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    joananthony's Avatar
    joananthony Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jun 13, 2011, 09:58 AM
    Wet wall around electrical outlet...
    We have had a lot of rain lately. I noticed that the outside wall in my studio, where my air conditioning unit was installed, is damp/wet, and the wall around the electrical outlet where the unit is plugged in is damp. What should I do? Call an electrician? Or a carpenter? Or let it dry, and use the air conditioner?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Jun 13, 2011, 10:14 AM
    This is not an electrical issue.

    Get the leak fixed, keeping in mind if left alone, mold may begin to grow inside/outside the wall.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #3

    Jun 13, 2011, 05:36 PM
    Is it a window unit, a through the wall unit or a combo heat and AC motel type unit? If you have a window or through the wall, they are notorious for leaking around all of the sides and it is very difficult to seal them properly. Does rain from the gutter spill onto the unit? If you have the vent holes far enough outside the wall, you can caulk the sides and top but water will come in the top vent holes and unless the unit it tipped out, water will run down the wall. Some people put aluminum covers over the top, about 2-3 ft above the unit to keep water off them. Be careful with water and electricity!! This could be a 240VAC unit and can cause serious harm or kill you if you get grounded in water.
    joananthony's Avatar
    joananthony Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Jun 14, 2011, 04:20 AM
    Comment on ma0641's post
    It's a through the wall unit, on the second floor. Been there for 12 years, no problems. It's only this year that I noticed dampness around the outlet. Electrocution is not an option. Thank you for your feedback.
    joananthony's Avatar
    joananthony Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Jun 14, 2011, 04:22 AM
    Comment on tkrussell's post
    Thank you for your help. It's in the wall, on the second floor, so I'll have to get some help sealing the leak.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #6

    Jun 14, 2011, 04:54 AM
    Since it is a window unit, and had no problems for 12 years, sounds like what ever gaskets that may be there are in need of replacing.

    May be a good idea to remove the unit to thouroughly inspect the window frame for any damage or cause of leaks, and this will offer the opportunity to change out the gaskets.

    As far as the wall wet near the outlet, let it dry completely before using.
    joananthony's Avatar
    joananthony Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Jun 14, 2011, 06:01 AM
    Comment on tkrussell's post
    Thanks tk. They cut a hole in the wall, tipped and installed the air conditioner. It's on the second floor. We seldom have this much continuous rain. I'll have someone check it out. I greatly appreciate your input.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #8

    Jun 14, 2011, 02:31 PM
    Glad we could help, hope all works out for you, Brian
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