A/C window unit retrofit info

[DrewsBrews]

I recently found some helpful videos on A/C units and retrofitting them for uses other than a typical home window. I figured they could come in handy to get the gears turning for folks on their projects.


How A/C works, why window units are best bang for the buck, and why "portable" A/C units aren't great:

Retrofitting for 4" RV flexible sewer hose:

Modifying the electrical side for a traditional home wall mount thermostat:

I'll post more info as I find it. Feel free to add info here too.

 

[DrewsBrews]

One of the reasons window units are pretty efficient. Though probably also one reason they are often looked down upon.

 

[DrewsBrews]

I did a little research on the plugs they put on window A/C units. Seems they use "LCDI" breakers on them (Leakage Current Detection Interrupter). The reasoning I found was the cords on window units tend to incur alot of damage. I can understand that. They may only be installed for the season, then removed and put into storage until next year... the cord being dragged around and catching on door trim and stepped on (yanking at the termination point) in the process of lugging the unit around. The circuit monitors the shielding of the cord for leakage current from the internal insulation breaking and the conductors touching the shielding. The trip current seemed very low, a few milliamps. I'd think water intrusion into the cord could also trip it in the right circumstance. But it probably isn't specifically designed for that.

But that seems to be about it. It shouldn't be for any real protection of the unit itself from what I can tell. Some models may also have GFCI. But if you already have GFCI farther up at your shore power connection then it would be redundant.

 

[Shadowcatche]

The write up on the AC I did
AC Hacking a Figidaire 5000 BTU