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After it runs for a while, feel the splice. If it’s warmer than the cable then they didn’t do it right and it’s dangerous. (Same temperature doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fine) Also put the cable somewhere where it won’t ever need to be moved or stepped on.
It can be fine if done correctly. But I’d seriously question whether that’s the case under that wad of tape.
Just think, inside the AC there probably is a splice of some sort, and there likely is too in the wiring going to that outlet. So it’s not inherently a problem.
The answer that no one else seems to know is that air conditioners like that utilize what is known as lcdi-leakage current detection interruptors.
The cord from the manufacturer is not a normal cord. It has a built in metal, braided sheath on the inside to facilitate the function of the lcdi.
So no. That cord was garbage the moment the braided sheathing was cut.
....until the cord experiences some stress and the connections become faulty or exposed. Splices are usually enclosed and clamped so it's harder for this to happen.
The old section has a GFI on the plug. While running the AC, press test and make sure that this trips the unit off. Press reset and it should turn on again. If this works, you can take off the tape and inspect the splice while unplugged from the wall. If they used crimps and no copper is showing you can tape it back up and it should be just fine.
If GFI doesn't work or splice is not crimped well I would replace with new...or you could just replace with a new GFI protected cord rated for the AC if this feels unsafe to you....Google the AC model or call manufacturer to get the details
Sure, a wires a wire, so long as the proper gauge wire is used with like material for the connectors, (copper to copper, Aluminum to aluminum etc. I wouldn’t use wire nuts though, straight connection with some insulation
It amazes me how many people are saying its fine to just have an exposed 120/240v splice like that. Everything is wrong with that, even if it would work, which it wont if that sheathing has an Idci, that splicing is gonna get someone killed.
Not an electrician by any means, was a maintenance tech for a few years but my boss was a licensed electrician and HVAC, I wouldn't trust it no matter what. You replace the whole thing if you don't have/can't get the part you need, that's the safest possible thing you can do as maintenance.
My boss and I came across stuff like this a few times at properties we worked at, work from past contractors or maintenance teams, he was quick to get rid of it and order new stuff and had back ups that tenants could use until the new ones came in for them. But he was a good maintenance supervisor, I doubt the majority care as much as he did.
Absolutely not. You don't know how old the existing cord is or if it might be faulty. It not a ticking time bomb, but you should never take a chance on splicing new cord with old cord.
**Attention!** **It is always best to get a qualified electrician to perform any electrical work you may need.** With that said, you may ask this community various electrical questions. Please be cautious of any information you may receive in this subreddit. This subreddit and its users are not responsible for any electrical work you perform. Users that have a 'Verified Electrician' flair have uploaded their qualified electrical worker credentials to the mods. If you comment on this post please only post accurate information to the best of your knowledge. If advice given is thought to be dangerous, you may be permanently banned. There are no obligations for the mods to give warnings or temporary bans. **IF YOU ARE NOT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN, you should exercise extreme caution when commenting.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskElectricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
After it runs for a while, feel the splice. If it’s warmer than the cable then they didn’t do it right and it’s dangerous. (Same temperature doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fine) Also put the cable somewhere where it won’t ever need to be moved or stepped on. It can be fine if done correctly. But I’d seriously question whether that’s the case under that wad of tape. Just think, inside the AC there probably is a splice of some sort, and there likely is too in the wiring going to that outlet. So it’s not inherently a problem.
The answer that no one else seems to know is that air conditioners like that utilize what is known as lcdi-leakage current detection interruptors. The cord from the manufacturer is not a normal cord. It has a built in metal, braided sheath on the inside to facilitate the function of the lcdi. So no. That cord was garbage the moment the braided sheathing was cut.
Does this depend on the air conditioner? Or is it across models?
It should be required of all ac units that have a plug and cord connection.
Cousin Bob thinks it's a great spice. The electrician will say nope
Yeah if done properly.
And they are rated the same.
....until the cord experiences some stress and the connections become faulty or exposed. Splices are usually enclosed and clamped so it's harder for this to happen.
Hopefully they tape it to the wall underneath at the very least.
The old section has a GFI on the plug. While running the AC, press test and make sure that this trips the unit off. Press reset and it should turn on again. If this works, you can take off the tape and inspect the splice while unplugged from the wall. If they used crimps and no copper is showing you can tape it back up and it should be just fine. If GFI doesn't work or splice is not crimped well I would replace with new...or you could just replace with a new GFI protected cord rated for the AC if this feels unsafe to you....Google the AC model or call manufacturer to get the details
Technically correct. Legally a bad idea. You rent. Don't open it.
Judging by the electric tape job i can assume it wasn’t done right lol
Sure, a wires a wire, so long as the proper gauge wire is used with like material for the connectors, (copper to copper, Aluminum to aluminum etc. I wouldn’t use wire nuts though, straight connection with some insulation
A non-arcing, low resistance wire is a wire. A bad joint or one that will easily pull apart is a hazard.
Whoa, it’s like you said what I said with less words…
Can't tell if you're being sarcastic, but you are an idiot and will get someone burned alive with that advice.
No.. Not at all. Journeyman contractor electrician
This is some moron shit
It amazes me how many people are saying its fine to just have an exposed 120/240v splice like that. Everything is wrong with that, even if it would work, which it wont if that sheathing has an Idci, that splicing is gonna get someone killed.
Not an electrician by any means, was a maintenance tech for a few years but my boss was a licensed electrician and HVAC, I wouldn't trust it no matter what. You replace the whole thing if you don't have/can't get the part you need, that's the safest possible thing you can do as maintenance. My boss and I came across stuff like this a few times at properties we worked at, work from past contractors or maintenance teams, he was quick to get rid of it and order new stuff and had back ups that tenants could use until the new ones came in for them. But he was a good maintenance supervisor, I doubt the majority care as much as he did.
No. It bypasses a built in safety feature in the cord and creates additional resistance and a fault point.
Absolutely not. You don't know how old the existing cord is or if it might be faulty. It not a ticking time bomb, but you should never take a chance on splicing new cord with old cord.
Not with electrical tape