If your TCL Air Conditioner (Mechanical, Digital, or Portable) is not turning on, follow these step-by-step instructions to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Step 1: Check the Power Connection

• Ensure the air conditioner plug is fully inserted into the outlet.
• The AC must be plugged directly into a wall outlet—do not use a power strip or surge protector.
• If the AC cannot reach a wall outlet, use an appliance-rated extension cord (not a standard extension cord) temporarily.

Step 2: Ensure the AC is Not Sharing a Circuit

• The AC should be plugged into its own dedicated wall outlet to prevent power overload.
• Do not plug other devices into the same outlet, as air conditioners require a large amount of power.
• If the AC cannot reach a wall outlet, use an appliance-rated extension cord temporarily.

Step 3: Test the Outlet with Another Device

• Plug another small device (such as a lamp or phone charger) into the same outlet to check if it is receiving power.
• If the outlet is working, move to the next step.

Step 4: Check the Circuit Breaker or Fuse Box

• Inspect the house fuse box or circuit breaker panel for a blown fuse or a tripped breaker.
• If a fuse is blown, replace it.
• If a circuit breaker is tripped, reset it and try turning the AC back on.
• If the fuse or breaker is fine, proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Check for Recent Power Failures

• If there was a recent power outage, the AC unit will automatically restart when power is restored.
• There is a protective time delay of approximately 3 minutes before normal cooling starts again to prevent compressor overload.
• If no power failure occurred, move to the next step.

Step 6: Test the Power Plug (Safety Test)

• Press the TEST button on the power plug.
• This should trip the circuit and cut all power to the air conditioner.
• If the indicator light remains on after pressing TEST, this means current leakage has been detected.
• Do not attempt to reset the plug. Move to Step 8.

Step 7: Reset the Power Plug

• Press the RESET button on the power plug while the AC is plugged in.
• If the button makes a popping sound, the plug is receiving proper power.
• Check if the AC turns on.
• If the AC does not turn on, move to the next step.

Step 8: Power Cycle the AC

• Unplug the AC unit for 5 minutes.
• Plug it back in and retest using the TEST/RESET buttons.
• If the AC responds but still does not turn on, move to Step 10.
• If the AC does not respond to the TEST/RESET function and the plug does not make a popping sound, the AC may not be receiving the correct power.

Step 9: Test the AC on Another Outlet

• Plug the AC into a different wall outlet in the home that is on a separate circuit.
• If the AC still does not respond to the TEST/RESET function, the thermostat may be defective or unresponsive.

Following these steps should help determine why your TCL air conditioner is not powering on. If you continue to experience issues, reach out to TCL Support for expert guidance.