Wiring a dedicated line

PI: Have you been able to do a polarility and voltage check. Your AC not working properly may be do to a low voltage condition. What is the recepticle voltage with nothing connected to it versus when the AC unit is connected? The 20 amp line that runs to my 8000 btu window AC drops about 1.5 volts in high speed (and about 3 volts with a 1500 watt space heater running). If you are getting higher voltage drops it may mean that the voltage is dropping because of some sort of dangerous problem with the installation.

Problem areas:

Clamping a connection on insulation instead of bare wire.

Wire insulation compromised so wires are touching.

Wrong breaker used for your panel box. Each box will accept only certain breakers.

Manufacturing problem with the installed breaker.

Manufacturing problem with the installed recepticle (AC plug may be warm/hot to touch).

Numerous others but the above seem most likely.

Veridan: Were you planning on using an existing orifice or creating a new one? Either way is equally lethal!

Sean, what the hell do you do for a living? I thought you were a technician in the electronics/audio field. On that basis, my comment was that over and above not messing with the house wiring, untrained people should not mess with the innards of elctronic components. Well, whatever you do, you appear very knowledgeable to me. While I don't agree with every last word you post, I have to concede that you give rather sane, accurate and useful advice. Sorely needed in these parts. Regards.

I do work as a tech and design consultant on electronics for a living, primarily in the radio communications field.

Having said that, there is a BIG difference between a technician and an electrician. I'm certain that i could do electrical work with a little studying. Only problem is that i would have to learn local codes and the tricks of the trade. That is why i had someone else do my work over here. They had the tools and know how, so i took advantage of their experience. The fact that i helped the electrician install his antenna tower and set up his personal "radio room" was a "one hand washing the other" type of deal. It worked out for both of us. We shared our skills and knowledge and kept our money ( other than raw parts ) in our pockets. Sean
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A Journey level Electrician may bid a job and be responsable provided the job does not exceed a certain dollar amount. The amount changes by the State, here (Utah) it is $2000. You do not have to have a Master Electrician all you need is a competent Journey level to perform your work. A dedicated line should not exceed the local limits. Check with your local Hometheater installers and ask who they use.

and you need to call one. It is probably something very simple, but the fact is, if you have to ask you should have someone qualified repair your problem.

Good Luck.

gb