Sometimes the air conditioner is trip the circuit breaker again and again. Why? This is a question that has likely crossed everyone’s mind.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why Air Conditioner Tripping The Circuit Breaker and provide some solutions to help.
Why is my Air Conditioner Tripping The Circuit Breaker?
If your air conditioner is tripping the circuit breaker, there are a few possible explanations. First, check to see if the unit is overloaded.
If too many appliances are running on the same circuit, it can cause the breaker to trip.
Another possibility is that the air conditioner is faulty and is drawing too much power. If this is the case, it’s best to have a professional repair the unit.
Finally, it’s possible that the circuit itself is overloaded and needs to be upgraded. In this case, you’ll need to contact an electrician to assess the situation.
Regardless of the cause, if your air conditioner keeps tripping the breaker, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid any damage to your home or appliance.
Circuit Breaker Is Bad
In some cases, the problem may be with the breaker itself. If the breaker is loose or damaged, it may not be able to handle the amount of current flowing through it.
As a result, the breaker will trip, shutting off power to the air conditioner. In other cases, the problem may be with the size of the breaker.
If the breaker is undersized for the air conditioner, it may not be able to handle the amount of current flowing through it.
As a result, the breaker will trip, shutting off power to the air conditioner. In either case, you’ll need to have a professional inspect and replace the breaker.
Finally, if the problem is with the air conditioner itself, it may be drawing too much current.
This can be caused by a variety of problems, including a faulty capacitor or a clogged filter. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose and repair the problem.
Wrong AC Wiring Causing
If your new air conditioner trips the breaker immediately after being turned on, it is likely due to a wiring issue.
In most cases, the problem can be traced to the AC unit’s power cord. The power cord must be properly connected to an outlet rated for the correct voltage and amperage.
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If the power cord is not properly connected, or if the outlet is not rated for the correct voltage and amperage, it can cause the breaker to trip.
Alternatively, the problem may be with the AC unit itself. If the AC unit is wired incorrectly, it can also cause the breaker to trip.
To avoid this problem, make sure that your AC unit is properly wired before turning it on. If you are unsure of how to wire your AC unit, consult a professional electrician.
Unsheathed Wires Touching
An electrical short circuit occurs when unsheathed wires touch each other, resulting in a sudden flow of electricity.
This can cause sparks and damage to equipment, as well as pose a fire hazard. Short circuits often occur when wires are exposed to moisture or heat, which can cause the insulation to break down.
It is important to inspect electrical wiring regularly to ensure that it is in good condition and not likely to cause a short circuit.
If unsheathed wires are found, they should be repaired or replaced immediately. In addition, it is important to keep flammable materials away from electrical equipment to reduce the risk of fire in the event of a short circuit.
Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant, and if they are clogged with dirt or debris, they can’t do their job properly.
Not only will this cause the air conditioner to work harder, but it can also lead to overheating and eventually a circuit breaker outage.
To clean the coils, simply turn off the power to the unit and remove the access panel. Then, use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dirt or debris.
Be sure to rinse the coils with water before replacing the access panel and turning on the power.
Restricted Airflow
This can be caused by several things, but one of the most common culprits is a dirty air filter.
A dirty air filter restricts airflow by blocking the flow of air through the system. As a result, the system has to work harder to circulate the air, which can cause it to overheat and trip the breaker.
In some cases, a dirty air filter can also cause the system to freeze up, which can lead to even more serious problems. To avoid these issues, it is important to regularly check and clean your air filter.
Compressor Fails To Start
Compressor failure to start (or hard-starting compressor) can be caused by a variety of factors.
The most common cause is an issue with the electrical supply to the compressor. This can be caused by a blown fuse, loose wire, or tripped circuit breaker.
Another common cause of compressor failure is an issue with the compressor itself. This could be due to low oil levels, metal debris in the pump, or a faulty air filter.
If the compressor is not getting enough air, this can also cause it to fail to start. Lastly, environmental factors such as extreme cold or high humidity can also cause starting issues.
If you are having trouble starting your compressor, check the electrical supply first. If that is not the problem, then check the compressor itself for any issues. If you still cannot get the compressor to start, it may be time to call a professional.
The compressor Is Grounded
If you notice that the compressor is grounded (wires touching the sides), it’s essential to take action immediately.
If left unaddressed, this could cause serious damage to your air conditioner. To fix the problem, simply remove the wires from the sides of the compressor and reattach them to the terminal.
Once you’ve done this, be sure to check that the unit is properly grounded by using a continuity tester.
If you’re still having trouble, it’s best to contact a professional for assistance. With a few quick steps, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If you have a central air conditioner, chances are it uses Freon to cool your home. Freon is a refrigerant that helps the unit to transfer heat from the indoors to the outdoors.
Over time, however, Freon can leak out of the unit, resulting in low refrigerant levels. This can cause several problems, including reduced cooling efficiency and increased energy costs.
In some cases, low refrigerant levels can also damage the compressor, requiring expensive repairs.
If you suspect that your unit may be low on Freon, it’s important to contact a qualified HVAC technician as soon as possible.
They will be able to check the refrigerant level and repair any leaks, restoring your unit to peak performance.
Faulty Fan Motor
The fan motor circulates air over the breaker to keep it cool. If the motor fails, the breaker can overheat and trip.
Breaker failure can also be caused by a build-up of dust and dirt on the breaker contacts.
This build-up can insulate the contacts, preventing them from closing properly. When this happens, the breaker will overheat and trip.
To avoid this problem, it is important to regularly clean the breaker contacts with a soft brush or cloth.
In addition, it is important to check the condition of the fan motor and replace it if it is not working properly.
WHAT TO DO FIRST If AC Circuit Breaker Trips
If your AC circuit breaker trips, the first thing you should do is turn off all appliances and unplug any electronics that are plugged into the outlets.
Once everything is turned off, flip the breaker back on and see if it trips again. If it does, there may be a problem with your wiring or your outlets.
If the breaker doesn’t trip, turn on one appliance or plug in one electronic at a time to see if the breaker trips again.
If it does, there may be a problem with that particular appliance or electronic. If the breaker doesn’t trip, then the problem is likely with your AC unit itself.
Check to see if the unit is turned on and that all of the settings are correct. If everything looks fine, but the unit still isn’t working, then you may need to call a professional for help.
Conclusion
The article explains the most common causes of air conditioner breakers tripping, and what you should do if this happens.
The main causes of breaker tripping are low refrigerant levels, a faulty fan motor, and an overheated breaker.
If want my opinion I would suggest that you should call a professional to check the condition. If you try to fix this problem without proper knowledge this can lead to a fire hazard.
If everything looks fine, but the unit still isn’t working, then you may need to call a professional for help.