When installing an air conditioner, many people worry about the unit itself…
but forget a fundamental detail: the circuit breaker.
And be aware: choosing the wrong power rating can cause:
⚠️ Constant power outages
⚠️ Frequent tripping of circuit breakers
⚠️ Short circuits
⚠️ Even fire hazards
In this video, you will understand how to correctly size the circuit breaker and ensure a safe and efficient installation.
🔌 Understanding the Relationship Between Air Conditioner and Circuit Breaker
The circuit breaker is the guardian of your electrical installation.
It protects the network against:
✔️ Overloads
✔️ Short circuits
✔️ Overheating of wires
But to function correctly, it needs to be compatible with the air conditioner's current rating.
👉 If it's too weak: it trips all the time.
👉 If it's too strong: it doesn't protect the circuit.
In other words… balance is essential.
📐 How to Calculate the Ideal Circuit Breaker Power Rating
To make the right choice, you need three pieces of information:
Air conditioner power (in watts)
Machine voltage (127V or 220V)
Electrical current (in amperes)
🧮 Basic formula:
Current (A) = Power (W) ÷ Voltage (V)
✅ Practical example
A 12,000 BTU air conditioner consumes, on average, 1,200 W.
In a 220V network:
1,200 ÷ 220 = 5.45 A
👉 In this case, a 10 A circuit breaker is recommended.
📌 Golden rule:
Always choose a circuit breaker slightly above the nominal current, but never much above.
⚡ Single-pole or double-pole circuit breaker?
This question is very common.
✔️ 127V network → use a single-pole circuit breaker
✔️ 220V network → use a double-pole circuit breaker
The double-pole breaker protects both phases simultaneously, increasing safety.
💡 Pro tip:
Ideally, the air conditioner should have its own dedicated circuit, with its own circuit breaker and wiring.
🚨 Other Important Precautions
Pay attention to these points that many ignore:
🔥 Cable gauge
A strong circuit breaker with thin wire = overheating and risk of fire.
⚙️ Curve type
Prefer type C circuit breakers, indicated for motors and compressors.
👨🔧 Professional Sizing
Whenever possible, consult a qualified electrician to:
Size cables
Choose the correct circuit breaker
Ensure total safety
✅ Conclusion
Choosing the ideal circuit breaker is not just a technical detail — it's a matter of safety.
When properly sized, you guarantee:
✅ Stable operation
✅ Protection of the electrical network
✅ Longer equipment lifespan
✅ Greater peace of mind in your daily life
Don't take risks.
A well-done installation today prevents major problems tomorrow.
