The current (amperage) drawn by a 1.5-ton air conditioner (AC) depends on its power consumption and the voltage of the electrical system it operates on. Let's break this down step-by-step:
### 1. Understanding the Tonnage and Power
- **1 Ton of AC cooling capacity** is approximately equal to **12,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) per hour.**
- A **1.5-ton AC** would have a cooling capacity of \( 1.5 \times 12,000 = 18,000 \, \text{BTU/hour} \).
- For a rough estimate, air conditioners consume about **1,000 watts (1 kW)** of power per ton of cooling. Therefore, a 1.5-ton AC typically consumes around **1.5 kW (1500 watts)** of power.
### 2. Relationship Between Power, Voltage, and Current
The current (\(I\)) in amperes can be calculated using the formula:
\[
I = \frac{P}{V}
\]
Where:
- \( P \) = Power in watts
- \( V \) = Voltage in volts
### 3. Calculation
- For a typical household AC unit in a region with **220V power supply**:
\[
I = \frac{1500}{220} \approx 6.82 \, \text{amps}
\]
- For regions with **110V power supply**:
\[
I = \frac{1500}{110} \approx 13.64 \, \text{amps}
\]
### 4. Efficiency Factor (EER or SEER)
The actual current can vary based on the energy efficiency of the AC:
- Higher efficiency models (with a better **EER/SEER** rating) will consume less power and, therefore, draw less current.
- For example, a highly efficient 1.5-ton AC might only consume 1.2 kW instead of 1.5 kW, reducing the current proportionately.
### 5. Additional Considerations
- **Startup Current:** AC units have a higher current draw momentarily during startup, known as "inrush current." This could be 3–5 times the normal running current.
- **Voltage Fluctuations:** If voltage drops below the rated level, the AC will draw more current to maintain the same power level, which can strain electrical components.
### Typical Range
- For a **1.5-ton AC on a 220V system**, the running current is typically **6–8 amps**.
- For a **1.5-ton AC on a 110V system**, the running current is typically **12–15 amps**.
Always check the manufacturer's specifications on the nameplate of the AC unit for exact details. This will provide the rated current and power values specific to your model.