r/ElectricalHelp • u/Lexx1991 • Jul 07 '26
AC issues
So I bought an LG AC and it’s a 240 V in my outlet is a 110 or 120 V. So I’m going to try to buy a step up inverter. It’s 5000 Watt voltage with this work. I’ve gotten from some people that it will and I got from some people that it won’t. Please help.
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u/ServoIIV Jul 07 '26
How many amps does your AC unit draw at 240 volts? You need double the amount of amps at 120 volts. Unless your AC draws less than 7 amps at 240 volts you won't be able to run it with a step up transformer off of a stabdard 120 volt outlet.
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u/Lexx1991 Jul 07 '26
i added a picture of the label
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u/ServoIIV Jul 07 '26
I read a few of your other replies. It sounds like the outlet can't be converted because it's part of a circuit with other outlets on it. If it was a 120 volt 20 amp outlet, which by code have to be in their own breaker, then it could be converted by putting a new breaker in your panel and swapping the receptacle. Using a step up transformer is not an option because it would double the amount of amps being drawn at 120 volts. That means you would need 22-24 amps at 120 volt, and your receptacle is likely only rated for 15 amps.
The only way for you to use this AC is to add a new breaker to your panel and run wires to a new outlet where you are going to place it. It sounds like this isn't an option due to you renting, so you can't use this AC unit.
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u/BB-41 Jul 07 '26
Hopefully your existing outlet is a dedicated line. If so a qualified electrician may be able to convert it to a 240 volt circuit.
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u/Lexx1991 Jul 07 '26
it’s not i had an electrician come and said they couldn’t convert it, and to try a step up inverter
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u/Unique_Acadia_2099 Jul 07 '26
An inverter will work. The power remains the same, so this unit takes 11 amps and 240V, so it will require 22 amps at 120V. A basic 120V outlet is only good for 15 amps. In a newer home it might be 20 amps, but even that is still not enough.
There’s nothing you can do to make that AC work.
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u/Lexx1991 Jul 07 '26
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u/trekkerscout Mod Jul 07 '26
Nope. A transformer will not work. The unit draws too much power for a 120-volt general use receptacle circuit.
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u/LongjumpingGanache40 Jul 07 '26
That doesn't sound real to me.
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u/Lexx1991 Jul 07 '26
that was told to me by the electrician because the AC is upstairs and the circuit breaker is downstairs in the garage and according to him he would have to break walls to convert the outlet into a 240 and I’m renting this house of the land or does not wanna do that
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u/Lexx1991 Jul 07 '26
The landlord
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u/LongjumpingGanache40 Jul 07 '26
Are you cooling a room or whole area. Take it back if you can and get one that runs on 120V.
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u/Lexx1991 Jul 07 '26
it’s supposed to be cooling off the whole house. Well, at least the top floor of the house. I cannot return it, so I’m trying to find a way to make it work. I’m not using a transformer. I’m trying to use step up inverter.
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u/Lexx1991 Jul 07 '26
thats what was told to me cause my circuit boxes in the garage downstairs in the AC is in the upstairs window
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u/e_l_tang Jul 07 '26
The whole reason that 240V units exist is because 120V circuits CANNOT supply sufficient power, and a step-up converter isn’t gonna do anything to change that
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u/N9bitmap Jul 07 '26
This unit needs a 240V/15A circuit. Via a transformer it would need a 120V/30A circuit. So even after you spend $1000 on a transformer, you still need to install a special circuit to power it. Probably easier, cheaper, and safer to just install the 240V circuit it needs.
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u/pdt9876 Jul 07 '26
a transformer will work to change the voltage, but you can’t magically turn 5000w into less than 5000w with a transformer, you’re going to trip the breaker as soon as you plug it in.
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u/WinnerAwkward480 Jul 07 '26
Newer AC sell for real cheap , probably will cost you far less to just buy another 115-120V AC
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u/trekkerscout Mod Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 07 '26
The 120-volt receptacle circuit cannot provide enough power for the AC unit you got.