How to Disconnect the Exterior Electrical on an Air Conditioner

Central air conditioning units circulate cool air through the ductwork system of a home. When service on your central air conditioner requires its removal, disconnecting the electrical power is the first step. The exterior electric box for the air conditioner unit receives its power from the main panel located in the interior of the house. You can disconnect the electrical wiring from your central air unit with the proper tools and basic electrical experience.

Phillips screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Voltage tester
Hammer
Wire nuts
Electrical tape

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the house's main electrical panel circuit breaker assigned to the air conditioner exterior. Switch the breaker off and tag or mark it to inform others that work is being done.
- 2
  Pull the air conditioning exterior disconnect switch box handle to the "Off" position.
- 3
  Locate the electrical terminal access panel on the air conditioning unit. The panel is usually on either side and conspicuously marked.
- 4
  Remove the access panel screws using the appropriate screwdriver. Turn the screws counterclockwise.
- 5
  Test the air conditioner wire terminals with a voltage tester to verify that no power exists. Touch one probe of the tester to the red wire and the other to the black. Also test the red with the white neutral.
- 6
  Remove the red, black and white wires from their respective terminals. Loosen the terminal screws with a screwdriver turning counterclockwise. Pull each wire out of its terminal slot.
- 7
  Disconnect the ground wire from its green ground post terminal. If the ground wire is fitted with a looped connector, remove the green ground post screw entirely. If it is terminated in the same manner as the power leads, loosen the terminal screw and pull the ground wire out from its slot.
- 8
  Remove the lock nut from the flexible conduit on the inside of the access panel. Follow the wires to its location. Use the tip of a flathead screwdriver against one of the raised lugs of the nut and tap it counterclockwise with a hammer.
- 9
  Pull the conduit out from the air conditioner with the disconnected wires.
- 10
  Place a wire nut on the exposed end of each wire. Tighten clockwise by hand.
- 11
  Wrap electrical tape around the wire nuts overlapping onto the wires.

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