Abstract: A protective cover for preventing the entry of debris into an outdoor air conditioning unit while providing for the safe operation of the unit in the event of unintentional activation of the unit while the invented apparatus is installed. During normal operation, the invented protective air conditioning cover provides a covering for the top surface of an outdoor air conditioning unit, including the fan discharge opening, which is usually covered by a metallic grate. The protective cover is held in place on top of the unit by magnets. The placement of the magnets and the types of magnets used in the invented cover are designed to provide just enough attraction between the magnets and the metallic surface of the air conditioning unit that the invented cover is maintained in position upon the top of the unit during normal weather conditions, and all but the most extreme wind conditions.