Power surge when AC comes on


  #1  
Old 07-28-05, 08:26 AM
wigiwood
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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?
 
  #2  
Old 07-28-05, 08:42 AM
R
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No. This is normal. It's not a surge either, it's quite the opposite.
 
  #3  
Old 07-28-05, 06:20 PM
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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.
 
 

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