If you turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to an air conditioner, the air conditioner will completely lose electrical power and stop operating. The circuit breaker is a safety device designed to protect electrical circuits and devices from damage caused by overcurrent or electrical faults. When you switch off the circuit breaker connected to your air conditioner, the following will happen:
Immediate shutdown: The air conditioner will shut down immediately as the electrical power supply is cut off.
Loss of cooling or heating: Without power, the air conditioner's compressor, fan, and other components will stop running. As a result, the cooling or heating process will cease, and the air conditioner will no longer regulate the temperature in the room.
Disconnection from the electrical system: Turning off the circuit breaker effectively disconnects the air conditioner from the electrical system in your home or building. This can be useful for maintenance or troubleshooting purposes, as it ensures that no power is flowing to the AC unit.
Loss of other electrical functions: If the air conditioner is a part of a larger HVAC system or if it shares the circuit with other electrical devices, turning off the circuit breaker will also cut power to those devices.
Protection against electrical hazards: In case of an electrical issue or malfunction in the air conditioner, turning off the circuit breaker provides a safety measure to prevent any potential electrical hazards.
It's important to note that when you turn the circuit breaker back on, the air conditioner will not start running immediately. Some air conditioning systems have a time delay built into their control systems to prevent rapid cycling of the compressor and to protect the equipment from potential damage. After turning the circuit breaker back on, it may take a few moments before the air conditioner begins its normal operation again.
If you are turning off the circuit breaker for maintenance or safety reasons, always follow proper procedures and guidelines, and consider consulting a professional HVAC technician if you're unsure about how to handle the electrical components of your air conditioner.