The short answer is that it is pulling too many additional amperes on the circuit, bringing the total amperes up to more than the breaker is designed to deliver.
Obviously the television is on the same circuit.
You could try turning everything else on that circuit off when first starting the A/C unit as that is when it pulls the maximum number of amperes. Once it is running you may be able to turn the television and what-not back on and the breaker stay energized. If the A/C unit cycles (shuts off and tries to come back on) you will be back to where you started.
You really should have a dedicated circuit for the portable A/C unit. Check with a local electrician to see what it would cost to get set up. It may be less than you think.
First don't listen to Dale-e his house will probably end up burning down if thats how he fixes tripping breakers.
Your either pulling to main amps for that plugs circuit. The a/c has a compressor, fan motor that has short. Which is why we have breakers. You pull more amps on a circuit than what its rated for it could over heat melt insulation on wire an cause a fire.
You could have bad breaker which occasionally go bad but always replace with same brand an amperage.
Either take stuff off that circuit ,or plug the ac into another circuit but NEVER UPSIZE ANY BREAKERS IN YOUR PANEL OR ON A EXISTING CIRCUIT .Thats has potential for ( not saying anything bad would or will happen ,but increasing breaker size in amps can acvtually increase the odds of those bad things happening and not in your favor either ) Your best bet is to just unplug as many things off the circuit that you can Your overloading it adding 5 amps to that overloaded circuit will not help you ,but can actually be harmful .,Especially in a older electrical system But age and condition of the electricsal equipment that supply power to your home play a big role in electrical safety for everyone .However its always best and safest when it is only handled by a qualified person Thats always the best thing So DONT increase breaker amperage EVER in a existing panel
Try buying a new circuit breaker that is rated for just five more amps. Take your old one to the store, to be sure you get the exact same type.
To remove the old one, turn everything off that is fed from it. Then turn off the old switch. Take the wire out of it and pull it from the panel by prying the wire end forward and up.
When you put it back in, tighten the wire into it real good. Then turn it on and go turn on the portable air conditioner. Keep as much of the other things turned Off and left off as much as possible.
Air conditioners are energy hogs. Typically, units like this are put on a single-circuit line that can supply 20 amps. If the breaker keeps tripping, you are drawing excess current. Try turning other appliances on the same branch circuit off while it is in use. Check all plugs, outlets, and cords to be sure they remain cool during operation. Any heating of these items signals excessive current flow.
Answers & Comments
Your either pulling to main amps for that plugs circuit.
The short answer is that it is pulling too many additional amperes on the circuit, bringing the total amperes up to more than the breaker is designed to deliver.
Obviously the television is on the same circuit.
You could try turning everything else on that circuit off when first starting the A/C unit as that is when it pulls the maximum number of amperes. Once it is running you may be able to turn the television and what-not back on and the breaker stay energized. If the A/C unit cycles (shuts off and tries to come back on) you will be back to where you started.
You really should have a dedicated circuit for the portable A/C unit. Check with a local electrician to see what it would cost to get set up. It may be less than you think.
Good luck.
First don't listen to Dale-e his house will probably end up burning down if thats how he fixes tripping breakers.
Your either pulling to main amps for that plugs circuit. The a/c has a compressor, fan motor that has short. Which is why we have breakers. You pull more amps on a circuit than what its rated for it could over heat melt insulation on wire an cause a fire.
You could have bad breaker which occasionally go bad but always replace with same brand an amperage.
Either take stuff off that circuit ,or plug the ac into another circuit but NEVER UPSIZE ANY BREAKERS IN YOUR PANEL OR ON A EXISTING CIRCUIT .Thats has potential for ( not saying anything bad would or will happen ,but increasing breaker size in amps can acvtually increase the odds of those bad things happening and not in your favor either ) Your best bet is to just unplug as many things off the circuit that you can Your overloading it adding 5 amps to that overloaded circuit will not help you ,but can actually be harmful .,Especially in a older electrical system But age and condition of the electricsal equipment that supply power to your home play a big role in electrical safety for everyone .However its always best and safest when it is only handled by a qualified person Thats always the best thing So DONT increase breaker amperage EVER in a existing panel
Try buying a new circuit breaker that is rated for just five more amps. Take your old one to the store, to be sure you get the exact same type.
To remove the old one, turn everything off that is fed from it. Then turn off the old switch. Take the wire out of it and pull it from the panel by prying the wire end forward and up.
When you put it back in, tighten the wire into it real good. Then turn it on and go turn on the portable air conditioner. Keep as much of the other things turned Off and left off as much as possible.
Air conditioners are energy hogs. Typically, units like this are put on a single-circuit line that can supply 20 amps. If the breaker keeps tripping, you are drawing excess current. Try turning other appliances on the same branch circuit off while it is in use. Check all plugs, outlets, and cords to be sure they remain cool during operation. Any heating of these items signals excessive current flow.
it needs a 20 amp circuit, or turn off the other stuff on that circuit.
alternate explanation -- it is now drawing more than the [estimate] 10 amps it usually does and thus needs to be taken in for service.