If your air conditioner is tripping the breaker, there can be a range of issues behind it, such as a dirty air filter, dirty condenser coils, fan damage in the outdoor unit, a faulty compressor, damaged or loose electrical wiring, or a bad circuit breaker.
Well, an air conditioner usually trips the breaker because it's pulling in more amps than the breaker is rated for. That is, if you have a 20-amp breaker and the AC pulls 30 amps, the breaker trips. That's why breakers trip: to protect you from over currents that can damage equipment and cause fires (yikes).
You'll need to vacuum out the refrigerant, cut out the old one and solder in a new one. Refill the refrigerant and reassemble. Compressors are big items and usually weight between 50-150 lbs and require very specific equipment and training. And replace your circuit breaker after this is resolved.
To reset a tripped breaker, you simply need to turn it off then back on. If the breaker immediately trips when you reset it, you have a short somewhere. Start by unplugging anything in that circuit and see if the breaker holds. If not, you have a problem in the wiring or inside a receptacle box somewhere.
Manufacturers often rate MCBs for a certain number of breaking operations, usually between 100 to 1,000 trips under fault conditions. Each trip weakens the internal components, especially the contact points, which deteriorate over time.
Start by turning off all the lights, appliances, and electronic devices in your home. Then, reset the main circuit breaker by switching it off and on. Afterward, turn on each circuit one at a time, and observe which one trips the breaker. Once you've identified the circuit, you can focus on narrowing down the problem.
Signs of a bad AC compressor include warm air blowing from the vents, unusual noises like grinding or rattling, and visible leaks or damage to the compressor. Common causes of compressor failure include refrigerant leaks, electrical issues, overheating due to lack of lubrication, and normal wear and tear over time.
Bad Capacitor
A capacitor is responsible for starting the compressor, and if the compressor has trouble starting, it could pull too many amps and trip the breaker.
When the circuit trips, resetting your home's AC is likely going to be necessary to get it working again. Another reason you may need to reset the AC is if your unit is blowing warm air when it should be blowing cold air. In cases like this, the culprit might be a thermostat malfunction.
On average, AC compressor costs range from $800 to $2,300, with most folks paying $1,200 for a new one. However, your price will vary depending on factors like the size and brand of your compressor. Before you schedule your replacement, read on to learn about all AC compressor cost factors.
In the majority of cases, your AC system will return to functioning normally after this breaker reset. It's important to know that this isn't an instant fix and may take up to an hour to get back up and running as normal again.
If you think your air conditioner has tripped because of a bad breaker, the first thing you should do is check the breaker to see if it is loose or damaged. If the breaker is loose, you will need to tighten it. If the breaker is damaged, you will need to replace it.
Testing if Compressor is Shorted to Ground at the Plug
Use the section of the copper tube that was cleaned off earlier or a clean piece of tubing closer to the compressor to use as a ground. 2. Take a resistance measurement between the tube (ground) and one of the terminals (lugs). Any of the terminals can be checked.
While it's okay to turn off your air conditioner circuit breaker, the time frame matters. Leaving things off for too long will cause problems for your unit and for the space it is meant to cool. Consider only doing this while you're fixing the unit or going on a long trip.
One of the more common causes of an AC breaker tripping is a problematic compressor start-up. If your compressor is having trouble starting up, it can draw too much current and cause the breaker to trip. This problem is usually caused by faulty wiring or parts, such as a capacitor or motor winding.
A sure sign of a bad AC capacitor is a humming sound from within the access panel. Any humming noises indicate a problem with the air conditioning system or the components of the AC unit. Try turning the power on and off again to see if it was a one-time issue with the motor or a recurring problem.
This excess dirt interferes with the heat transfer process and causes the system to work overtime to keep the home cool. When this happens, it can sometimes cause the compressor to draw more power and trip the breaker. To fix this problem, you'll need to have an AC technician clean the condenser coils.
What are some symptoms of a failing AC compressor? Loud noises, hot air, airflow issues, uneven cooling, and electrical problems are all things you might run into when an AC compressor is on its last leg.
The compressor is a vital part of your AC unit, responsible for compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the system. When it fails, your cooling system can't function properly, and you'll be left in an uncomfortable, hot home. When your compressor dies, it often means the AC must be fully replaced.
Your air conditioner compressor should last the whole lifespan of your air conditioner, about twelve years or more if you choose a ClimateCare air conditioner. However, it might not last that long if your air conditioner is too small for the space it's cooling, or if you don't keep your air conditioner well-maintained.
Signs That It's Time to Replace Your Circuit Breaker
If your breaker seems to be tripping more often than normal, this is a red flag that it can no longer keep up with your home's electrical needs.
When hot or live wires come into contact with ground wires, a grounded area of an appliance, or a grounded junction box component, a ground fault occurs. If these wires make contact, and a ground fault occurs, a vast amount of current flows through the breaker, causing it to trip.