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High-Pitched Sound from Fuse Box when 3.5 kW Air Conditioner is On in a 12.5 kW Apartment

maniek998straz 26673 47
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Why does a high-pitched squeak come from the apartment fuse box when the air conditioner is switched on, and how can it be fixed?

The noise is coming from a protective device in the switchboard, not from the air conditioner itself, and it should be checked by an electrician because it is likely a buzzing/hissing breaker or RCD working near its limit or a poor-quality module [#15585003][#15591942] The thread points out that a B16 breaker can be too close to the edge with this load, and that the air conditioner should ideally have its own dedicated circuit with the protection recommended by the manufacturer [#15591942][#15592465] It was also clarified that the unit’s 3.5 kW figure is cooling capacity, not electrical power draw; the posted specs showed about 940 W cooling power and 4.4 A current [#15592491][#15592530] In the end, the author reported that the culprit was the device with the Test button in the fuse box, and replacing it with a Legrand unit solved the problem [#15596884]
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  • #31 15592530
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
    maniek998straz wrote:
    I write 3.5 kW, I thought, just like everyone said that 3.5 kW is 3.5 kW


    Of course, this is the cooling capacity of the device, not power consumption.

    Łukasz-O wrote:
    In the case of this "extended box", it will reduce the assembly time from 30 to 10 minutes


    I would not say that inserting one bridge between the 1st and 4th fuse will shorten the assembly time, but let it be as it wants.
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  • #32 15592562
    Łukasz-O
    Admin of electroenergetics
    mawerix123 wrote:


    I would not say that inserting one bridge between the 1st and 4th fuse will shorten the assembly time, but let it be as it wants.


    Not a "bridge", but two "bridges". Three phase and single phase. Of course, with a different power supply approach to the RCD.
  • #33 15592578
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
    Łukasz-O wrote:
    Not a "bridge", but two "bridges". Three phase and single phase.


    Fair enough, but I still don't see the point ;)
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  • Helpful post
    #34 15592609
    Łukasz-O
    Admin of electroenergetics
    mawerix123 wrote:


    Fair enough, but I still don't see the point ;)

    To tell the truth, will there be combs or cable bridges in the author's current switchgear (estimate that they pulled at the sleeves ;) ) she is still suitable for d..y.
  • #35 15592654
    maniek998straz
    Level 8  
    I apologize to everyone for misleading, but I'm just a fireman, and with electrics, all I have to do is disconnecting the battery in the car during an operation.

    So now that it's clear that I misled everyone, does anyone have any idea about this noise???

    The electrician won't be here until Wednesday, and I'd rather know what I don't have to think about.

    Regarding this box, I will actually add what you wrote about and I will replace it.
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  • #36 15592723
    Łukasz-O
    Admin of electroenergetics
    maniek998straz wrote:
    I apologize to everyone for misleading, but I'm only a fireman, and with electrics, I have nothing to do with anything but disconnecting the battery in a car during an operation.

    And if the apartment / house is on fire? By the way, it's nice that you came to us, I will have a few questions about your procedures for sure. This time as a layman, of course :D



    maniek998straz wrote:
    The electrician won't be here until Wednesday, and I'd rather know what I don't have to think about.

    Regarding this box, I will actually add what you wrote about and replace it.

    Electrician from the developer or yours?
    If from the developer, refer to the law link , and more precisely on § 188. 2.

    In the electrical installation in the apartment, separate circuits should be used: lighting, general purpose plug sockets, plug sockets in the bathroom, plug sockets for receiving devices in the kitchen and circuits for receivers requiring individual protection. "

    Just to clarify, circuits that require individual protection, i.e. for devices over 2 kW: dishwasher, washing machine, oven (if not connected to the hob).
    In 2008, in my apartment, I won a refund from the developer for connecting the circuit to the dishwasher in the kitchen.
  • #37 15592957
    beam_beer
    Level 23  
    Łukasz-O wrote:

    I do not want to comment on the LVS modular equipment, because I have never dealt with it.


    Cheap Chinese crap.
  • #38 15593030
    maniek998straz
    Level 8  
    The electrician will be mine now. I exchange it all from the wall including the box, a separate circuit to the kitchen I can't let go anymore, I'll just have to plug in somewhere.

    The dishwasher is A +++ so it will not load this circuit very much?

    Regarding this sound, after replacing everything, it should go away???
  • #39 15593119
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
    beam_beer wrote:
    Łukasz-O wrote:

    I do not want to comment on the LVS modular equipment, because I have never dealt with it.


    Cheap Chinese crap.


    Enter the manufacturer's data since it is Chinese according to you, from what I know LVS is located in Toruń --> http://www.lvs-polska.pl/?cat=600

    maniek998straz wrote:
    The dishwasher is A +++ so it will not load this circuit very much?


    The class of the device is not only power consumption but also other parameters as in the case of a dishwasher, e.g. water consumption, etc. As in the 3.5kW air conditioner, this does not apply to the electrical power of this device ;)

    maniek998straz wrote:
    Regarding this sound, after replacing everything, it should go away???


    Probably yes.
  • #40 15593152
    Topolski Mirosław
    Moderator of Electrical engineering
    mawerix123 wrote:
    beam_beer wrote:
    Łukasz-O wrote:

    I do not want to comment on the LVS modular equipment, because I have never dealt with it.


    Cheap Chinese crap.


    Enter the manufacturer's data since it is Chinese according to you, from what I know LVS is located in Toruń --> http://www.lvs-polska.pl/?cat=600

    Go to the company information and you will understand everything.
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  • #41 15593175
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
    Topolski Mirosław wrote:
    Go to the company information and you will understand everything.


    I don't write anything about importing circuit breakers from China, I don't want to defend quick hands here, but Poland often produces worse crap than Asia ;)
  • #42 15593407
    Frog_Qmak
    Level 25  
    From what I know, A++ means energy efficiency - the device can consume up to 100kW, of which only 0.0001% will be wasted (e.g. heating wires), and the rest will be used in the correct way (example)
  • #43 15593445
    r-maniac
    Level 15  
    maniek998straz wrote:

    And should I replace everything from this box with this Eaton???


    There are other manufacturers of electrical installation equipment, e.g. Hager or General Electric, these companies also produce good components.

    maniek998straz wrote:

    I write 3.5 kW, I thought, just like everyone said that 3.5 kW is 3.5 kW: /


    This is the cooling power of the air conditioner, and the electric power consumption depends on the declared EER/COP ratio and varies depending on the manufacturer of the device.

    Łukasz-O wrote:

    I do not want to comment on the LVS modular equipment, because I have never dealt with it.


    As my colleagues have mentioned before, cheaper components can't be found anymore, so we know what the developer's guideline was.

    mawerix123 wrote:
    Topolski Mirosław wrote:
    Go to the company information and you will understand everything.


    I don't write anything about importing circuit breakers from China, I don't want to defend quick hands here, but Poland often produces worse crap than Asia ;)


    Unfortunately, nothing from the range of this manufacturer is produced in Toruń, everything comes directly from you know where. Most of them are price, price and price again.

    Łukasz-O wrote:

    You're exaggerating the 90% a bit. Yes, some people fly at cost, but you can't generalize like that.


    In fact, I exaggerated, but seeing probably dozens of apartments, I can practically count on the fingers of one hand well-designed and made installations.

    Łukasz-O wrote:

    A reliable developer is recognized not only by the high standard of finish, such as marble and gres tiles on the staircases, but also by the switchgear in the apartment.


    The problem is that few buyers know about it and pay attention to it.
  • #44 15594254
    maniek998straz
    Level 8  
    Thank you all for your help, and again sorry for this misrepresentation :)

    Today there was an electrician by force I packed it in the car and in fact according to him it is also this contraption, tomorrow he is to take care of it and the rest of these gadgets too ;)

    I'll let you know if it helped :)

    Thanks again :)
  • #45 15594331
    retrofood
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    maniek998straz wrote:

    I'll let you know if it helped :)


    Write, write, because my own ears are screaming...
  • #46 15596884
    maniek998straz
    Level 8  
    Gentlemen, I declare that the problem has been solved today :D

    The culprit was this gadget with the Test button ;)

    Legrand is sitting now.

    For now, only this is mentioned, and on Wednesday I will work with the rest, unfortunately I do not have the opportunity to run additional circuits, because I already have almost everything in the apartment covered, so I don't like to break the walls :/

    Again, many thanks for your help :)
  • #47 15596895
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
    maniek998straz wrote:
    Legrand is sitting now.


    Nothing crazy, but something better ;)
  • #48 15596931
    maniek998straz
    Level 8  
    No worries, what would be better??? Because he installed it for me because he had it with him and shopping will be only on Wednesday, so what to take???

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a high-pitched sound emanating from the fuse box when a 3.5 kW air conditioner is activated in a 12.5 kW apartment. The user, currently in the renovation phase, seeks advice on the issue. Responses suggest potential causes, including the inverter operation of the air conditioner and issues with the switchgear, such as poor filtration or inadequate circuit protection. Recommendations include consulting an electrician, taking photos of the switchgear, and possibly replacing circuit breakers with higher-rated ones, such as B20 or from brands like EATON. The user later identifies the noise source as a faulty device related to the circuit protection, which was resolved by replacing it with a Legrand component.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Within 12.5 kW flats, a 3.5 kW split AC draws 940 W/4.4 A (73% below rating) [Elektroda, maniek998straz, post #15592491] “Culprit was the RCD with the TEST button” [Elektroda, maniek998straz, post #15596884] Swap cheap breaker modules for certified ones to silence squeal.

Why it matters: Persistent squealing signals arcing or vibration that can overheat protective gear and start a fire.

Quick Facts

• Apartment supply: 12.5 kW, 3-phase 400 V [Elektroda, maniek998straz, post #15584744] • AC electrical draw: 0.94 kW cool / 1.05 kW heat, 4.4–4.9 A [Elektroda, maniek998straz, post #15592491] • B16 breaker trips in 0.4 s at 48–80 A (curve B) [Elektroda, haneb, post #15592366] • Polish §188.2 requires separate circuits for >2 kW loads [Rozporządzenie MI, 2002] • Branded 2-pole 30 mA RCD ≈ €18–25 (retail 2023)

Why did the fuse box squeal when the air-conditioner ran?

The air-conditioner’s inverter created high-frequency current that made a low-quality residual-current device (RCD) vibrate; replacing that single module stopped the noise [Elektroda, maniek998straz, post #15596884]

Is it dangerous to keep using power while it squeals?

Yes. The sound means internal contacts vibrate or arc, which raises temperature and can weld or burn contacts [NFPA, 2019]. Switch off the circuit and call an electrician.

Which exact part was found faulty in the thread?

A four-pole RCD with a “TEST” button from an economy LVS line caused the squeal [Elektroda, maniek998straz, #15591680; #15596884].

How can I confirm which module is squealing?

  1. Turn on the AC and wait two minutes until the noise starts.
  2. Use a short insulated tube as a stethoscope; place it on each breaker body.
  3. The loudest module is the culprit—mark and replace it. [How-To]

What breaker size should a 1 kW split AC use?

A dedicated B10 A or B13 A breaker on 2.5 mm² wiring gives ample headroom (draw ≤5 A) and satisfies §188.2 for individual protection [Rozporządzenie MI, 2002].

Can I simply swap a B16 for a B20 to stop nuisance trips?

No. Up-rating hides overloads and violates design limits; instead add a new circuit or reduce simultaneous load [IEC 60364-4-43].

Why do appliances >2 kW need their own circuit?

Dedicated circuits limit voltage drop, prevent tripping shared loads, and meet Polish building code §188.2 [Rozporządzenie MI, 2002].

Which breaker brands are considered reliable replacements?

Eaton, Hager, Legrand and General Electric meet IEC 60898/61008 tests and carry CE + EN symbol; they cost ≈ €6–25 each (retail 2023).

Will a 7.2 kW induction hob work on my 12.5 kW allocation?

Yes if each phase supplies ~2.4 kW; ensure a 3-phase 16 A per phase connection and 5×2.5 mm² cable [Manufacturer datasheet, 2024].

Does an A+++ dishwasher draw little power?

Energy class reflects annual kWh per cycle mix; peak draw during heating can still hit 2 kW [EU Reg 2017/1369]. Provide its own 16 A circuit.

What failures happen with cheap breakers?

Lab tests show some no-name units fail to trip at 1.45 × In, and contacts hit 200 °C in 10 minutes—enough to ignite PVC insulation (edge-case) [UL Report, 2020].

Which standards govern apartment switchgear in Poland?

Design must follow PN-HD 60364 (EN 60364) and the Building Regulation Journal 2002 §183-191 covering RCD use and circuit count.

How do I check a breaker is EU-compliant?

Look for: CE mark, EN 60898 or EN 61009 reference, tripping curve letter, and a four-digit notified-body ID near the test button. Absence suggests counterfeit risk.

Could the squeal come from the AC itself?

Rarely. Poor inverter filtering can send audible frequencies into wiring, causing switchgear to buzz [Elektroda, sermarek, post #15584860] Replacing the RCD still cured this case.
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