Hey folks,

I've noticed that my home's lights dim a bit when the Air Conditioner Condenser unit turns on. Functionally, this doesn't seem to be a problem but I'd like to understand why this is happening and if there's anything I can do about.

I have a newer 200 amp panel and the condenser is on a dedicated 30 amp circuit.

I don't know much about condensers so I'm not sure how to interpret the sticker on it in terms of size and energy requirements. Here's a photo of the label in case that helps.

Attachment 47445Attachment 47446

Light dim because of a voltage drop when ac compressor kick on. With a 200 amp panel this should not happen. Could only happen because of a poor connection some where.

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my home's lights dim a bit when the Air Conditioner Condenser unit turns on.

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If that means all the lights in your home then the poor connection is probably at the main breaker and you need a qualified electrician. If it means one light circuit such as the living room or a bedroom circuit then the poor connection is probably at that breaker.

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

Light dim because of a voltage drop when ac compressor kick on. With a 200 amp panel this should not happen. Could only happen because of a poor connection some where.


If that means all the lights in your home then the poor connection is probably at the main breaker and you need a qualified electrician. If it means one light circuit such as the living room or a bedroom circuit then the poor connection is probably at that breaker.

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Thanks. Visually the connections look okay. I may get a qualified electrician out to test, but if I wanted to try that myself do you have any tips for me? Could I do that with a regular voltmeter or would I need some special tooling?

I can't help but wonder if less than 200amps are being provided off the power company's line to the panel in the first place.