Lightning & Power Surges in Air Conditioners

AC Settings

• When the air conditioner experiences a lightning strike that causes the unit to lose power, the unit switches off immediately. If the unit features an electronic interface, there is no way to adjust the settings until the power turns back on. You can unplug the unit to prevent a possible power surge when the unit turns back on. If your unit features a dial controller instead of an electrical interface, you can turn the dial to "Off" to prevent the unit from starting up when the power returns.

"Reset" Button

• To prevent a power surge, the air conditioner power cord features a surge protector in the plug, which trips if a burst of electricity threatens to enter the unit. Once the internal device is tripped, the unit fails to turn on. To reset the plug's internal surge protector, press the red "Reset" button on the face of the plug. The button should click audibly and stay compressed. Turn on the unit and activate the "Cool" or "Fan" setting to test it.

Three-Minute Rule

• If you turn on the unit after the "Reset" button is pressed and the unit fan turns on but the cooling component doesn't run, the three-minute compressor overload protection is in effect. Allow three minutes to pass before the compressor kicks in and powers the cooling component. The compressor overload is in place to prevent damage to internal electrical components caused by a power surge. If the compressor overload is tripped, then the unit fails to cool and you might need to wait another three minutes.

AC Breaker

• Breakers control electricity flow to different sections of the house and, like the air conditioner compressor and plug, serve as another element of protection against power surges. When lightning strikes and the home loses power, one or more of the house breakers might be tripped. If the breaker is tripped, the air conditioner doesn't work, even if the plug "Reset" button is pressed. Inspect the breaker that's in control of the air conditioner. If the switch is centered or in the "Off' position, it's been tripped. Move the switch over to the "On" position and test the air conditioner.