Window AC unit power consumption

[fingerbreaker]

I have an older window unit (came with the house) and I can't access the power specs on the unit or online. I bought a Kill a Watt meter to measure the current. My expectation is that it would be somewhere in the 5-7 A range based on internet resources and a new unit we just bought that is rated at 3.9A.

The meter shows the current as around .5 or .6 A. Not 5-6, but 0.5-0.6. I'm pretty sure the compressor is running and not just the fan because cold air is coming out and I've set the target temp low.

Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? Does the expected 5-7 A rating only refer to some sort of worst case condition? THe point of this exercise is to see how much load is on the 15A circuit this unit is on because it's not dedicated.

Thanks,
FB

 

[Snoonyb]

Welcome.

To obtain an accurate reading, most of these need to remain "in line" for several days.

Also what is the brand of the meter?

 

[bud16415]

If you have or can buy or borrow a clamp on AC amp meter I would do it that way. You can’t clamp it around the line cord as it has both wires in it and the current cancels. You would need to make a short extension cord where the black and white wire are pulled apart and then clamp the meter around just one of them.

 

[WyrTwister]

I have a , maybe , 10 year 6,000 BTU window unit that is rated 6 amps ( never measured it ) . I would expect to see some where around that .

If it really is less than 1 amp , I agree . That sounds like the fan , only .

The compressor should make kind of a rattling / throbbing sound , when it starts . Which often changes some after it has been running a short time .

You said you think it is cooling ? If it is & those readings are correct ., run / use it until it dies . Count your self lucky .

Wyr
God bless

 

[hornetd]

I have a , maybe , 10 year 6,000 BTU window unit that is rated 6 amps ( never measured it ) . I would expect to see some where around that .

If it really is less than 1 amp , I agree . That sounds like the fan , only .

The compressor should make kind of a rattling / throbbing sound , when it starts . Which often changes some after it has been running a short time .

You said you think it is cooling ? If it is & those readings are correct ., run / use it until it dies . Count your self lucky .

Wyr
God bless

Many of the clamp on Ammeters com with a cord break out plug that you can just plug in ahead of the cord to take your reading. If yours did not come with one they are available as an accessory at a moderate price.

--
Tom Horne

 

[bud16415]

Many of the clamp on Ammeters com with a cord break out plug that you can just plug in ahead of the cord to take your reading. If yours did not come with one they are available as an accessory at a moderate price.

--
Tom Horne

My guess is he bought one of these things.

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Elec...KLG5?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&psc=1

 

[hornetd]

Yes but you suggested that

If you have or can buy or borrow a clamp on AC amp meter I would do it that way. You can’t clamp it around the line cord as it has both wires in it and the current cancels. You would need to make a short extension cord where the black and white wire are pulled apart and then clamp the meter around just one of them.

so I suggested that they use that accessory to avoid the need to make a "break out" cord. I always hesitate to suggest anyone, who's experience and training level I don't know, make anything like a test cord.

--
Tom Horne

 

[WyrTwister]

I have made several of those , over the years , using an appliance cord and 120 VAC 15 amp female cord cap .

I never measured it , because , I had paid for the window shaker & I was going to use it . Checking the amperage would not have changed that in any way . Would not have changed the cost of electricity consumed .

When we installed a VFD ( inverter ) ductless mini split in our bedroom , I measured the amperage . I watched the VFD ( inverter ) ramp down the compressor speed / amperage , as the room temperature approached the set point .

To me , that sort of technology , on consumer lever appliances / equipment , is just about the greatest thing since sliced bread .

Thanks for concern about the safety of making a break out cord ,

Wyr
God bless

 

[Eddie_T]

Off topic but I installed a PTHP in my house a number of years ago. I would love to see an inverter PTHP made available for replacement. I have been able to find only one source but it doesn't sell less than 20 some units. Maybe with time they will become more available at affordable prices.

 

[WyrTwister]

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&channel=cus&q=inverter+PTHP

Best of luck to you ,
Wyr
God bless