Replacing old receptacle with a new one for Window Air Conditioner

[cherokee_indian]

Hello,

I am trying to install a Window Air Conditioner. The existing receptacle is a old one. I think it is Hubbell P-1837 20A 250V Receptacle. It has 3 wires: Red and Black (hot) & White (neutral). The new window air conditioner requires 250V - 15A NEMA #6 - 15P receptacle and I bought one from Home Depot. This receptacle has two hot connection and a ground.

At the moment I want to just test if the ac unit is working. Is it okay to connect the Red and Black hot wires to test?

 

[Reach4]

At the moment I want to just test if the ac unit is working. Is it okay to connect the Red and Black hot wires to test?

To each other, no. To the AC, yes.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Fitter30]

Hook up all three also would change out the 20 breaker with 15 amp breaker.

 

[cherokee_indian]

To each other, no. To the AC, yes.

I was able to connect the Red and Black hot wire to brass screws and capped the White wire. The new air conditioner works! Yay!! Do I have to worry about the Ground?

 

[Reach4]

I was able to connect the Red and Black hot wire to brass screws and capped the White wire. The new air conditioner works! Yay!! Do I have to worry about the Ground?

Yes, ground is a needed safety thing, if you do not use a GFCI outlet.