My entire apt (lights and outlets) runs on a single 15 amp fuse, except for the fridge and the A/C. The A/C is on a 220 with 2 separate 20 amp fuses. Unfortunately my new AC is a 110 / 15v unit. (the only model that would fit into the existing sleeve and cool the apt sufficiently) Is it possible to inexpensively convert the outlet to 110? would it be easier to have the ac converted to 220? or is there any stepdown transformer and plug adapters that i can buy to covert the power myself? Thanks
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- Converting a 220 v outlet to a 110
Since you live in an apartment, you should ask your landlord to bring in an electrician to make the conversion.
The cost should be nominal.
If you don't own this building,you probably shouldn't be modifying the electrical system on your own.
Most air conditioners used to cool an entire apartment require 220 due to their size,therefore a smaller 110 will not cool as well.At any rate,as mentioned,you need to discuss this with the landlord.
Actually I DO own the apartment (it is a coop/condo) -
I would have thought that a 220 unit would be necessary to sufficiently cool the space, but my current 220 unit is only 10,700 btus and the new 110v unit is actually 12,500 btu. (with a much more energy efficient rating)
To make matters more complicated, the thru-the-wall sleeve is a VERY unusual size and there is not another 220 unit available to fit in the space.
It appears to me, that my best option is to convert the 220 outlet. (assuming it can be done safely and at a fair price)
i did find a webpage that describes a plug adapter that apparently converts a 220 outlet to 110 - but it is advertised as being for gas ranges - i'm not sure if this product would work for an A/C.
.racheL
[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited August 04, 2003).]
