Michael Kennedy wrote:
Are you talking about a power strip surge protector? These are usually rated
for less than 10 amps and I'm farily confident that your AC uses at least
that much current. That is probably your problem if you are using a power
strip.

As Michael Terrel previously wrote:
The plugs are current rated, by NEMA type.

An author that does not understand what Michael wrote might then
post:
Are you talking about a power strip surge protector? These are
usually rated for less than 10 amps

Michael posted basic facts that every responder should have
understood. That means the standard AC plug connected to a power
strip can draw 15 amps - no problem. That air conditioner should not
draw that much current - as even its NEMA plug defines.

Meanwhile, a power strip must also have a 15 amp circuit breaker.
Minimally acceptable $3.50 power strips have a 15 amp circuit breaker
that is resettable. Why then is the grossly overpriced surge protector
damaged by more than 15 amps?

A 10000 BTU air conditioner should never damage any power strip -
should not trip that 15 amp breaker. The fact that air conditioner
does implies a failure inside the air conditioner or problems elsewhere
in wire inside walls. Fact that the power strip has a tripping 15 amp
circuit breaker means the power strip is protecting human life. Any
power strip permenantly damaged by a +15 amp load should be listed here
as a defective product so that all can avoid it.

Any power strip (including protector type) that cannot provide 15
amps or does not have that all so necessary circuit breaker belongs in
the trash right now. Power strips using that NEMA 15 plug must be
rated for more than 10 amps to get UL approval. No UL approval? But
it immediately in the trash.