left out the most important information,what voltage,how many amps does it draw,etc. but you also gave some very important info,the wire feels hot which could mean your on the edge of over heating the circuit which of course may start a fire.have a electrician check out your situation and also ask for recommendations on fixing the problem,120 vs 220etc. I wouldn't run it until it's checked or at least shut it off when going out.

Answer 3

Rule #1 NEVER use an extension cord on an A/C unit, heavy duty or not.

Check the blades on the plug, overheating will be evident, as will arcing. discoloration is a sign that the cord, and the receptacle it was plugged into need to be replaced. Arcing,indicates a new A/C is in order.

Answer 4

If that A/C is 15 years old it is time to upgrade to a newer version which is more energy efficient and has energy saver switch right on them.It sounds like it is working harder then it should and try a new outlet or a heavier extension cord.If this is a window unit they are cheaper to repalce then repair.

I have 2 window units and they both have energy saver switches on them and they do not use much electricity a month.

Answer 5

The reason the fuse keeps blowing is because the AC is drawing more power than the maximum safe limit imposed by the fuse. Hence, the outlet is insufficient for the AC's power needs. It can also be that another appliance is drawing power and causing the fuse to blow when you use the AC.

It is normal for a plug on a large appliance to get a little hot, but not to the point that it will burn your hand. My earnest advice would be to consult an electrician and see what should be done.

Answer 6

After reading your updates it sounds more like your breaker is going bad.  It doesn't take as much current to trip it as it used to.  If this breaker is the same amperage as the one the AC is now plugged into I don't believe it is the AC.

Answer 7

Unplug the a/c  and plug something else in, if it pops the fuse, its the outlet if not its the cord or the a/c. change the cord.if it pops with different cord its the a/c. or the fuse may not be rated to handle a a/c. if its a window unit its cheaper to buy a new one then to pay someone to repair it.