Central Air Conditioning Maintenance:
Shutting Off Power

To shut off power to your air conditioner, you'll have to locate what's known as an electrical disconnect switch and turn off the power (240 volt) at that point. The disconnect is located in a metal switch box and is usually located next to the condensing unit.

To turn off the power, start by opening the box and take a look inside. Typically, there are two types of shut offs. If you see a shutoff handle, simply give it a turn or remove the fuse plug. If no handle is in sight, remove the plug that activates the box to cut the power. After you kill the power there, make sure to turn off the power to the air conditioner at the main electrical service pannel.

When you've come this far, go grab yourself a glass of lemonade or a cold beer and take a short break. We do this to give air conditioner's capacitators time to dissipate any stored electrical current.