Power surge when AC comes on
#1
Power surge when AC comes on
Hello - My power surges in my house when the AC comes on. By surege I mean the lights dim for a split second. Is this a sign there is a problem with the breaker box?
#3
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When the AC unit first starts, it draws what they refer to as "inrush" current, which is typically 4 to 6 times higher than the normal running current. This high current flow causes a voltage drop in the conductor and transformer, which affects the whole house.
It's a lot like taking a shower and your wife flushes the toilet; the water pressure drops and you get cold (or hot, depending on your plumbing) water.
Since the lights are on this circuit, you see a brief dimming. It is perfectly normal and doesn't hurt anything unless it is dimming low enough to reset your clocks, microwave, etc.
It's a lot like taking a shower and your wife flushes the toilet; the water pressure drops and you get cold (or hot, depending on your plumbing) water.
Since the lights are on this circuit, you see a brief dimming. It is perfectly normal and doesn't hurt anything unless it is dimming low enough to reset your clocks, microwave, etc.