An air conditioner pressure switch is a device that serves as a safety mechanism for your air conditioning system. It prevents the compressor from running if the system has insufficient refrigerant. In rare cases, the pressure switch may become “stuck” in either the “open” or “closed” position, preventing your air conditioner from running. To get your AC compressor to run again, you can attempt to jump it by bypassing the pressure switch with an external power source. This article will explain an AC pressure switch and why you need to jump it and provide step-by-step instructions on doing so safely and effectively.
What Is an AC Pressure Switch?
An AC (air conditioning) pressure switch is a device designed to monitor the amount of refrigerant inside your AC system. It senses when there isn’t enough refrigerant in circulation and cuts power to your compressor until more can be added. The benefit of this feature is that it prevents damage due to low refrigerant levels in the system – but if something goes wrong with the pressure switch, it can prevent your AC from starting up at all.
Why Would You Need to Jump AC Pressure Switch?
In rare cases, a malfunctioning pressure switch can become stuck in either the open or closed position, preventing power from being sent to your compressor even though there’s enough refrigerant in the system. If this happens, you’ll need to bypass the pressure switch with an external power source for it to start up again – also known as “jumping” or “bypassing” it. Before attempting any repairs, you must understand how this process works; always call a technician if you’re unsure about electrical work on your HVAC system.
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What Do You Need to Jump Your AC Pressure Switch?
Before jumping your AC pressure switch, you must have the right tools and supplies. The most important tool for this process is a multimeter or voltage meter, which will allow you to measure the electricity running through the system and determine if it’s safe to proceed. You may also need pliers, wire cutters, and electrical tape; consult an HVAC technician for assistance.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to jump-starting an AC pressure switch:
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Turn off the power to your air conditioning unit at the breaker box before you begin any work on it.
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Locate and disconnect the two wires connected to the pressure switch and ensure they are disconnected from any other components in the system.
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Use a multimeter or voltmeter to test for continuity between each pressure switch terminal with its respective wire (one wire should have continuity with terminal 1, while the other should have continuity with terminal 2). If there is no continuity at either terminal, you must replace the pressure switch before continuing.
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Now, use alligator clips or small jumper wires and connect one clip/wire from each terminal of the disconnected pressure switch terminals (terminal 1 on one side and terminal 2 on another). It will bridge across both terminals for power without having them connected directly to your air conditioner’s wiring harness.
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With alligator clips/jumper wire in place, turn on the power to your air conditioner again at the breaker box and let it run for 10 minutes while this connection remains intact (you can use this time for maintenance on any other components as needed).
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After 10 minutes, disconnect the alligator clips/jumper wires and reconnect the two pressure switch terminals to their respective wires. Use electrical tape to securely keep the wires in place (avoid using wire nuts as they can come loose over time).
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If everything is connected correctly, you should be able to hear your AC compressor start up again after a few minutes.
Conclusion
Jumping an AC pressure switch is a relatively easy process to help get your air conditioning system back up and running quickly. However, you must take extra safety precautions when dealing with any electrical work on your HVAC system – always ensure the power is off before you begin any repairs, and never hesitate to call a professional technician if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about anything related to the repair.
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