# Can I use my air conditioner during a blackout or storm? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) 4. Can I use my air conditioner during a blackout or storm? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Can I use my air conditioner during a blackout or storm?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-blackout-storm/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Amanda Cooper, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What happens to my air conditioner in a blackout? 2. Can I run it on a generator or battery? 3. Why are storms a risk? 4. Should I use the air conditioner in a thunderstorm? 5. The unit won’t come back on after the power returns 6. Will insurance cover storm damage? 7. What to note before you call 8. What will the visit involve? 9. Frequently asked questions An air conditioner cannot run during a blackout unless it is on a suitable backup supply, and you should not connect it to a generator yourself. Storms, lightning and power returning with a surge can damage the unit. A licensed electrician can advise on protection, and damage should be checked before use. ## What happens to my air conditioner in a blackout? A power outage stops the unit. Brief outages are unlikely to hurt it, but the main concern is what happens when power returns. When the supply comes back, there can be a surge or an unstable supply, and the unit may take some time before it resumes, because many models wait a few minutes before restarting. That is a built-in protection. Use the remote or app as normal once the unit resumes, and wait rather than pressing buttons repeatedly. ## Can I run it on a generator or battery? Air conditioners draw a lot of power, especially at start-up, and they are fixed to your home’s wiring. Do not plug a unit into a generator or attempt to connect one yourself. Only a licensed electrician can advise whether a backup supply, a battery system or a generator connection suits your home, and carry out the connection safely. ## Why are storms a risk? South-east Queensland gets severe storms, and the damage can come from several sources: - **Lightning and power surges.** A strike nearby can send a surge through the wiring and damage the unit’s electronics. - **Water ingress.** Driving rain, flooding or damaged seals can reach electrical parts. - **Wind and hail damage.** The outdoor unit and its mounting can be damaged by debris or hail. Surge protection devices exist for homes, and a licensed electrician can advise on what is suitable. Check your home insurance policy for cover for damage caused by surges, as the Insurance Council of Australia has encouraged households to do. Stop and get help After a storm, if the unit or outdoor unit looks damaged, has been wet, or smells of burning, do not use it. Keep children and pets away. If there is smoke, sparks, fire or a shock, leave the building and call 000. Otherwise contact a licensed electrician, and an ARC-licensed air-conditioning technician if the unit itself is damaged. ## Should I use the air conditioner in a thunderstorm? Follow the manufacturer’s guidance in the owner’s manual. Many people choose not to run electrical equipment during severe storms because of surge risk. If you are concerned, a licensed electrician can explain protective options for your switchboard. ## The unit won’t come back on after the power returns This can be a protective delay, a tripped device or damage from a surge. Do not keep trying, and do not touch the switchboard or unit. Note what the display shows, and contact a licensed electrician or technician. ## Will insurance cover storm damage? It depends on your policy. Check what your insurer covers and keep photos and records of any damage. Photographs taken from a safe distance help with claims. ## What to note before you call 1. Record what happened — Write down the date and time of the storm or outage, and what the unit did when power returned. 2. Photograph any damage — Take photos of the indoor and outdoor units and surroundings from a safe distance. 3. Photograph the labels and display — Capture the make and model label and any lights or codes, without touching or opening anything. What you can safely check Look at the unit from a safe distance, photograph any visible damage, and read the manual’s guidance on power interruptions. Do not touch the switchboard, outdoor unit or wiring. ### What will the visit involve? A licensed electrician or technician will check the supply, the protective devices and the unit before it is used again. ## Frequently asked questions - A short outage is unlikely to, but a surge when power returns can. - Not usually. Many solar systems shut down in a blackout unless they have a suitable battery and backup setup, which a licensed professional must design and install. - Many units have a built-in delay after power returns, to protect the compressor. - A licensed electrician can advise whether it suits your home. [Learn about Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/) Related services: [Ducted Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/ducted-air-conditioning/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Australian Refrigeration Council](https://www.arctick.org/) - [Energy Rating (Australian Government)](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/) - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [Air conditioningWhy does my air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?An air conditioner that trips the breaker or safety switch has an overload or fault that a licensed electrician needs to find.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-tripping-breaker-safety-switch/) - [Air conditioningWhat do air conditioner flashing lights and error codes mean?Flashing lights and error codes are the unit's way of reporting a fault, and the meaning depends on your model, so note the pattern and call.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-flashing-lights-error-codes/) - [ElectricalWhy do my lights dim when the air conditioner starts?A brief dip when a big appliance starts can happen, but dimming that is getting worse, lasts or comes with other signs needs a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/lights-dim-when-aircon-starts/) - [ElectricalWhy does my safety switch keep tripping?A safety switch keeps tripping when it detects current leaking to earth, such as from a faulty appliance or moisture; never bypass it.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What happens to my air conditioner in a blackout? 2. Can I run it on a generator or battery? 3. Why are storms a risk? 4. Should I use the air conditioner in a thunderstorm? 5. The unit won’t come back on after the power returns 6. Will insurance cover storm damage? 7. What to note before you call 8. What will the visit involve? 9. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-blackout-storm/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).