Protect Your Air Conditioner with the Right Breaker
Are you troubled by high electricity bills? Or finding a solution to protect your Air conditioner against overloads and faults? We have a solution!
In Pakistan, fluctuating electricity voltages can significantly impact your AC’s performance. That’s why installing circuit breakers is a highly effective solution to your concerns.Air conditioners keep our homes cool during hot weather. They are expensive and therefore considered to be a long-term purchase. Your air conditioner will perform better if you use the right breaker. The breaker is a safety tool for your electrical system. The Electric Breaker not only protects the air conditioner from overloads and electrical faults but also reduces electricity bills. Today’s guide will explain how to select the correct breaker without getting lost in the technical terms.
Electric Breakers And Their Role
Electric breaker in Pakistan are protection devices that protect your electrical panel from overloading. A circuit can become overloaded if too much current is flowing through it at the same time. This can cause overheating, fires, and damage to appliances. A breaker is needed to protect an air conditioner from such hazards due to its high-power requirements.
Selecting the Right Breaker for Your Air Conditioner
A wrong selection of circuit breakers can cause severe damage. We have created simple guidelines to protect against this risk. These guidelines are designed to ensure that circuit breakers are installed and selected correctly, thereby ensuring the safety and integrity of electrical systems.
- Check the Air Conditioner’s Electrical Requirements. Each air conditioner has a label containing information about its voltage and amperage requirements. Find this label on your unit in order to determine the correct breaker size.
- Calculate the load: The amperage required by your air conditioner will determine the size of the breaker you need. Divide the unit’s voltage by its wattage to calculate the load. If your AC unit is 2400W at 240V and has an amperage of 10A, then the wattage is 2400W/240V.
- Choose the Correct Breaker: Based on your amperage calculation, you will need to select a breaker that matches or slightly exceeds the value. Standard breaker sizes are 15A, 30A, and 20A. For the example above, either a 20A or 15A breaker is suitable.
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Try to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t overload the Breaker. It’s important not to choose a breaker too large for the needs of your air conditioner. Oversized breakers may cause safety hazards and damage to the AC unit.
- Avoid mixing loads: Each breaker must be dedicated to one appliance or a group of appliances that are closely related. Combining high-energy appliances can cause overload.
- Consult a Professional
Talk to a licensed electrician if you are unsure about how to calculate the load or select the right electric breaker. They are experts in ensuring that your air conditioner is protected.
Some Circuit Breakers To Consider In Pakistan
Ac breaker switch price in Pakistan vary depending on the type and size of the breaker. The cost is usually determined by the size, amperage rating, and features of the switch. Prices can range from a few hundred rupees to thousands. We have selected a few top-selling circuit breakers in Pakistan. These selected breakers are high quality, reliable and come with different features to ensure safety.
- Clopal 6A circuit breaker: boasts a robust 6A current rating alongside an A-class Selectivity Category. Engineered to provide reliable defense against both overloads and short circuits, it employs a dynamic thermal-magnetic mechanism. This smart mechanism promptly triggers an automatic circuit interruption whenever the current surpasses the established threshold.
Adding to its user-friendly features, the Clopal 6A is equipped with an illuminating LED indicator. This thoughtful addition offers real-time insight into the operational status of the device, enhancing its usability and facilitating efficient maintenance.
- Clopal 10A circuit breaker: Demonstrating a steadfast A-class selectivity, the Clopal 10A circuit breaker commands a commanding 10A current rating. Engineered with precision, it acts as a vigilant shield against electrical circuit overloads and short circuits. Mirroring the features of its 6A counterpart, this breaker combines reliability with enhanced capacity to cater to higher electrical demands.
- Clopal 16A circuit breaker: Encompassing the same A-class selectivity and sharing the esteemed traits of its predecessors, the Clopal 16A circuit breaker takes the stage with a robust 16A current rating. Tailored to safeguard more extensive electrical circuits, it stands as a stalwart guardian against overload and short-circuit perils. Its advanced capacity caters to larger systems while retaining the user-friendly features that define the Clopal series.
- Clopal 20A has the highest rating of all MCBs on this list. It has a selectivity of A and a current rating of 20A. It is used for protecting large electrical circuits from overload and short circuits. It has all the same features as the other circuit breakers, but it is rated higher for current.
How to Install AC Circuit Breakers
Follow these steps to install the breaker properly once you’ve selected the right breaker:
Step 1: Turn off power: Before you begin any electrical work, make sure that the power to your electrical panel has been turned off. If you are unsure, use a voltage tester to check that the power is off. Wear rubber-soled shoes and use insulated tools to prevent an electrical shock. Be extra careful when working with electrical wires to avoid the risk of an electrical fire.
Step 2: Remove the panel cover. Remove it carefully to gain access to the breakers. Once the cover is removed, the breakers should be visible.
Step 3: Select the Correct Slot: Select the slot on the panel that corresponds with the amperage rating of the breaker.
Step 4: Install the Breaker: Insert the breaker gently into the slot. It should fit snugly.
Step 5: Connect the Wiring: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting the wiring. This usually involves connecting the hot wire to breaker terminals and the neutral to neutral bars.
Step 6: Secure the Breaker. Push the breaker onto a bus bar. Secure the breaker by tightening the screws. Check that the breaker is firmly in place. Test the breaker to make sure it is working properly. Reattach the panel cover.
Tips for Regular Maintenance
Installing a breaker is not enough to protect your air conditioner. Both the AC unit and the breaker must be maintained regularly to ensure they function optimally.
Visually inspect your breakers periodically for signs of wear or damage. Consult an electrician if you notice anything out of the ordinary. If you see discoloration, charring, bubbling, or any other signs of damage, shut off the breaker immediately and don’t turn it back on until an electrician has inspected it. Never attempt to repair a breaker yourself, as it can be dangerous.
- Check AC Wiring: Make sure that the wiring connecting your air conditioner to the breaker is secure. Also, ensure all the wiring connections are secure, and no wires are exposed. Confirm all connections are tight and secure.
- Test Breakers: Test your breakers periodically to make sure they are operating correctly.
- Keep the area Clean: Remove any dust, debris, or clutter from the area around the electrical panel in order to prevent overheating.
- Schedule professional checks: Consider scheduling a licensed electrician to inspect your home annually. They can identify issues early.
Conclusion
To ensure the efficiency and durability of your air conditioner, it is essential to protect it. By choosing the correct breaker and installing it correctly, you can avoid electrical hazards as well as unnecessary costs. Although the process can seem overwhelming at first, by following these simple instructions and consulting with professionals, you will be able to protect your comfort as well as your investment. This summer, a properly-protected AC unit will keep you cool and worry-free.