ac trips breaker when turning off

AC Breaker Keeps Tripping Breaker: 9 Common Culprits & Fixes

“My AC keeps tripping the breaker. What’s wrong? How do I stop my AC from tripping the breaker?”

AC tripping the breaker is annoying. Even more troublesome, repeatedly trying to run an air conditioner that keeps tripping the breaker can result in permanent damage to the AC unit. So, easy on the breaker reset button ; you should diagnose and fix the problem first.

Here is what might be happening with your air conditioner:

• Air conditioner trips the breaker immediately . When you turn the AC unit, the breaker will flip immediately or only after a few seconds.
• AC trips breaker after 5 minutes or so. The AC starts OK, but after a few minutes, the breaker will trip. This, for example, is typical for the AC compressor tripping breaker (outside AC unit tripping breaker).
• AC trips breaker after a few hours . An air conditioner will work fine for several hours before it trips the breaker.

To help everybody out, we are going to look at how to check why the AC unit keeps tripping the breaker. We are going to check for 9 key culprits that cause the AC circuit breaker to keep tripping.

There are only two roots for why your AC keeps tripping:

• You have a faulty breaker . This involves issues with circuit breaker, AC wiring, and electrical short circuits.

As every HVAC professional does, you should check these culprits one by one, eliminating the causes as you go. Once you have correctly detected what is causing the AC breaker to keep tripping and fix the problem, your AC unit should work smoothly again.

Note: For every culprit, we are going to tell you if it causes the AC breaker to trip immediately, after a few minutes, or after a few hours, and explain why.

Here are the most common culprits (listed one by one) for any air conditioner type – be it central air, mini split, portable, or window air conditioner – to keep tripping the breaker. We are going to start with breaker-related issues (#1 to #3) and continue with AC unit-related issues (#4 to #9) :

Table of Contents

#1 Circuit Breaker Is Bad, Loose, Or Undersized (Causing AC To Trip Breaker Immediately)

If you are lucky, the AC breaker keeps tripping due to a bad breaker. This is one of the easiest problems to solve; problems with the AC unit itself are harder and costlier to fix.

It’s not uncommon to see a bad circuit breaker. Both new and old breakers can go bad due to wear-and-tear or acute amp surge that fries the breaker. Over time, even well-installed circuit breakers can come loose and cause all sorts of issues, including tripping unexpectedly.

In limited cases, we also see that homeowners have installed a circuit breaker that is just too small. Example: A 3-ton AC unit on 220V has a max. wattage of about 3,600 watts and requires a 25A or 30A breaker. You can check what size AC breaker you need here accounting for NEC 80% ampacity rule .

Dead giveaways of a bad breaker are:

• Breaker smells like something is burning.
• Breaker is hot to the touch.
• Breaker keeps tripping all the time.

Solution: First, you need to check if you have a bad breaker. Secondly, check if the breaker is loose; try to nudge it from left to right to set it back in the required position. Of course, you will also have to check the above article if indeed your breaker is big enough to handle all the amps that you need to run your AC unit.

If you have a bad breaker, you just simply replace it. Get a new one – circuit breakers are quite inexpensive – and be sure to check that it has the same ampacity as the old one. Everybody can DIY breaker replacement; you can consult this guide on how to replace a circuit breaker if you need some help.

Once you have a working breaker again, your AC should stop tripping it.

#2 Wrong AC Wiring (New Air Conditioners Trip Breaker Immediately)

Another possibility, especially for new air conditioners, is wrong wiring. If you have a newly wired thermostat or you have just replaced an old thermostat, chances are that not all wires are connected to the right sockets.

For air conditioners, you will have to connect:

• Blue or yellow wire is meant for cooling. These wires are connected to the Y terminal in a standard thermostat.
• Red fire for power, connected to R.
• Common wire (usually black) connected to C.

For more advice on how to wire a thermostat, you can consult the thermostat wiring guide here .

Wrong wiring will lead to the outside AC unit tripping breaker immediately (central aircon or mini splits). This is a standard AC compressor tripping issue; the compressor creates a surge of amps that can hit an undersized breaker if it’s wrongly wired.

Solution: Check that all the wires are in the right sockets. In limited cases, you will have to can an electrician to fix this, but most people can use the guide cited above to adequately wire a thermostat themselves.

#3 Electrical Short Circuit (Unsheathed Wires Touching)

Any short circuit can cause a spike in electrical current (amps) that will trip the breaker. In fact, one of the reasons why we use circuit breakers in the first place is to protect our circuits against short circuits.

In the case of wiring air conditioners, the short circuit happens when two exposed wired (unsheathed because the coating has been degrading for years) touch.

Example: Let’s say that the blue and red wire touch. This doesn’t happen if they are properly insulated. However, over time, insulation can decay. When this happens, the electrical current from two wires will travel along a single wire (the one with the least electric resistance, according to Ohm’s law). This will cause a spike in amps that can knock out the breaker.

Admittedly, it’s very difficult to tell if you are experiencing a short circuit. You do have to go to check all the wires to see if the insulation is damaged. This short circuit problem also causes the AC to trip break immediately, after 5 minutes, or even after 10 hours of running the AC unit. It is not time-specific which makes the detection even harder.

Solution: If you suspect that your AC unit tripping the breaker due to a short circuit, you can check the wires yourself or call an electrician. Once you find faulty wires that are causing the short circuit, you have to reapply the coating, or, in more cases, just replace the wire.

All of this, of course, is easier said than done.

Once you have eliminated the thermostat-related problems, you can start checking if there is something wrong with your air conditioner unit, resulting in the breaker tripping repeatedly:

#4 Dirty Condenser Coils (Causing Outside Air Conditioner Circuit Breaker To Trip)

A lot of AC tripping breaker problems are caused by the air conditioner overheating. One of the most common examples of this is the air conditioner circuit breakers outside to trip.

The outdoor condenser coils are exposed to the environment. That means that anything from dirt, leaves, dust, and grass, can find its way into the AC outdoor unit (you may even find a dead rat in there) . If this dirt accumulates on the fairly exposed condenser coils, you will have problems with the outdoor AC unit tripping breaker.

These condenser coils are basically superb heat exchangers . They expel all the heat that is generated in the refrigeration cycle. If these condenser coils are coated with dirt, for example, their ability to conduct heat is impeded. Obviously, if the coils can’t give away enough heat, the whole outdoor unit will get overheated.

And overheating leads to the AC tripping the breaker.

In this case, the AC breaker won’t turn trip immediately. It won’t even trip in 5 minutes or so. Dirty condenser coils are one of the most common reasons why the AC trips breaker after a few hours. The AC will overheat in time and that can take anywhere from some 10 minutes to several hours.

Solution: Clean the outdoor condenser coils. Open the outdoor unit and check if there is dirt coating on the coils. If there is, clean out the debris and spray them with detergent or coil cleaners. You can read how to clean the condenser coils on the Carrier website here .

After the outdoor coils are cleaned, they can adequately exchange heat again. That means that all the heat that has to be expelled via the coils will be released into the atmosphere again. As a result of the AC unit not overheating, you will no longer have a problem with AC breaker tripping.

#5 Dirty Air Filters (Restricted Airflow Results In Overheating And Trips Breaker)

Dirty air filters are another common culprit for an AC unit to trip breaker after a few hours.

We all know that every AC should have adequate airflow. If the filters are dirty, they restrict the airflow. This can cause a series of unwanted issues and will eventually lead to AC overheating. And, as we know, if the AC is overheating, it will inevitably trip a circuit breaker.

Everybody pretty much knows what to do with dirty air filters, right?

Solution: Clean or replace the air filters. This will again enable the AC unit to operate at sufficient airflow. The AC unit will not overheat. The AC breaker will not trip. It’s a pretty simple fix.

#6 Compressor Fails To Start (Or Hard-Starting Compressor)

Out of all the things that may go wrong, the compressor-related issues are the worst. When you have a faulty compressor, you will in almost all cases have to replace it. This replacement can be so costly that homeowners with older units usually just replace the whole air conditioning system.

Now, if you have a faulty compressor (the reason might also be a fault capacitor), you can expect two things to happen:

• Compressor doesn’t start at all. Regardless of this, the AC compressor can still trip the breaker. You will notice that in this case, the AC compressor trips the breaker immediately.
• Compressor starts slowly (usually takes a few seconds) . This is an indication of a faulty compressor and might lead to the AC compressor tripping the breaker after a few minutes.

The compressor – the main part of the AC – is responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas. If it doesn’t do its job, the AC unit might start overheating and blowing warm (instead of cold) air.

When the compressor doesn’t start at all, there is usually a spike in amps along the compressor wire to the breaker. This will trip the breaker immediately.

If you have a hard-starting compressor, the breaker won’t trip immediately. Nonetheless, such a compressor repeatedly can repeatedly send amp spikes towards the breaker in order to keep running. Eventually – usually in a few minutes or so – one of these amp spikes will overwhelm the circuit breaker and the breaker will flip.

Solution: This is a hard pill to swallow but you will probably have to replace the AC compressor. This is a complex replacement process you can’t do yourself; you will require an HVAC professional to do it for you.

You can, of course, take this ‘opportunity’ to replace the AC unit altogether. If your AC unit is past its prime (15+ years old), replacing the whole air conditioner makes sense in many cases.

#7 Compressor Is Grounded (Wires Touching The Sides)

Another problem a compressor might have – much less troublesome – is some wire displacements. Namely, the electrical wires that power the compressor are unsheathed and touching the compressor casing. It’s always best to check if everything is OK with the compressor wires.

Of course, if the wires touch the metal casing, all that electricity will go to the ground (we talk about the compressor being grounded). Inevitably, this will cause a spike in amps that will knock out the breaker.

Now, this may happen when you turn on the AC, after a few minutes, or even after several hours. The vibrations in the compressor pretty much displace one wire so much that it touches the casing, and that may happen immediately or even after some hours.

Solution: Check if all the wires that go in and out of the compressor still have their insulation coating on them. Also, check if the wires are neatly packed and away from the casing. If you find an exposed wire close to the casing, it’s very likely this is the wire that keeps tripping the AC breaker.

Use a plastic or nylon line to fix the wire in place, away from the casing. You can even replace that wire if you see that the insulation coating is severely damaged. After you do that, your breaker should stop tripping.

#8 Low Refrigerant Levels (Lines Leaking Freon)

All air conditioners work based on the refrigerant cycle. For this cycle to work properly, the lines have to be full of freon (refrigerant gas like R22, R410A, and so on). If you have a leak in the refrigerant lines, there will be less refrigerant within the lines which will lead to AC overheating and potentially tripping the breaker.

Example: If your window AC keeps tripping the breaker, the refrigerant leak could be the culprit.

Solution: You have to check if the refrigerant levels are indeed low by measuring the refrigerant pressure. If freon is indeed leaking out, you will first have to seal the leak and then recharge the AC unit.

In most cases, you will need professional help for this.

If you want to know how a professional refills the freon, you can consult this article about how to recharge a window air conditioner .

#9 Faulty Fan Motor (Leading To Overheating And Breaker Tripping)

In limited cases, we also see that a faulty fan motor is responsible for the outdoor AC unit tripping a breaker after a few hours.

The outdoor fan produces airflow that expels the heat into the environment (cooling the condenser coils). That fan is powered by the motor. If the motor doesn’t produce adequate power output, the fan doesn’t produce adequate airflow, and the outdoor AC cooling process is impeded.

This can lead to AC overheating and tripping the AC breaker. This happens when the AC is overheated enough; it takes a few hours (not on start-up or after a few minutes).

Solution: Check if the outdoor fan is spinning. If not, the problem might be a faulty fan motor. You will probably need to replace it. Before you do that, do check out all the reasons why outdoor AC is not spinning here . Namely, a faulty fan motor is not the only reason why the condenser fan is not spinning.

After you fix this and the fan is spinning again, there won’t be overheating, and the outdoor AC unit will stop tripping the breaker.

How To Call If You Need Professional Help?

As we have seen, both the diagnosis of why the AC keeps tripping the breaker as well as the fixes are not a piece of the case.

From checking the breaker to checking if something is wrong with your AC unit, there is quite a lot of knowledge (and experience) that guys fixing AC units should have.

This article was a general overview of the causes for AC to keep tripping the breaker. If, however, you realize you will a professional help, you can turn to your local HVAC companies.

We hope this helps somebody figure out why the AC keeps tripping the breaker and how to go about fixing it by themselves or with professional help.

Related posts:

• AC Making Noise: 5 Air Conditioner Noises + How To Fix Them
• Window Air Conditioner Freezing Up In Summer? Here’s What Is Wrong
• Thermostat Not Reaching Set Temperature: 7 Causes + Fixes
• How To Tell If AC Is Frozen? 3 Tell-Tale Signs (Ice On Evaporator Coils)
• How To Measure Superheat? Easy 10 Step-By-Step Guide

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13 Reasons Why Your AC Keeps Tripping Breaker (And Fixes)

Josh Mitchell

Expert Reviewed By

Last Updated On

December 23, 2023

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Key Takeaways

• An AC breaker can trip if it is overloaded with many appliances, if there is a short circuit in the unit, or if the breaker is not sized properly.
• Dirty and faulty components in an AC can often cause a breaker to trip frequently. It is also possible for a malfunctioning breaker to be the culprit.
• Electrical faults are very dangerous and you should not attempt to fix them yourself. Hence, always consult with an HVAC professional.

When the AC is tripping your electricity, it’s important to pay attention and quickly diagnose the problem.

As an experienced HVAC professional, I know all the common issues that can cause your AC system to trip the breaker.

I’ll share my knowledge and help you get your air conditioner running again quickly.

13 Common Reasons Why Your AC Trips The Circuit Breaker (Solutions Included)

AC electrical faults cause 86% of dangerous air conditioner fires[ 1 ], and circuit breakers help you stop that from happening - but only if you know why it’s happening and what to do next.

1. The Sizing Of The Breaker Is Improper

Circuit breakers are rated by amp s , determining the amount of current that can flow through without tripping the breaker.

The average home circuit breaker is 15-20 amps for the branch circuit , which is plenty for most home AC units, but larger air conditioning systems using too many amps can cause the circuit breaker to trip[ 2 ].

You can either:

• Move your air conditioning unit to a different place/room with a larger AC circuit breaker,
• Hire a professional to upgrade the breaker and accompanying wiring.

TL;DR:  If rated amps of a circuit breaker are lower than the rated amps of the AC, it will always trip.

2. You Are Overloading The Circuit

Each circuit breaker can only handle a certain amount of amps.

If you have other devices running through the same circuit breaker as your air conditioning system, it can o verload the AC circuit breaker and shut off your power.

Reroute other electrical devices so your AC unit can run through the breaker independently. You may need a professional to help.

TL;DR: A dedicated circuit is recommended for an AC. If too many appliances are connected to the AC circuit, it can get overloaded resulting in breaker tripping.

3. There Is A Short Circuit With The Electronic Components

ACs have internal electrical components that run continuously for hours.

Over time, the wires within the air conditioner can become damaged, leading to a ‘short’ (or short circuit)[ 3 ].

A 'short' means too much electricity is flowing through the wires and can cause overheating and fires.

The air conditioner circuit breaker will trip to shut off power and protect your home from danger.

You need to contact a professional to find the source of the short circuit and make appropriate repairs.

TL;DR: A short circuit is a very dangerous condition as it is a sign of damaged electrical components. Seek professional help if you suspect this is the case.

4. A Dirty Air Filter Heating Up Your AC

The air filter in your AC unit will get dirty over time as air flows through the machine (more so with an outdoor unit than an inside unit).

If the air filters become too dirty, they can reduce airflow and cause your air conditioner to overheat, as the electric motors must work harder.

Your air conditioner will try to draw more power to compensate for the poor airflow, tripping the breaker.

Change or clean the dirty air filter to stop your AC system from tripping the breaker.

You should be able to replace the air filter and perform regular maintenance yourself.

Important Note:

It is crucial to point out that you should avoid DIY maintenance if you have the slightest hint of doubt that things may go wrong. To avoid harming yourself or damaging your unit, always consider hiring professional help. 

5. Dirty Condenser Coils Can Also Heat Up Your AC

Your condenser coils absorb the heat from the air, but they can become blocked by dust or debris (particularly if you have a dirty outside unit).

The dirty coils can strain your air conditioning system, causing it to work harder and draw more electricity. 

They may lead to it tripping the breaker.

Cleaning dust and debris off the dirty condenser coils should stop the AC tripping.

You should also have an AC technician check and perform annual maintenance on your condenser.

TL;DR: Dirty filter and dirty condenser coils can heat up the internal components. Higher heat results in higher current draw resulting in your breaker tripping. Perform regular cleaning of these components.

6. Problem With Coil Fan Motor

Air conditioners use a coil fan (or AC blower) to move hot air over the condenser coil and disperse heat, leaving you with cold air.

Your coil fan can become damaged over time , and a broken coil fan can cause the AC to draw too much power, leading to the breaker tripping.

Hire a professional to perform AC repair work on the coil fan motor. It may need to be replaced to stop the breaker tripping.

TL;DR: A broken coil fan motor can draw more than its rated current, which in turn can trip the breaker.

7. Your Compressor Has Gone Bad

Your compressor houses the refrigerant that cools the air, but a faulty compressor won't cool the air.

Faults become more common as a compressor ages but can happen because of accidental damage.

A bad compressor can cause two issues:

• Hard starting.  Your faulty compressor won't start up properly and draws more power to try and compensate, causing it to trip its own breaker.
• Grounded compressor. The wires connected to the compressor come loose, leading to a short circuit and a tripped breaker.

A technician can install a hard start kit to try and get the compressor started.

However, a faulty compressor can mean costly repairs, and it's often best to replace the entire system rather than try to fix it.

TL;DR: If the compressor is hard starting or if it is grounded, then it will draw far more than its rated current.

8. Cables And Wires Wear And Tear

Your AC runs has wires running inside the whole unit connecting electrical components.

Over time, the wires and wire insulation can become loose or damaged.

Loose wires touching the ground, floor, or other components can cause further damage to the device and your home.

The circuit breaker trips as a safety measure to avoid an electrical short and prevent damage.

Some electrical wires can be an easy fix, but electrics can be dangerous.

Have an HVAC technician check the electrical panel of the unit, find the damage, and perform the AC repair safely.

A loose wire or a grounded wire is a dangerous safety hazard. You should avoid touching or going near the unit if you spot a loose connection.

9. Too Little Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the working fluid in an AC unit that cools the air.

The AC compressor has a closed system for the refrigerant, but over time, refrigerant lines can become damaged.

This damage can lead to refrigerant leaking out.

The AC compressor coils will have to work harder to cool the air if there's less refrigerant.

The unit draws more electricity to compensate, which trips the breaker.

Hire a professional to top up the refrigerant and seal the leak.

However, it may be cheaper to replace cheaper portable ACs than perform the repairs if it's out of warranty.

Refrigerant is a dangerous substance and can only be handled by professionals.[ 4 ]

TL;DR: Lower refrigerant means that the AC has to work harder in order to cool. This in turn means using up more amps to compensate. More amps = breaker tripping.

10. Frozen Evaporator Coil

Dirt, debris, and grime can build up on the evaporator coil, preventing heat from flowing and causing the coils to freeze.

The air conditioner will try to draw more energy to compensate for the frozen coils , but as it draws more amps, it can cause the breaker to trip.

You can fix this yourself by turning the power off and thawing out the compressor using a hair dryer.

Once dry, clean the evaporator coils to prevent them from malfunctioning and freezing over again.

If your air conditioner keeps tripping after this, contact a professional to determine the root cause.

11. It’s Too Hot Outside

Your air conditioner has to work harder in hot conditions to maintain the temperature, which can cause it to draw more electricity and strain the wiring.

It can also cause the breaker to trip to prevent overheating or fire hazards.

Clean the AC to keep the unit cool by improving airflow, and only use the air conditioner when needed.

If it keeps tripping the breaker, you may need to buy a new AC.

TL;DR: If the internal components are heating up due to very hot weather outside then this can lead to the breaker tripping to avoid fire hazards.

12. Failing Air Conditioning Capacitors

Your AC capacitor provides the initial jolt of electricity so it can start.

Capacitors wear out over time, and if you notice your AC has trouble starting or keeps tripping, the capacity may be failing.

Contact an HVAC professional to fix or replace the bad capacitor.

13. You Have A Defective Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker can become defective through natural wear and tear, exposure to extreme temperatures, or by electrical faults tripping the breaker too frequently.

A defective breaker can trip your electricals every time you use your AC.

First, make sure the breaker is actually defective. 

Circuit breakers trip electrics and protect your home, a nd you should only replace them as a last resort.

If you don't resolve the issue, the new breaker will continue to trip.

Check the other common causes on the list or consult an HVAC technician to determine the issue. A professional will need to replace the circuit breaker.

TL;DR: If all else is fine, then the likely culprit is a defective breaker. Most homes have a spare breaker which you can switch your AC to. If not, then a breaker replacement will be necessary.

When To Call Professionals For Maintenance Or Repair

I recommend calling a professional to help with most air conditioning electrical problems because it can be dangerous.

Always consult a professional if you experience any of the following:

• 1 There is a burning smell from the breaker or AC: A burning smell indicates that your electrical wiring or AC breaker is overheating. It's a dangerous fire hazard, and you should shut off the air conditioner and contact an HVAC technician immediately.
• 2 There are crackling or electrical sounds from the breaker or AC: Strange noises from your inside unit usually indicate an electrical issue, loose wiring, or short-circuiting - often in the compressor motor. It is dangerous to fix yourself, and you need to contact an AC Tech professional to undertake air conditioning repair work.
• 3 You cannot point out where the issue lies: Your AC breaker trips the electrical supply for a reason, usually to protect you from serious danger. If your unit is tripping the AC breaker and you can't find the issue, you need to call an HVAC technician as soon as possible to diagnose the problem.

TL;DR: Electric works should always be carried out by professionals. However, some very alarming signs such as burning smell and crackling electrical sounds call for an immediate inspection. Shut off your home's main electric breaker if you experience these signs.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What exactly is a circuit breaker in an air conditioner.

A circuit breaker in an air conditioner (or AC breaker) is an electrical safety device that stops power flowing if there's an overload, short circuit, or fault in the AC system. Tripping the circuit breaker helps to prevent electrical fires and protect the AC unit.

Why Does My AC Trip After 5 Minutes?

If your AC trips after 5 minutes, it's usually because an overloaded circuit or faulty component is drawing in too much current and tripping the circuit breaker. You should consult an electrician or HVAC professional who can help with AC repair so it doesn’t trip the breaker.

What Happens If You Trip a Breaker Too Many Times?

If your breaker trips too often, the internal trip mechanism can wear out, preventing it from working and leaving your home at risk of electrical fires. You should replace the AC's breaker if it's tripping frequently.

Should You Reset The Circuit Breaker If It Continues to Trip?

No, the circuit breaking tripping indicates an underlying electrical problem, and you should diagnose and resolve the problem before resetting it.

So, Did You Find Your Fix?

If your AC trips the breaker, it means there's a potentially hazardous electrical fault.

Cleaning and regular tune-ups of your air conditioner will help to prevent it from happening, but you will need to consult a professional if it keeps tripping your breaker .

Hopefully, this guide has helped to explain the common causes, and you now know why your AC keeps tripping the power.

References: 

• https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/v2i5-508.pdf
• https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Amperage-of-Circuit-Breaker
• https://engineering.mit.edu/engage/ask-an-engineer/what-is-a-short-circuit/
• https://www.epa.gov/section608

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AC Breaker Tripped and Won’t Reset: Quick Fixes for Homeowners

The AC breaker tripped and won’t reset? Check for overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or a malfunctioning AC unit. Turn off appliances, then reset the breaker firmly. If it persists, consult a qualified electrician.

Has your AC breaker tripped and won’t reset, leaving you in a sweltering situation? Don’t fret! In this guide, we’ll navigate through quick fixes tailored for homeowners encountering this common dilemma. When your AC breaker refuses to cooperate, understanding the root causes and implementing simple troubleshooting steps can often resolve the issue without the need for professional intervention. Stay cool and composed as we unravel the mysteries behind the AC breaker tripped and won’t reset scenario, empowering you to restore comfort to your home swiftly.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Problem

A. what causes an ac breaker to trip.

• Overloading the circuit: When the electrical load exceeds the capacity of the circuit, the breaker trips to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
• Electrical faults: Short circuits or ground faults can cause a sudden increase in electrical current, prompting the breaker to trip to prevent damage to appliances or wiring.
• External factors like power surges or lightning strikes: Sudden spikes in electrical current caused by external factors can trip the breaker to protect the electrical system from damage.

B. Why won’t the breaker reset?

• Potential underlying issues: There may be an ongoing problem with the electrical system, such as a persistent overload, a fault in the wiring, or a malfunctioning appliance. These issues need to be identified and resolved before attempting to reset the breaker.
• Safety mechanisms in the breaker: Breakers are designed with built-in safety features to prevent resetting if there is still a problem present. This ensures that any underlying issue is addressed before power is restored to the circuit, reducing the risk of fire or electrical hazards. If the breaker won’t reset, it may indicate that there is still a safety concern that needs to be addressed by a qualified electrician.

Safety Precautions

A. importance of safety when dealing with electrical issues:.

• Risk of Electrical Shock: Emphasize the dangers of electrical shock when dealing with AC breakers or any electrical components. Even a seemingly small issue can pose serious risks if not handled properly.
• Fire Hazard: Explain the potential for electrical fires if there are faults in the system or if components are mishandled.
• Property Damage: Highlight the possibility of damage to property, such as appliances or wiring, if electrical issues are not addressed promptly and correctly.

B. Necessary safety equipment:

• Rubber Gloves: Insulated rubber gloves are essential for protecting yourself from electrical shocks when handling breaker panels or electrical components.
• Safety Goggles: Safety goggles protect your eyes from any sparks or debris that may occur during troubleshooting or repairs.
• Insulated Tools: Use tools with insulated handles to minimize the risk of electrical shock when working on electrical systems.
• Voltage Tester: A non-contact voltage tester helps identify live circuits and ensures that power has been disconnected before beginning any work.
• Fire Extinguisher: Have a fire extinguisher readily available in case of any electrical fires that may occur during troubleshooting or repairs.

C. When to call a professional:

• Repeated Tripping: If the AC breaker continues to trip after attempting to reset it, it indicates a more serious underlying issue that may require professional diagnosis and repair.
• Visible Damage: If there is visible damage to the breaker panel, wiring, or any other electrical components, it’s best to have a professional electrician assess the situation to prevent further damage or injury.
• Lack of Experience: If you’re unsure about how to safely troubleshoot or repair electrical issues, it’s best to leave it to a qualified electrician who has the knowledge and experience to handle the job safely.

When your AC breaker trips and won’t reset, it can be a frustrating experience, especially during hot summer days. However, before calling a professional technician, there are several quick fixes you can try yourself to get your air conditioning system back up and running efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through ten simple steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue of an AC breaker that won’t reset.

Check for Overload:

The first step is to identify whether the AC breaker tripped due to an overload. An overload can occur if too many appliances are connected to the same circuit. To check for overload, unplug all devices from the affected circuit and try resetting the breaker.

Inspect the Air Filter:

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the AC unit to work harder and potentially trip the breaker. Locate the air filter in your HVAC system and inspect it for dirt and debris. If dirty, replace it with a clean filter and attempt to reset the breaker.

Clear Debris from Outdoor Unit:

Outdoor AC units can accumulate debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, hindering airflow and causing the system to overheat. Turn off the power to the outdoor unit, then carefully remove any debris from the surrounding area and the unit itself. Once cleared, try resetting the breaker.

Check for Refrigerant Leaks:

Low refrigerant levels can cause the AC compressor to overheat and trip the breaker. Inspect the refrigerant lines for any signs of leaks, such as hissing sounds or oily residue. If a leak is detected, contact a professional HVAC technician to repair the issue and recharge the system with refrigerant.

Inspect the Condensate Drain Line:

A clogged condensate drain line can cause water to back up into the AC system, triggering a safety mechanism that shuts off the power. Locate the condensate drain line and carefully remove any obstructions using a wet-dry vacuum or a pipe cleaner. Once cleared, attempt to reset the breaker.

Test the Capacitor:

The capacitor is responsible for providing the electrical energy needed to start the AC compressor. A faulty capacitor can prevent the compressor from starting, leading to a tripped breaker. Use a multimeter to test the capacitance of the capacitor. If it’s below the manufacturer’s specifications, replace it with a new one.

Inspect Wiring Connections:

Loose or damaged wiring connections can cause electrical shorts and tripped breakers. Turn off the power to the AC unit and carefully inspect the wiring connections at the breaker panel and the unit itself. Tighten any loose connections and repair or replace any damaged wires before attempting to reset the breaker.

Reset the Thermostat:

Sometimes, a malfunctioning thermostat can cause the AC system to behave erratically, leading to a tripped breaker. Reset the thermostat by turning it off, waiting a few minutes, and then turning it back on. Ensure that the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature and mode before attempting to reset the breaker.

Inspect the Circuit Breaker Itself:

Over time, circuit breakers can wear out or become faulty, leading to frequent tripping. Inspect the breaker for any signs of damage, such as burns or corrosion. If the breaker appears damaged, replace it with a new one of the same amperage rating.

Call a Professional Technician:

If none of the above fixes resolve the issue of the AC breaker tripping and refusing to reset, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician. They have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and repair complex issues with your air conditioning system safely.

In conclusion, when faced with a situation where your AC breaker has tripped and won’t reset, it’s important to approach it with caution and systematic troubleshooting. Begin by checking for any obvious issues like overheating or a faulty breaker switch. If no immediate solution presents itself, it’s best to enlist the help of a qualified electrician to diagnose and rectify the problem safely. Remember, ignoring a repeatedly tripping breaker can lead to further damage and potentially hazardous situations. By staying vigilant and addressing the issue promptly, you can ensure the continued efficiency and safety of your home’s electrical system.

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Why Does My Air Conditioner Breaker Keep Tripping? Here’s Your Fix!

By Author Michael Joseph

Posted on Last updated: July 24, 2022

Your AC breaker is a safety feature that automatically turns off the system whenever a power overload is detected. If your air conditioner breaker keeps tripping, it’s because the system is taking in more amps than it’s rated for, which could happen for several reasons.

This happens to prevent damage to your equipment from overloaded circuits. So make sure that you don’t ignore the issue if it’s one that you’re having.

Most importantly, don’t continue to reset your AC breaker . Your main goal should be figuring out what the problem is so that you can solve it or hire a technician. We put together this article to help you do that, so keep reading to learn more.

Start with these steps

It bears repeating: You don’t want to just continue flipping back the breaker switch if it keeps tripping. Instead, follow these steps to start isolating the issue so that you can solve it safely:

• Turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat.
• Flip the AC circuit breaker switch into the “ON” position.
• Wait for about 15 minutes with the air conditioner off.
• Turn the air conditioner to the “COOL” setting.

Here’s what might happen next

After you complete the four steps shown above, there are three different things that might happen. We’ll cover each of those below.

1. It operates normally without tripping the breaker

If this happens, great! It’s a sign that your air conditioner is back to working normally. It means that your issue was likely tied to a momentary power surge or some other chance occurrence that won’t happen again.

These types of issues are generally not something you need to look further into unless they happen consistently. It’s often caused by a problem that’s external to your household.

2. It works for a while and then trips the breaker again

This could also happen, which can be frustrating. But the good news is that you may be able to solve the problem yourself. You can try replacing your AC air filter to see if that works.

Your air conditioner relies on a clean air filter to get the airflow that it needs to function properly. When the filter is dirty, the system has to work harder, and that can lead to overheating that trips the breaker.

Replacing your filter is super straightforward. You can refer to your owner’s manual to get step-by-step instructions that are specific to your system.

3. The breaker trips immediately

It’s also possible that the breaker will trip right away after you turn your AC back on. Unfortunately, this isn’t something that you’re likely going to be able to fix on your own. Instead, it’s time to call out an AC repair company to come and take a look at your unit.

You can also keep reading to learn more about the mechanical reasons why this keeps happening.

Here’s why your air conditioner breaker keeps tripping (from best-case to worst-case scenario)

The circuit breaker is faulty.

This is the best-case scenario because it means that you need to fix the breaker, not your AC unit. It means that your issue will probably be less expensive to solve.

There are a few reasons why this could happen. One is that you may have a circuit breaker box that doesn’t give your home enough power. For example, a 4.5-ton air conditioner typically needs a 35A breaker to work correctly.

It may also be as simple as a loose wire. These can happen due to natural contractions and expansions that occur when the temperature changes over time.

Here are some of the top signs that you’ve got a bad breaker:

• There’s a burning smell near the breaker box. This can happen when wires and their insulation get overheated.
• Your breakers are hot to the touch. This is self-explanatory. The same heat that leads to your wires burning can also cause the breakers themselves to get warm.
• You can see visible damage on the circuit breaker.

The solution to a bad breaker is to replace it with a new one . You can confirm that this is necessary by seeing if a breaker is loose when you manipulate it.

The good news is that these are pretty inexpensive and not the most challenging thing to replace. But if you’re not comfortable with electrical work, then an electrician should be able to handle it for you at a reasonable price.

You have dirty condenser coils

It’s also possible that your air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping because you’ve got dirty condenser coils. This part’s job is to release heat from the inside of your home outside. It’s typically on your outer unit, which means it’s constantly exposed to the outside elements (wind, snow, etc.).

Condenser coils may get covered with various types of grime and debris periodically. When this happens, they aren’t able to release the heat that they need to. This causes your AC to work harder and can lead to overheating that trips the safety breaker.

You should be able to see this visibly, as most modern units discharge warm air out of the top.

Fixing this problem may be as simple as cleaning the condenser coils . You can open up your outdoor system and look for any dirt. When you see some, spray it with a cleaner and wipe it with a rag.

Luckily, you don’t need a complicated cleaning solution for this task. You can just mix together some warm water with your favorite cleaning product, and that should be enough.

Your fan motor is malfunctioning

The overheating problem that you’re experiencing may also be tied to your air conditioner’s fan motor.

This problem is similar to what can happen with your condenser coils. The same outside elements could reduce the efficiency of your fan, which causes the AC unit to have to work harder.

That creates a situation in which your air conditioner is drawing more electricity than it would normally need to compensate for the lack of efficiency. If this happens consistently, the capacitor can overload. And your air conditioner will trip your breaker as a result.

You can check for this issue by looking to see if your outdoor fan is spinning . If it is, then your problem may lie elsewhere. But if it’s not, you might have a broken fan motor that needs to be replaced. It will cost about $250 to $700 to replace on average.

That being said, make sure to look into the various reasons why a fan may not be spinning . Because it can be indicative of several different problems.

Your evaporator coils have frozen

It’s also possible that your evaporator coils have frozen, and that’s causing your AC circuit breaker to trip continuously. This can happen when too many debris accumulates in your system and airflow is reduced.

This is a pretty straightforward issue to spot. Simply take a look at your evaporator coils and see if there’s any ice on them. You may also want to check for puddles of water nearby in case they’ve recently thawed.

The solution is to give your evaporator coils 24 hours to thaw out . While that’s going on, you can clean the coils to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

You may also want to give your entire air conditioner a thorough cleaning and swap out the air filter. The cleaner your system is, the more airflow that it gets. And that will decrease your chances of experiencing frozen coils again the next time you use your air conditioner.

You’ve got low refrigerant levels

Air conditioners use refrigerant to cool down the air that they process. This liquid is designed to be a closed loop that doesn’t need topping up under normal circumstances.

However, sometimes you can get punctures in your refrigerant lines, which lead to lower refrigerant levels over time. This will cause your system to pull in too much power and may lead to tripped breakers.

The only solution to this problem is to call an HVAC professional . Refrigerant is a toxic liquid that isn’t safe to deal with unless you know the proper way to do so. To avoid putting yourself or your family at risk, it’s best to let a professional take over from here.

The compressor isn’t starting

Finally, the problems you’ve been experiencing could also stem from the compressor itself. It may have trouble starting, which could cause it to draw in too much power and trip the breaker immediately.

Normal AC units should turn on within about a second of the time that you flip the switch. If your air conditioner takes longer than that to get going, it’s a big sign that you’ve got a compressor issue.

The unfortunate news is that compressor repairs and replacement cost about $1,250 on average . That means it may make more sense to just replace your system with a new one at this point—especially if you’ve had the current AC for a long time already.

Either way, your next step is to call an HVAC professional so they can diagnose the problem and advise you on your options.

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My AC Breaker Keeps Tripping: Common Culprits and How to Fix It

If your AC breaker keeps tripping, it can be a frustrating and confusing problem. 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.

You might not know what’s wrong with your AC circuit breaker or how to fix it. Don’t worry – we’re here to help! The  Cincinnati air conditioning repair  experts at Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling & Plumbing team will explain what an AC circuit breaker is and why the breaker trips. We’ll also share how to troubleshoot certain issues that may be tripping the breaker and when to call an HVAC professional to fix AC units.

What Is the Air Conditioner’s Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is an electrical switch that automatically turns off when the current flowing through it becomes too strong. This prevents damage to the circuit by preventing it from overheating.  Circuit breakers  can be found in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.

They are typically located in the main electrical panel, which is typically located in the basement or garage. Circuit breakers come in a variety of sizes and amperages, and they can be either single-pole or double-pole. Single-pole circuit breakers are typically used for small appliances such as toasters and hair dryers, while double-pole circuit breakers are typically used for larger appliances such as ovens and  air conditioners .

When choosing a circuit breaker, it is important to select one that is rated for the amperage of the circuit it will be protecting. For example, a 20-amp circuit should be protected by a 20-amp breaker.

Circuit breakers can trip for a variety of reasons, including overloads, shorts, and ground faults. If a circuit breaker trips frequently, it may be an indication that the circuit is overloaded and needs to be replaced with a larger one. Short circuits occur when there is an accidental connection between the hot wire and the neutral wire.

Ground faults occur when there is an accidental connection between the hot wire and the ground wire. Both of these conditions can cause overheating and damage to the circuit breaker, so it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible.

Why Your Air Conditioner Circuit Breaker May Trip

A circuit breaker is designed to trip and cut off the power when it senses an overload on the circuit. This is a safety feature that protects the wiring from overheating and starting a fire.

However, if the circuit breaker is faulty, it may trip even when there is no overload. This can be frustrating, especially if it happens on a hot day when you are trying to use your air conditioner. Here are some of the common reasons your air conditioner may be tripping the circuit breaker.

Dirty Filter in the AC System

A common cause of the air conditioner circuit breaker tripping is dirty air filters. The air filter helps to remove dirt, dust, and other airborne particles from the air as it circulates through the system. Over time, the filter can become clogged with debris, making it harder for air to flow freely. As a result, the air conditioner has to work harder to cool the home, causing a rise in electricity usage. This increase in electricity usage can cause the circuit breaker to trip, disrupting the flow of power to the system.

If your air conditioner’s circuit breaker is tripping, the first thing you should check is the filter and install a new AC filter if needed. To do this, simply locate the filter (it’s usually behind a grate on the front of the unit), remove it, and put in a new one. Once you’ve done this, turn the AC back on and see if the problem has been resolved. If the circuit breaker still trips, you may have a bigger issue that will require a professional to take a look at.

To avoid this problem, it is important to regularly clean or replace the air filter. By doing so, you can help keep your air conditioner running smoothly and prevent unnecessary circuit breakages.

Dirty Condenser Coils Tripping the Circuit Breaker

One of the most common reasons for an air conditioner circuit breaker to trip is dirty condenser coils. As the coils become clogged with dirt and dust, they become less effective at transferring heat. This causes the coils to overheat, which eventually trips the breaker. In addition, dirt and debris can also block airflow through the coils, causing the compressor to overheat.

If you notice that your air conditioner’s circuit breaker is tripping more frequently, it’s a good idea to have the coils cleaned by a professional. The condenser coils are often cleaned as part of a professional  maintenance tune-up for your air conditioning  unit, so make sure to schedule these each year to prevent circuit breaker problems caused by the condensing coil in the outside AC unit. With regular maintenance, you can help keep your air conditioner running efficiently and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Fan Problems in the Outdoor Unit

A broken coil fan in the outdoor unit can cause the air conditioner circuit breaker to trip for a few reasons. First, the fan is responsible for circulating air over the coils. Without the fan, the coils can’t do their job properly, and the air conditioner will overheat. Second, a broken fan can cause the coils to freeze up, which will also cause the air conditioner to overheat. Finally, a broken fan can cause the compressor to overheat, which is another reason why the air conditioner will trip the circuit breaker.

Sometimes, the fan blades may be causing the issue. Check the blades to make sure they are not damaged or obstructed. If there is debris blocking the condenser fan, turn off the power source to the air conditioner first, then carefully remove the material.

If the fan blades are damaged, or the problem seems to be due to the fan motor or other component, it’s time to call an AC tech for repairs. A broken coil fan in the outdoor unit is a serious problem that can cause the air conditioner to trip the circuit breaker. If you suspect that your fan is broken, it’s important to call a qualified technician for help.

Air Conditioner Tripping Due to Compressor Failure

Another one of the of the most common reasons why an air conditioner trips the circuit is because of a faulty compressor. The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the AC unit, and if it isn’t working properly, it can cause the unit to overheat. In some cases, the compressor may even start to leak refrigerant, which can be dangerous. If you notice that your air conditioner is tripping the circuit more frequently or if it’s starting to make strange noises, it’s important to have a professional take a look at it. Otherwise, you could end up damaging your AC unit beyond repair.

If you have an old AC unit, it may not be able to handle the increased load and will trip the circuit. In older models, the contactor closes with a spring-loaded plunger. The dust and dirt can cause the contact points to become corroded over time, which makes it harder for the contactor to close. This can cause arcing and eventually burning out the contactor. A failed or damaged capacitor will need to be replaced in order to get your air conditioner unit working properly again. Replacing a worn-out or damaged contactor is an inexpensive repair that can prolong the life of your air conditioner unit.

It may be necessary to install a hard start kit for your air conditioning compressor. A hard start kit helps to amperage the low voltage so the compressor can start with less strain. The capacitor provides a boost of energy so that the compressor can overcome any resistance and get started.

Bad Circuit Breaker or Loose Wiring to the Air Conditioning System

One of the most common reasons an air conditioner trips is because of a bad breaker. The breaker is what controls the flow of electricity to the air conditioner, and if it is not working properly, it can cause the air conditioner to trip. A bad breaker can be caused by a variety of things, including a loose wire or a problem with the breaker itself.

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. You can usually find replacement breakers at your local hardware store.

If the wires are not properly connected, they can overheat and cause the circuit to trip. In some cases, the wires may also short-circuit, causing an electrical fire. If you suspect that your air conditioner’s wiring is to blame for its circuit problems, it’s important to have a professional electrician take a look at it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could be putting your home at risk of serious damage.

Solve AC Circuit Breaker Problems Today

If your air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breaker and AC system troubleshooting doesn’t keep the AC circuit breaker from continuing to trip, it’s time to call in the professionals. The experts at Thomas & Galbraith Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help you determine what is causing your AC breaker issue and make the necessary repairs so that your AC unit is running smoothly again.  Contact us today  to schedule an appointment for AC repair!

Related Reading

Why Is My Ac Breaker Tripping? Troubleshooting Tips And Solutions

Your AC breaker may be tripping due to a variety of reasons. Here are some common causes: 1. Overload: If your AC is drawing too much current, it can trip the breaker. 2. Short circuit: A short circuit in the AC unit’s wiring can also cause the breaker to trip. 3. Dirty air filter: A clogged air filter can overwork the AC, leading to breaker trips. 4. Faulty compressor: A malfunctioning compressor can cause electrical issues and trip the breaker. 5. Low refrigerant: Insufficient refrigerant levels can cause the AC to work harder and trip the breaker. It’s important to address the underlying issue to prevent further breaker trips. Consult a professional if needed.

Imagine this scenario: it’s the middle of a scorching summer day, and you’re seeking refuge in the cool oasis of your air-conditioned home. But just as you start to relax, you hear a sharp click, and suddenly, your AC shuts off.

Frustrated, you head to the electrical panel, only to find that the circuit breaker for your air conditioner has tripped yet again. What could be causing this recurring issue? And more importantly, how can you fix it without breaking the bank? If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you’re not alone.

AC breaker tripping is a common problem that homeowners and renters face, and it can be both perplexing and inconvenient. But fear not, because in this article, we will dive into the world of troubleshooting tips and solutions to help you understand why your AC breaker keeps tripping and how you can resolve the issue. In the following sections, we’ll explore the potential causes behind this frustrating problem, ranging from simple fixes to more complex electrical issues.

By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to tackle AC breaker tripping head-on, ensuring a comfortable and uninterrupted cooling experience throughout the summer. So let’s get started and uncover the secrets to keeping your AC breaker in check.

Table of Contents

I. Understanding the AC Breaker

A. introduction to the ac breaker.

Before we delve into the causes and solutions for AC breaker tripping, it’s essential to understand the role of the AC breaker in your home’s electrical system. The AC breaker, also known as the air conditioner circuit breaker, is a safety device that protects your AC system from electrical overloads and faults.

B. Importance of the AC breaker in protecting the system

The AC breaker plays a crucial role in safeguarding your air conditioner and preventing potential hazards. If there is an electrical fault or excessive current flow, the breaker will trip, cutting off power to the AC system and preventing further damage or potential fire hazards.

C. Explanation of how the AC breaker works

The AC breaker works based on the principle of thermal-magnetic tripping. It consists of a thermal component and a magnetic component. The thermal component detects excess heat due to overcurrent and trips the breaker, while the magnetic component detects sudden surge or short circuits and promptly trips to protect the system.

II. Common Causes of AC Breaker Tripping

A. electrical overload, 1. definition of electrical overload.

Electrical overload occurs when the electrical circuit is carrying more current than it can handle. It is often the result of connecting too many electrical devices or appliances to a single circuit.

2. Identification of signs of electrical overload

Signs of electrical overload may include flickering lights, buzzing sounds, frequently tripping breakers, or warm electrical outlets.

3. Solutions for preventing electrical overload

To prevent electrical overload, distribute the electrical load evenly across circuits, avoid using power strips or extension cords for high-power devices, and consider upgrading your electrical panel if necessary.

B. Short Circuit

1. definition of short circuit.

A short circuit occurs when a hot wire comes into direct contact with a neutral wire or a ground wire, causing a sudden surge of current and tripping the breaker.

2. Signs of a short circuit in the AC system

Signs of a short circuit may include sparks or smoke coming from outlets, a burning smell, or a breaker that tripped immediately after turning on the AC.

3. Steps to diagnose and fix a short circuit

To diagnose a short circuit, visually inspect the wiring for any signs of damage or exposed wires. If a short circuit is identified, it’s best to seek professional help to safely repair or replace the affected wiring.

C. Ground Fault

1. definition of ground fault.

A ground fault occurs when a hot wire comes into contact with a ground wire or a metal electrical box, diverting current away from its intended path and tripping the breaker.

2. Identifying signs of ground faults in the AC system

Signs of ground faults may include tingling sensations when touching appliances, shocks when touching metal parts, or breakers tripping when specific appliances are turned on.

3. Troubleshooting steps for resolving ground faults

To troubleshoot ground faults, inspect the AC system for damaged or exposed wiring and ensure all connections are secure. If the issue persists, it’s recommended to consult a professional electrician for further assistance.

D. Overheating

1. causes of ac overheating.

AC overheating can occur due to various reasons, including clogged air filters, dirty condenser coils, refrigerant leaks, or mechanical issues with the AC unit.

2. Signs of an overheated AC system

Signs of an overheated AC system may include inadequate cooling, unusual sounds, frozen coils, or a breaker that trips when the AC is running for an extended period.

3. Solutions for preventing AC overheating

To prevent AC overheating, ensure regular maintenance, clean or replace air filters regularly, clean condenser coils, and promptly address any mechanical issues or refrigerant leaks.

E. Faulty Breaker

1. indicators of a faulty ac breaker.

Indicators of a faulty AC breaker may include frequent tripping, the breaker not staying in the “on” position, or physical damage to the breaker.

2. Steps to test and replace a faulty breaker

To test a faulty breaker, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the breaker is confirmed faulty, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance for replacement to ensure proper installation and safety.

3. Importance of professional assistance for breaker replacement

Replacing a breaker requires technical expertise to ensure compatibility and proper installation. It’s highly recommended to hire a licensed electrician to handle breaker replacements and avoid any potential hazards.

III. Troubleshooting AC Breaker Tripping

A. step-by-step guide to troubleshoot ac breaker tripping, 1. initial checks and observations.

Start troubleshooting by checking for any obvious signs of electrical issues, such as burning smells, unusual noises, or visible damage to the AC unit or wiring.

2. Isolating the issue

Next, turn off all the breakers except for the one that controls the AC. If the breaker trips immediately, it indicates a problem within the AC system. If it doesn’t trip, gradually turn on the other breakers to identify any conflicting circuits.

3. Narrowing down the possible causes

Inspect the AC unit, wiring, and electrical connections for any signs of damage, loose connections, or worn-out components. Pay attention to specific areas identified during the troubleshooting process.

4. Testing and inspecting components

Use a multimeter to test electrical components such as capacitors, contactors, and motors. Ensure proper voltage readings and check for any abnormalities or signs of failure.

B. DIY vs. Professional Assistance

1. when to attempt diy troubleshooting.

DIY troubleshooting is appropriate for simple tasks such as checking the air filter, cleaning the condenser coils, or resetting the breaker. However, exercise caution and prioritize safety when dealing with electrical components.

2. Risks of DIY repairs

DIY repairs without proper knowledge or training can lead to personal injury, further damage to the AC system, or compromised electrical safety. It’s crucial to know your limits and seek professional help when needed.

3. Benefits of hiring a professional technician

Hiring a professional technician offers several benefits, including expertise in diagnosing and resolving complex AC issues, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and providing warranty coverage for repairs or replacements.

C. Preventive Maintenance

1. the importance of regular ac maintenance.

Regular AC maintenance is essential to prevent breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, prolong the lifespan of the unit, and detect potential issues before they escalate.

2. Key maintenance tasks to prevent breaker tripping

Key maintenance tasks include cleaning or replacing air filters, clearing debris around the outdoor unit, checking refrigerant levels, lubricating moving parts, and scheduling professional inspections.

3. Scheduling professional maintenance services

To ensure comprehensive maintenance, it’s advisable to schedule professional maintenance services at least once a year. Professional technicians can perform thorough inspections, tune-ups, and identify any underlying issues.

IV. Additional Considerations

A. upgrading electrical panel, 1. reasons for upgrading the electrical panel.

Upgrading the electrical panel may be necessary if the existing panel is outdated, unable to handle increased power demand, or experiencing frequent breaker tripping.

2. Benefits of an upgraded panel

An upgraded panel provides increased electrical capacity, improved safety features, compatibility with modern appliances, and a reduced risk of electrical issues or breaker tripping.

3. Professional installation guidance

Consulting a licensed electrician is essential for upgrading the electrical panel. They can assess your power requirements, recommend suitable options, and ensure proper installation and compliance with local electrical codes.

B. Safety Precautions

1. importance of electrical safety.

Electrical safety is paramount to prevent electrical shocks, fires, or injuries. Taking necessary precautions while dealing with the AC breaker or any electrical components is vital.

2. Safety measures to follow when dealing with the AC breaker

Some safety measures include turning off the main power before working on the breaker, using insulated tools, avoiding wet conditions, and wearing protective gear.

3. Electrical safety tips for homeowners

Homeowners can promote electrical safety by not overloading circuits, using surge protectors, regularly inspecting outlets and cords for damage, and keeping electrical equipment away from water sources.

C. Troubleshooting Tips for Specific Scenarios

1. ac breaker tripping during startup.

During AC startup, a momentary surge in current is normal. However, if the breaker trips repeatedly during startup, it may indicate issues with the compressor, motor, or wiring.

2. AC breaker tripping during high load conditions

If the breaker trips when the AC is running at full capacity, it suggests excessive electrical load or an underlying issue with the AC system. Consider redistributing the load or consulting a professional technician.

3. AC breaker tripping in extreme weather conditions

In extreme weather conditions, such as hot summers or severe storms, AC breakers may trip due to increased electrical demand or power fluctuations. Ensure the AC unit is well-maintained and stable power supply is available.

D. Monitoring and Regular Inspections

1. regular inspection checklist for the ac system.

Regular inspections should include checking electrical connections, measuring temperature differentials, testing capacitors, lubricating moving parts, inspecting refrigerant levels, and cleaning coils.

2. Warning signs that require immediate attention

Warning signs that warrant immediate attention include burning smells, unusual sounds, frequent breaker tripping, inadequate cooling, or any visible damage to the AC unit or wiring.

3. Benefits of tracking and monitoring breaker behavior

Tracking and monitoring breaker behavior can help identify recurring issues, detect patterns of breaker tripping, and provide valuable insights for preventive maintenance or necessary repairs.

V. Conclusion

In conclusion, AC breaker tripping can be caused by various factors, including electrical overload, short circuits, ground faults, overheating, or faulty breakers. By understanding these common causes and following the troubleshooting tips provided, you can address the issue effectively and restore the optimal functioning of your AC system.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority when dealing with electrical components. When in doubt, it’s best to seek professional assistance to ensure proper diagnosis, repair, and maintenance. With regular preventive care and attention to electrical safety, you can enjoy uninterrupted cooling comfort and peace of mind throughout the year.

AC Unit Not Turning On – How to Fix It

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is my ac breaker tripping, how can i prevent my ac breaker from tripping, is it safe to keep resetting the ac breaker, can i fix a tripping ac breaker myself, how much does it cost to fix a tripping ac breaker, final words: understanding and preventing ac breaker tripping.

In conclusion, understanding why your AC breaker is tripping is crucial in maintaining the safety and functionality of your air conditioning system. The AC breaker plays a vital role in protecting your AC system from electrical overloads and faults, ensuring the safety of your home.

Common causes of AC breaker tripping include electrical overload, short circuits, ground faults, overheating, and faulty breakers. By identifying these causes and implementing the appropriate solutions, you can prevent further damage to your AC system and potential hazards such as electrical fires.

Troubleshooting AC breaker tripping involves a step-by-step process of checking for signs of damage, isolating the issue, narrowing down possible causes, and testing and inspecting components. It is important to exercise caution and prioritize safety when dealing with electrical components, and seek professional assistance when needed. Preventive maintenance is key in preventing AC breaker tripping.

Regularly cleaning or replacing air filters, clearing debris around the outdoor unit, and scheduling professional inspections can help detect and address potential issues before they escalate. It is also important to consider upgrading your electrical panel if it is outdated or experiencing frequent breaker tripping. An upgraded panel provides increased electrical capacity and improved safety features, reducing the risk of electrical issues.

Hello, I'm John C. Madison, your HVAC guru at Smart AC Fix. With over 20 years of experience as a certified HVAC technician, I've spent years diving into the intricate world of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. My passion for understanding how things work drove me to master the art of AC maintenance and repair. I'm here to share practical, hands-on solutions to your AC problems and help you keep your cooling system running smoothly. From troubleshooting to maintenance tips, count on me for expert advice. When I'm not tinkering with AC units, you'll find me enjoying the great outdoors and staying cool, just like I want for you!

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Why Does My Central Air Conditioner Keep Tripping the Breaker?

The last thing you want on a sweltering summer day is to have your air conditioner keep turning off because the circuit breaker keeps tripping. Your home’s circuit breaker is a safety measure that protects against damage from overloaded circuits, which could cause a fire. Your AC constantly tripping your circuit breaker means that it’s pulling in too many amps than the breaker was designed for.

This is a problem that you definitely need to address before it gets worse. Don’t just keep resetting the circuit breaker. You need to see an AC repair specialist immediately in order to prevent further damage and potentially dangerous situations.

The first thing you should do if you’ve noticed a problem with your AC circuit breaker is to make sure there really is a problem. If there was a recent storm or power outage, the circuit breaker might’ve been tripped in a one-time power surge. 

However, if the problem has happened more than once, it’s likely an issue with your AC system. You might be able to simply reset your air conditioner’s internal circuit breaker. Take the following steps to do so:

• Turn the AC system OFF (on the thermostats)
• Reset the AC circuit breaker switch in your electrical panel to ON
• Wait 30 minutes with the air conditioner OFF
• Set your air conditioner back to COOL

If everything works as it should after this reset, you’re good to go! However, if the AC circuit breaker immediately trips again, or if it won’t turn on at all, you likely have a problem that needs to be looked at by a professional. If the AC system works for a little while before turning back off, there might be something you can do to fix it. 

Call Your Trusted Toronto HVAC Professional

Your air conditioning system is a large investment, one you don’t want to risk by accidentally breaking something even further in an attempt to fix it yourself. While there are many maintenance tasks that are easily accomplished by homeowners, an electrical issue is something best left to an AC technician with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to handle it.

If you’re unsure of what the cause might be, the best way to ensure peace of mind is to contact your local HVAC technician for AC repair . A certified technician will be able to walk you through any possibilities, help you troubleshoot, and determine if the issue is something minor that you can fix yourself, or if it will need to be professionally serviced.

8 Reasons Your Central Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping the Breaker

1. dirty condenser coils.

If you’ve been neglecting your yearly AC unit maintenance, you might’ve noticed that your home isn’t as cool as it should be. Dirty condenser coils might be the issue, and luckily it’s one with an easy fix.

When your condenser coils get dirty, they lose their ability to disperse heat. This can lead to the air conditioner overheating, which may be the cause of tripping the circuit breaker. 

Dirty coils are usually caused by a buildup of dust and debris on the outdoor unit. Make sure you’re doing your yearly cleaning—and scheduling regular tune-ups—to keep the condenser coils in good condition.

2. Dirty Air Filter

Dirty filters may cause your air conditioner to trip the circuit breaker. Reduced airflow means the fan motor must work harder and longer to draw air through the filter. This can draw too much electricity, causing the air conditioning unit to overheat and resulting in an electrical short.

If you’ve noticed puddles of water around your outside AC unit or there’s no cool air coming from your AC , it might indicate restricted air circulation, which might be the cause for why your breaker keeps tripping. The easiest fix for this is to change the dirty air filter. Air filters should be cleaned and changed regularly , depending on how often you use your AC.

3. Old Air Conditioner

Nothing lasts forever, and your air conditioner is no exception. If your system is over 10 years old, it’s probably nearing the end of its useful life. The time will come when the cost of extensive repairs to keep an older unit running is more than it would cost to replace it with a new AC unit . 

Older units will show signs of failure before they break for good. If the air conditioner’s circuit breaker tripping is only one of many issues you’re seeing, it’s time to consider replacing your unit. 

4. Faulty Fan

Your AC system uses fans to help move air around, blowing over the coils to release the heat from your inside unit. If the motors that run these fans are damaged or dirty, your AC system will be using more energy, which might be the cause of your AC breaker trips.

If the fan blades are coated in dust and debris and slowing down the fan, a thorough cleaning might be enough to fix the problem. However, if the motor that runs the fan is malfunctioning, an AC technician will have to replace the motor.

5. Frozen Evaporator Coils

When maintenance is neglected, problems start to build up. Eventually, airflow is reduced, which causes the AC evaporator coils to freeze up . If you’ve had issues with your AC tripping the breaker, and if you see ice on the coils of your AC unit, it’s best to keep the system shut off and call in a professional. Keeping it running might result in compressor failure, which is a much worse problem to have.

6. Compressor Issues

Compressor failure is a serious issue that may require a whole new system. As the heart of the air conditioning system, your compressor pulls in lots of power when it starts up. As a compressor ages, it will have trouble starting, which pulls in even more power and can result in circuit breaker trips.

If you have a grounded compressor, that means electrical wiring inside the compressor has broken and is touching the side. This causes a direct short to ground, and usually, this will ignite the oil, causing a burnout. A faulty compressor means you’ll have to replace the AC unit altogether. 

7. Refrigerant Leaks

If you have an older AC unit (especially one that hasn’t had regular maintenance), corrosion can develop on the coils. This can lead to cracks and holes in the refrigerant lines, which will cause a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant pressure drops, air conditioners have to work harder to cool your space. As a result, the unit will draw too much power and cause breaker trips.

8. Loose Wiring

There are plenty of wires connected in both the outdoor and indoor unit of your air conditioner that keep things running. Any of these wires might become loose or lose their connection, and this can cause a short circuit, resulting in a tripping breaker. 

Wiring issues are best left to an AC tech. They can re-wire any faulty circuits and replace a bad circuit breaker.

Expert AC Repair by Husky in Toronto/Vaughan

Many of the problems that cause an air conditioner circuit breaker to trip can be prevented with regular care and maintenance. Before it gets to the point of costly repairs or replacements, make sure you have a qualified technician service your system once or twice a year (depending on your usage). 

If you’re currently experiencing issues with your AC circuit breaker, give Husky a call for a free AC repair quote . The best thing you can do to give yourself peace of mind and extend the life of your investment is to get professional repair services before a small issue turns into a major one!

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6 REASONS YOUR AIR CONDITIONER KEEPS TRIPPING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER

So, you've determined that your AC is tripping the breaker, but you're clueless as to why.

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).

So DON'T keep resetting the breaker and letting it trip. Constant tripping can harm equipment and cause a fire. Find the cause of the problem first.

Common causes of an air conditioner tripping the breaker include:

• Dirty air filter
• Dirty outside unit
• Issue with the circuit breaker
• Motor has shorted
• Compressor has trouble starting
• Compressor is grounded

You can fix the first problem yourself, but everything else requires an AC repair technician.

Read on to learn why these problems cause an AC to trip the breaker.

Or you can schedule an AC repair with us right away if you live in the metro Atlanta, GA area .

Now, on to the reasons your AC keeps tripping the circuit breaker

• Dirty air filter Imagine forcing a pillow over your face. Hard to breathe right? That's what a dirty filter does to your AC blower; the blower has to work longer and harder to circulate air through the filter. This causes the blower to draw more electricity and trip the breaker. Solution : Change the air filter.
• Dirty outside unit Your AC system has an inside unit and an outside unit. The inside unit absorbs heat from your air using refrigerant. That refrigerant flows to the outside unit to disperse the heat. However, the outside unit can't disperse heat well if it's super dirty because dirt is an insulator. So the AC runs and runs trying to disperse that heat outside until-click-the breaker trips due to drawing too much current. Solution: Get an AC tech to properly clean the outside unit. You may be thinking, "Why can't I clean it myself?" Well, you lack the cleaning equipment and cleaning chemicals to clean the condenser coil professionally (and buying the wrong type of equipment can do more harm than good to the condenser). Plus, cleaning it improperly could damage/flatten the fins wrapped around the coil. This blocks airflow over the coil and is just as bad as having the coil matted with dirt.
• Issues with the circuit breaker The issue may not be with the AC itself but rather with the breaker. Wires connected to the breaker may be loose or the breaker itself may be bad and needs replacing. This is a relatively inexpensive fix. Solution: Have a tech tighten connections to the AC's breaker or replace the breaker.
• Motor has shorted Electric motors in your AC can run for hours and hours and can take quite a bit of abuse. But if a motor runs hot for too long, the wire insulation can break down, leading to an electrical "short." A "short" is where electricity bypasses its normal path, (so it's taking a "shortcut"). This shortcut allows more electricity to flow than the wires can handle, causing the wires to overheat, melt and cause a fire. Of course, before the fire happens, the circuit breaker trips. Solution: Call an AC repair technician to find the source of the short.
• Compressor has trouble starting The heart of your AC system is the compressor. It pulls tons of electricity when it starts up. Unfortunately, as the compressor ages, it has trouble starting (called hard starting) and pulls even more electricity, causing the breaker to trip as a result. Solution: Have an AC technician install a "hard start kit" which is a capacitor that gives the compressor motor an extra electrical "jolt" to get it moving. However, the compressor may be old or damaged and need to be replaced instead.
• Compressor is grounded A "grounded compressor" or "compressor short to ground" means that an electrical winding inside the compressor has broken and hit the side of the compressor. This causes a direct short to ground, igniting the oil and causing a burnout. And, of course, the circuit breaker trips due to the sudden current surge. Solution: This is the worst-case scenario. An AC tech will have to replace the compressor and clean the refrigerant lines. If your compressor is out of warranty (or your warranty never covered it), you might as well replace the entire outside unit. Cheaper that way. (Compressors are pricy.)

Need an AC repair in metro Atlanta? Call Ragsdale Heating and Air

If you've changed the filter and that didn't help, call Ragsdale to schedule local expert AC repair . If you live in the metro Atlanta, GA area, schedule an AC repair with Ragsdale. We serve cities all over the Atlanta metro area and beyond including Dallas , Alpharetta , Marietta , Roswell , Woodstock , Rockmart , Rome , Kennesaw , Loganville , Snellville , Lawrenceville , and more.

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Help! My Air Conditioner Breaker Keeps Tripping 

Are you trying to figure out why your air conditioner breaker keeps tripping? Your AC circuit breaker is an electrical system failsafe. When it trips, it's doing exactly what it's supposed to by protecting the overall system from the damaging effects of an overload.

First, do not continuously reset your AC circuit breaker! Now, you may want to isolate the origin of the issues. After that, you can establish whether it's an issue that you can address yourself or requires the attention of an HVAC repairman.

Learn more about dealing with an air conditioning unit that continuously gives you trouble and when to call in a professional AC technician.

What To Do When your AC Keeps Tripping the Breaker: Step 1

To begin diagnosing your system's problem, follow these steps:

• Turn off whichever AC system keeps causing the circuit breaker trips (including its thermostat functions)
• At the tripped panel, turn back on the tripped circuit.
• You want to wait at least 30 minutes with the AC off! It's essential to ensure any thermostat-controlled systems on the AC are also turned to the off position, so the internal systems within the system are not triggered.
• After waiting for a period that exceeds at least 30 minutes, turn the system back on.

Possible Results:

It continues to operate without tripping the circuit breaker.

That's great news! The AC tripping issue that led to the power surge was most likely a rogue issue that won't necessarily be repeated. Problems like these are primarily out of your control and external to the household, such as lightning. If the circuit breaker doesn't trip again, it has successfully performed its function, and you can continue enjoying your cool home without worries.

Also Check Out: Is It Safe To Run My Air Conditioner During a Thunderstorm?

It Works for a While, Then Trips Again

There is still hope that you can still safely address this issue yourself. Try replacing your air conditioner's air filter. A dirty air filter can cause the entire AC system keeps tripping the breaker, leading the unit to draw more power than is safe. This leads to a power overload and a circuit breaker trip. An AC air filter can usually be easily replaced by its owner. Check your system's instruction manual on how to complete that process.

It Immediately Trips Again

If the AC immediately trips the circuit breaker again, the problem has been successfully isolated to your outside AC unit. It is now the time to call in a professional air conditioner repair company to deal with many possible issues why your AC keeps tripping the breaker. Continue reading to learn more about those potential issues.

Why Your AC Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

There are several reasons your system is having this problem, including:

• A condenser coil is covered in dirt, debris, and grime.
• A physical component of your AC's electrical system could be loose or damaged.
• The AC's fan motor has issues that could lead to a power overload.
• An evaporator coil may not be releasing heat as it should.
• Damaged lines that cause a refrigerant leak.
• The AC compressor failed.

Learn more about these problems and how you can identify them, so you know what to tell an HVAC technician when they arrive.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Have you noticed your air conditioner hasn't been cooling your home as well as when you first had it installed? This might be tied to why your AC system keeps tripping the breaker. If you've noticed a gradual decrease in your air conditioner's functionality, the issue is most likely dirty condenser coils.

The condenser coil's function is to create a way to release heat gathered by the AC, expelling it outside of your building. It's located in the part of the outdoor unit of your household. Due to its location, the coil can become covered with dirt and other debris from natural elements. When this occurs, the system must work harder to maintain performance.

An overworked system will attempt to draw more power and be the reason why your AC system keeps tripping the breaker. Neglecting to have necessary regular maintenance done is likely why your AC keeps tripping the breaker.

For the reasons concerning high voltage stated above, a professional is required to address this issue.

Failure of an Electrical Component

An electrical component failure within your unit is a catchall phrase referring to many possible scenarios that could be the reason why your AC circuit breaker keeps tripping. Electrical wiring could have become frayed, too much power was sent to the unit, or an electrical short may have cut its function.

Pinpointing why your AC system keeps tripping the breaker requires specific electrical tools and can be dangerous to perform independently. However, identifying the problem could save you from the costly decision to replace the entire system.

You must reach out to a professional to perform this high-level assessment of your air conditioner's electrical system due to its complex nature and potential risks.

The Motor for Your Air Conditioner's Fan Has Malfunctioned

Moreover, the same elements that may have affected your condenser coil can also put pressure on your air conditioner fan's motor. The result leads to your AC system fan not spinning as we are common to seeing.

When any part of an electrical system has to work harder to overcome obstacles, it will draw too much electricity to remain proficient in its function. This could be the reason your air conditioner tripping the breaker.

As you know by now, this tendency to draw more power than is safe will lead to your circuit breaker to trip to safeguard the entire household's electrical system. This diagnosis with your AC blower motor for why your AC keeps tripping the breaker often comes with a repair that requires a professional to address because of the fan's proximity to high voltage components.

The Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils are Frozen

Have you noticed ice on your air conditioning system coils? This could be the reason your AC circuit breaker keeps tripping.

If you've neglected to have annual or biannual maintenance done on your air conditioner system, debris may have caused there to be reduced airflow in your system. This can lead to the freezing of the evaporator. Again, the system attempts to compensate for these obstacles by drawing more power. Your home's circuit breaker will trip to safeguard the entire system.

Also Check Out: AC System Freezing Up: How You Can Fix It The First Try

Refrigerant Leaks

Older systems whose owners have neglected to perform maintenance may have developed leaks in refrigerant lines. This corrosion is part of the natural wear and tear that comes with time.

Over time, the level of the refrigerant fluid will drop, and you will notice a decline in your air conditioner unit's performance. Your air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping because it's attempting to overcompensate, leading to the circuit breaker trip.

Compressor Failure

Your grounded compressor failing is the most catastrophic of the potential issues, causing your air conditioner to keep tripping the circuit breaker.

Not only could this be the reason your air conditioner's circuit breaker keeps tripping, but a compressor's failure often results in a need for unit replacement because of its overall importance to the entire air conditioning unit's function. Again, this is an issue that can be extremely dangerous for untrained individuals to attempt to repair.

A Safety Warning

All these potential causes for why your AC breaker trips require a trained professional HVAC contractor specializing in air conditioners or a certified electrician. All the repairs to these individual elements of the AC involve high voltage and can be dangerous undertakings.

Don't attempt to address any of these issues relating to why your ac system keeps tripping the breaker yourself, as this can be highly unsafe. Please get in touch with an HVAC professional.

However, as a responsible owner of an AC unit, you should seek to know more about why your air conditioner system keeps tripping the breaker. According to FEMA, twenty-four thousand residential electrical fires are reported yearly in the United States alone.

Some of the issues that are the exact reason your AC is repeatedly tripping the breaker could also lead to a fire that could have been prevented with annual or biannual maintenance by a professional.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

If your AC system keeps tripping the breaker, it's likely related to an overdraw of power. If the problem doesn't fix itself after the 30-minute reset and air filter swap, it's time to reach out to a professional HVAC technician.

Breakers trip from time to time, and a one time power surge can cause excess power to shut off everything in a home. A bad circuit breaker or a cooling system that pulls more electricity than is required is not only bad for your home, but a real safety risk.

The good news is that many of these common problems can be avoided with regular AC system maintenance . If you never want to deal with an AC system and a tripping breaker, reaching out to a professional AC tech to have a look is still a great idea.

This may save you money in the long run and help further ensure your household's safety from dangerous consequences.

Need AC Repairs Now? Call ARS/Rescue Rooter

If your outdoor unit is not running properly, call the professional heating and air conditioning experts at ARS/Rescue Rooter for dependable air conditioner repair service. Our Comfort Specialists will assess your system and provide you a detailed plan to restoring comfort to your home.

Call us now at 866-399-2885 or find your nearest ARS/Rescue Rooter location to schedule air conditioning service today!

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The Most Common Air Conditioning Failures (And How To Repair Them)

T he air conditioner is a masterpiece of technological ingenuity that tames inclement weather conditions. Until it doesn't. Air conditioning systems, regardless of the type, have their own set of unique and, often unexpected, problems. And since the majority of American households have at least one air conditioner unit installed, chances are you have experienced failures firsthand. This is especially frustrating if it happens at the peak of summer when you need the cooling breezes the most.

Air conditioning failures come in all forms and degrees of severity. Some, including dirty air filters, drainage problems, and a freezing condenser coil, can be easy to fix without having to look for a technician. But others, such as a damaged compressor and capacitor failure, would call for a professional to handle them. These usually imply that one or more parts of the unit are malfunctioning and should be replaced. Between those two extremes, other problems of mild severity might pop up. Then, you can either put on your technician hat and try to fix it yourself or take the costlier, yet easier, route of calling an expert. Read more to find out the most common air conditioning failures and how to fix them.

Read more: Reasons Why Your Toilet May Keep Clogging

The Thermostat Isn't Functioning Correctly

After setting the thermostat to the ideal temperature, you usually have to wait for the mandatory first few minutes before the gentle, cool air flows in. But when that doesn't happen and the air in the room continues to be warm, humid, and sluggish, then something is off. You check the AC unit only to find out that the air it blows out is slightly cool at best, or balmy at worst. The air conditioner is not playing tricks on you. You may just have a malfunctioning thermostat.

Thermostat malfunctioning is a more common air conditioning failure than many people think. It can have a simple reason behind it, such as the batteries are dead and need to be replaced. But other more sinister causes could lead to thermostat damage. These include broken wires, corrosion, loose screws, or simply dirt build-up. If the thermostat uses batteries, that's the first thing to check. Replace them and see if that fixes the problem. Otherwise, you might have to call a professional to sort out the issue or replace the thermostat altogether.

Water Is Leaking From The Unit

It's not normal for water to leak out of the air conditioner either indoors or outdoors. But as you might expect, such mishaps can happen for a wide variety of reasons. If the water leakage is indoors, then the condensate drain pipe, where the moisture inside the AC unit safely drains out in the pan, might be clogged. Fungal build-ups that thrive in humid conditions are often the culprit behind the clogging. Switch off the air conditioner then use the manual to locate the condensate drain pipe. Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water or bleach and water and pour the liquid inside the drain pipe to kill the fungi and unclog it. However, if the drain pipe isn't clogged, then the condensate pump might be malfunctioning, and you'd need to have it replaced.

If the water is leaking from the compressor outside, then the issue could be damaged condensate pans, poor installation of the unit, or the seal has gone bad. Unfortunately, none of these problems should be fixed by consulting the manual and watching a YouTube video. You should turn off the AC unit and give the technician a call.

The Air Conditioner Is Making Noises

Air conditioners and noise don't, or at least, shouldn't, mix. No matter  what type of air conditioner you have, a quality, well-functioning one should purr like a kitten. When loud noises come out of the AC after you turn it on, you may have a serious issue on your hands. These noises, when they happen, come in different tunes and pitches. A faint bubbling noise tells you that there may be a refrigerant leak, or that the unit has a lot of moisture build-up. A persistent clicking sound means that the capacitor may be malfunctioning, or the fan has debris and grime build-up. Meanwhile, a loud grinding sound is an omen that either the motor or the compressor is about to fail.

These noises can be serious warning signs. And you shouldn't trust your ear to distinguish between a faint bubbling noise and persistent clicking, let alone diagnose the cause of the failure. As with other serious issues regarding the air conditioning system, a professional should handle this one. They can determine the source and type of the noise and the best fix for such an issue.

The Air Filter Is Clogged

The AC air filter has one job to do: screen the airflow for specks of dust, lint, pet hair, and dead bugs and keep them from cycling through the house. Over time, the filter mesh can become clogged with these pollutants. It's a slow and steady process, but its impact is decisive. The airflow increasingly diminishes, and the AC takes longer to cool down your home. This, in turn, has other undesirable effects, including but not limited to a spike in the electricity bill, frozen evaporator coils, and acceleration of the wear and tear of the air conditioning unit. 

Air conditioner filters come in two types: replaceable or reusable. Replaceable options can only be used once and you should replace these air filters every one to two months depending on the quality of the air in your home and whether anyone has allergies. But if you have a reusable air filter, sometimes called a washable air filter, you should clean it every few months. Switch off the AC and open the front panel to remove the air filter. Wash it with a mixture of warm water and detergent, then rinse it thoroughly. 

The Capacitor Is Failing

Sometimes the air conditioning system seems to be working. The condenser is humming, and the fan is whirring as it should, but the temperature indoors isn't decreasing. When the AC is running but fails to regulate the temperature, it's time to investigate the capacitor. These come in two varieties: start capacitors and run capacitors. A failing start capacitor doesn't provide the surge in power necessary to get the system running, while a bad run capacitor switches off the unit in the middle of a cooling cycle. The reasons for such failures vary but can be summed up as normal wear and tear, exposure to a heat source, and frequent power spikes.

AC capacitors are built to last and you can get around 20 years of service out of them, provided that they're not exposed to the sun or power surges. But when they fail, they could blow up and bring about damage to the other components. Call a technician and have them test the capacitor with a multimeter to determine if it's broken, in which case, it should be replaced.

The Air Conditioner Refrigerant Is Leaking

Leaking refrigerant, aka freon, is just as deceptive as a bad capacitor. In both cases, the compressor and the fan motor are working just fine, but the temperature indoors doesn't meet the thermostat setting. However, in the case of the leaking refrigerant, there's a serious health risk involved since the chemical is highly toxic. Some telltale signs that the AC refrigerant is leaking include frozen evaporator coils, dwindling cooling performance, and a hissing or gurgling sound coming out of the condenser.

Freon can leak from the AC unit due to shoddy installation or corrosion of the copper tubes, either because of friction or exposure to acidic chemicals. The system is also more likely to spring a leak if it's an old model where wear and tear has undermined the integrity of its components. Whatever the source, a leaking refrigerant is a serious system failure and you shouldn't try to fix it yourself. Stay away from the leaking AC to limit your exposure to the chemical and call a professional to handle it safely.

The Evaporator Coil Freezes Often

One name that keeps popping up whenever something goes wrong with the air conditioning system is the notorious evaporator coil and how it's prone to freezing. When ice covers those coils, the AC's cooling performance degrades, and the time it takes it to reach the set temperature becomes longer. The A-shaped evaporator coil with panels and coiled metal tubes is found near the system fan. 

Unobstructed airflow is the key to a functional evaporator coil and a high-performing AC unit. If the system fan malfunctions, the airflow will slow down and the refrigerant inside the tubes will trigger ice to form on the coils. Or if dust and grime cover the coils, they could insulate the surface and freezing ensues. Yet another reason for poor ventilation could be a clogged air filter. To fix the issue, turn off the AC and use a hairdryer to melt the ice. Then clean or replace the air filters. You should also have the HVAC system serviced regularly to keep the fan in top shape and maintain the integrity of the coiled tubes.

The Circuit Breaker Trips When The AC Turns On

It's hard to miss this failure. When you switch on the AC or when the compressor kicks into gear to start a new cooling cycle, the circuit breaker will trip. As with other air conditioning problems discussed here, there's more than one source for this failure. It could simply be a bad or too-weak breaker that's at fault. Dirty condenser coils, clogged air filters, or a malfunctioning fan motor can all increase the power consumption of the unit and cause the fuse to blow. But the origin of the tripping could be more ominous and pricier when you have a failing compressor or a burnt-out motor.

Apart from the clogged air filters which you could clean or replace yourself, the rest of the issues should be handled by a professional. An electrician could replace or upgrade the circuit breaker just for the AC system, thus minimizing the recurring problem of overloading. As for the damaged motor, compressor, and fan motor, as well as the dirty condenser coils, a certified technician should look at them and suggest the best ways to repair or replace the malfunctioning parts.

The Air Conditioner Is Not Turning On/off

The air conditioner operational failures are not limited to poor performance and high energy consumption. Sometimes the AC won't turn on at all. Most likely, this is an electrical problem, so checking the circuit breaker and flipping the switch off and on may solve it. But it could also be a problem with a clogged air filter, so you should replace it or get it cleaned up. A malfunctioning condensate pump could also prevent the unit from working on account of moisture build-up. Consult the user manual to troubleshoot it for your specific model.

The other side of the problem is when the AC won't turn off. Most air conditioners have cooling cycles that last between 15 to 20 minutes at a time. If the system keeps running nonstop, check the thermostat and make sure it's working properly. The temperature might be set too low, so adjusting it a few degrees higher may prevent the system from running around the clock. If none of this works, take a closer look at the condenser and condenser coils for dirt build-up, and inspect the evaporator coils for signs of ice. Defrost them as needed and have a full inspection performed on the unit.

The Air Conditioner Stopped Working And The Thermostat Went Blank

The AC could switch off unexpectedly in the middle of a cooling cycle for any one of the reasons listed above. But the extra symptom, the thermostat going blank, adds an unwelcome twist to the plot. A common root of this failure is moisture backup in a clogged condensate line. When the moisture fills up the drain line, it gets diverted into a secondary pan. This pan has a float switch that cuts the power for the condenser, the thermostat, and the blower motor when the drained moisture reaches a certain level.

Algae and dirt pile up in the condensate line are the two guilty parties behind this snag. Before you call a contractor, locate the secondary drain pan which is usually fitted under the evaporator coil. If the pan is full of water, that will confirm the clogged condensate line diagnosis. Your technician will likely use compressed air to clear up the clogged line.

A Funky Smell Comes Out Of The Air Conditioner

Sometimes, the AC develops an affinity for emitting odors that range from off-putting to hazardous. A moldy scent is easy to track down to fungi and mildew growths in the drain pan, on the evaporator coils, or inside the ducts and vents. Wash the drain pan and the coils with soap and water and replace or clean the air filters. To clean any mold buildup in the ducts and vents, you'll need the help of a professional.

A persistent burning smell coming out of the vents is cause for alarm. It usually indicates that the components of the unit are overheating and could soon fail. Calling a technician is the right course of action here. On the other hand, a rotten smell wafting through the open vents is usually nothing more than a dead rodent that's found its way inside the ducts and will need to be removed. But the same cannot be said about a chemical- or nail polish-like smell oozing out. This is a sign of a Freon leak. Switch off the AC and call a technician immediately.

Read the original article on House Digest .

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Why Does the AC Keep Tripping the Breaker?

It is not a good sign when your AC keeps tripping breakers. When you turn on your air conditioning and it causes your breaker to trip shortly after it has been turned on, this is usually caused by some underlying problem. This occurs when your AC unit pulls in more power (amps) than the breaker is designed to handle. If you have a heavy-duty air-conditioning unit pulling in more amps than your breaker is rated for, your breaker will trip to prevent a short circuit that could potentially cause damage to your equipment and home. It is critical to address an AC unit that continues to trip the breaker because recurring tripping of the breaker can eventually lead to equipment failure and a potential fire. 

Common Cause Why AC Causes Breakers to Trip

There are several common reasons that an AC might be causing your breaker to trip. The following items should be looked into to check for any problems:

Dirty Air Filter

AC units pull in air any time they are in use and the air needs to be scrubbed to ensure that particulates don’t clog the AC system. All of that air gets pulled in through an air filter that will accumulate dirt, dust, and debris over time. If the air filter is too dirty it will cause the AC unit to work harder to circulate air through your home, causing the unit to draw more power and trip the breaker.

Solution : Change or clean the air filter.

Dirty Outside Unit

Each AC unit has 2 separate components. The interior unit pulls air and absorbs heat using a refrigerant which then pushes the hot air to be pushed outside though the exterior unit. The problem with this setup that sometimes causes breakers to trip, is when the outside unit gets too dirty and cannot disperse the heat properly. The dirt and debris will block the fins that allow air to escape which causes the AC to run harder until the breaker is tripped.

Solution : Clean exterior AC unit and all components of dirt and debris; Professional help is recommended because inexperience and improper cleaning without the proper tools and cleaners can damage the exterior unit.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils connect the inside and outside units and transfers the refrigerant which absorbs heat from the inside and then disperses it outside. When the coils are dirty, they are less efficient at energy transfer which prevents the refrigerant from transferring heat. This makes the AC unit work extra hard to cool the air which can trip the breaker.

Solution : Keep condenser coils clean; Professional help is recommended to minimize the potential of damaging the condenser coils.

Refrigerant Leaks

AC units that have not been well maintained may experience cracks, holes, and corrosion that can cause refrigerants to leak. If refrigerant levels are low, the AC unit will work overtime trying to transfer heat outside which will trip the breakers. This is extremely common when there is a slow decline in an AC unit’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Solution : A licensed technician will need to be brought in to replace the refrigerant due to the refrigerant being a regulated chemical that requires EPA training. While they are replacing your refrigerant, they should also find and fix the source of the leak.

Motor Shorted Out

One of the hardest working components of your AC unit is the motor. This component usually runs for hours and over time, the wiring insulation will wear and cause unexpected electrical connections. These connections can cause wires to overheat as they accept more electricity than they can handle which starts fires. Before they reach this point, the overdraw of power will cause a breaker to trip to prevent the fire.

Solution : Have a licensed AC repair technician identify the source of the short and repair electrical components. 

Compressor Problems

The compressor is another critical component of the AC unit that pulls a lot of energy to start. This component wears with use and eventually has trouble starting which can pull too much energy and cause a breaker to trip.

Solution : A licensed AC technician can either install a “hard start kit” which is a capacitor to help support the existing compressor with enough energy to function properly or replace the compressor all together.

Grounded Compressor

A “grounded compressor” indicates that the electrical components inside of the compressor have connected causing a direct short to ground. This destroys the entire compressor and ruins the refrigerant through the entire air conditioning unit. This short circuit causes a power surge that causes the breakers to trip.

Solution : A licensed AC technician will have to replace the compressor and clean the refrigerant lines. The cost of repair may exceed the cost of replacing the exterior unit so replacement may be a better solution than repair.

Loose Wiring & Aging Parts

As an AC unit ages, the components and wiring will also experience wear and tear. Wiring will start to get loose and wiring insulation may wear thin and connect causing short circuits. Electrical components may have transistors that burn out and other elements that may need to be repaired or replaced with time.

Solution : Most wiring and aging parts should be maintained with regular tune-ups and maintenance to help them run longer. That said, depending on the age of the AC unit and the type of wear and tear, it may be time for a new AC unit.

Issue w/ Circuit Breaker

Your circuit breaker is designed to protect your home from surges and short circuits. Over time, the breaker can start to break down as well which could mean that your AC unit might be tripping because of a problem with the circuit breaker and not the AC unit. Check for:

-       Loose / damaged wiring

-       Hot circuit breaker

-       Smell of burning

-       Burn marks

Solution : Have an electrician tighten your breaker connections and replace any old / broken circuit breakers. 

Understanding Your AC Circuit Breaker

While there are several components in your AC unit that could be prompting the breaker to trip, it could also be prompted by your circuit breaker too. Understanding circuit breakers will give you a much better understanding of why it might trip.

• Purpose : Circuit breakers are designed to control how much electricity flows to an appliance.
• Secondary Purpose : If the electrical draw from an appliance becomes too strong or a short circuit occurs causing a power surge, the breaker will trip shutting off the power.

The circuit breaker is designed to cut power when there is an irregularity in electricity flow that could lead to electrical fires or damaged appliances. To return power, just reset the breakers and turn appliances back on. However, if the AC tripping breakers continues, do not keep resetting the breaker as this is a sign that the electrical draw from the AC system is too high. Continuing to reset the breaker under these circumstances could lead to further damage. In this case, it is best to call a licensed AC unit maintenance technician. 

What to Do When Breaker Trips from AC?

Follow these steps when the AC unit causes a circuit breaker trip.

• Turn AC unit off at the thermostat
• Reset the AC unit circuit breaker back to ON
• Wait for 30 minutes to allow your AC unit internal breaker to reset before turning the thermostat back to cool

If there are no major problems, this should resolve the issue and your AC unit should start to cool your home. However, as mentioned before, if the AC unit trips the breaker again or the AC unit is not working at 100%, there is likely a larger problem. Unless this problem is being caused by a dirty air filter, it will likely need to be diagnosed and repaired by a licensed AC repair technician. 

AC Breaker FAQs

When more electricity passes through the wires than they can handle, a surge in heat occurs that can cause an electrical fire. Your AC unit is tripping the breaker because the system is trying to draw more power than the system can handle or there has been a short circuit that caused a power surge. 

The compressor requires enough power to start so a weak capacitor could trigger the compressor to work too hard causing the breaker to trip. 

If it trips once, just follow the steps to reset the breaker. Be sure to allow 30 min for the internal AC unit breaker to reset before turning the thermostat back on. If the breaker continues to trip, then there is another problem that will require fixing. In this instance, it is not recommended to keep resetting the breaker otherwise there is a risk of damage.

There are several components that may take some time before they start to pull too much power which can cause a delay before the breaker is tripped. These components can include the compressor, the coils, and the filter. Each of these could indicate the start of a problem that could get worse so professional help is recommended.

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5 Reasons Your A/C Is Tripping Your Circuit Breaker (And How To Fix It)

by John Dawson | Aug 17, 2021 | AC repair billings mt , HVAC Tips Billings MT

Why Is Your AC Tripping Your Circuit Breaker? 

If you notice that your AC is tripping the breaker, then it may be time to contact a professional. There are many reasons why this could be happening, and each of them requires different solutions. 

For example, if you notice your AC system is tripping the breaker when it gets too hot outside, then you might need an ac pro to come out and give your unit a tune-up. 

Sometimes air conditioners will cause circuit breaker trips because they are not getting enough electrical current from the AC circuit breaker, or there may be something wrong with the wiring in your house. 

Let’s take a look at the top five common causes for why your air conditioning system could be tripping your circuit breaker. Finding the issue and trusting a professional with your AC repair can keep your family cool and safe this Summer!

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1. A Dirty Air Filter 

If you notice that your AC is tripping the breaker when it gets too hot outside, a dirty air filter may be to blame.  Dirty filters can reduce airflow and cause AC units to overheat, resulting in a breaker trip. 

They also make it difficult for air conditioners to function efficiently at colder temperatures, so you might notice your AC is not cooling your home like it used to.

Air filters should be cleaned every few months depending on how often you use your air conditioning unit and where you live (it might need more cleaning if there are many allergens or plants in your area). 

Your best option is always going to be calling in an HVAC technician who knows precisely what they’re doing when dealing with electrical wiring like this. If somebody with proper HVAC training is not appropriately handled, there could be severe consequences for both property and personal safety.

2. Dirty Condenser Coils

When your condenser coils get dirty, they cannot disperse heat from inside the house to the outside unit .  This can cause the air conditioning system to lead to an electrical short, which can overheat. 

Even when it is running, the A/C unit requires more electrical current to push the heat out of your home, which leads to a short circuit. 

Dirty coils are usually caused by a buildup of dirt, dust, or plant life in your outdoor unit. Cleaning out these coils will help you avoid future ac problems like this!

To prevent dirty condenser coils, you want to make sure that your AC pro is coming out and doing regular tune-ups on the unit.  Tune-ups should be done at least once per year to prevent heat loss in your home during these hot summer months!

An AC pro will also know how often a coil needs to be cleaned or replaced. Some units don’t need cleaning until they are no longer working correctly, while others may only need an annual cleaning depending on their age and performance level. 

3. Broken Coil Fan

Air conditioning units use fans inside them called “coil” fans for cooling purposes, which are often powered by motors outside the house. This fan blows over the coils to release heat from your inside unit. 

If there is something wrong with these motors – whether they have been damaged through wear and tear over time or if they were cut out during construction work nearby-then this could result in increased energy usage and cause the coil fan to burn out sooner than expected.

If your air conditioner fan motor is tripping the breaker because it’s not getting enough power from your circuit, then a broken coil fan may be to blame.  Broken or missing parts of an ac unit can cause this issue that results in higher electricity usage and possible breakers trips. 

To fix this problem, you’ll need an HVAC pro who knows how to replace or repair the coils on air conditioning!

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4. The Compressor Is “Hard Starting”

The compressor is an essential part of your AC unit, and as the compressor ages, it may experience problems starting up. If the circuit breaker keeps breaking, you might need to have an HVAC technician check the flow of electricity between the fan and your circuit. 

A running AC unit should switch on in about one second – so anything longer than that could be a sign that you have an issue with your compressor. 

If your compressor is “hard starting,” you will need to call a professional to diagnose the issue. The entire compressor may need to be replaced, plus the refrigerator lines will need to be cleaned to ensure no particulates are in the lines that can cause problems down the road. 

5. Loose Wiring & Aging A/C Parts

Your A/C unit is a complex maze of wires that keep the entire system working. Over time, these wires may become loose and lose their connection, and this can cause your circuit breaker to trip from time to time.  

An AC pro will fix this by re-wiring your circuit and may also need to replace the metal plate that contains all of your wires.  The ac pro can provide a new one, or you can purchase one separately on Amazon at an affordable price!

Don’t Risk Your Investment by Running Your AC with a Tripped Breaker.

How much is your peace of mind worth to you? Think about it, if your AC breaker keeps tripping and shutting off because there’s an underlying issue with the system, not only are you dealing with a hothouse day in and day out, but when Summer comes around again – that’s a whole lot more money. 

The best thing you can do for yourself (and the environment) is to get a professional AC repair service as soon as possible to identify and fix any issues before they become chronic. 

You may be able to save yourself from suffering through another scorching summer this year by taking care of your air conditioner now!

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“My AC Works But It Keeps Tripping the Breaker”

Does your air conditioner cool for a while but then trip your circuit breaker and shut off?

Typically, your AC breaker trips when there’s a short circuit, the AC is overworking or a part is bad or malfunctioning.

If you continue to run your AC, you could permanently damage the air conditioner. Get a professional AC repair tech out as soon as you can.

Now let’s look at the specific causes of an AC tripping the breaker.

Specific AC problems that can trip your breaker

Dirty air filter.

If you leave your air filter in so long that it is completely clogged with dirt, it can suffocate your AC, causing it to work much harder than it should, overheat, and trip the breaker.

Dirty condenser coils

These coils, located in the outside AC unit, are designed to release the heat from your home to the outside. But if they’re covered in dirt, they can’t do that. (It’s like you trying to cool off while wearing a wool sweater).

Bad capacitor

A capacitor is responsible for starting and keeping your air conditioner running. If it goes bad, it can pull too much electricity and trip your breaker.

Old or weak compressor

The compressor is in your air conditioner’s outdoor unit. A weak compressor has trouble starting. When it does try to start, it may try to pull too much electricity, which will trip your breaker.

If this is the problem, an air conditioning professional might recommend installing a hard start kit.

Loose electrical connections

Wires expand and contract as the weather changes, which can cause loose electrical connections inside of your air conditioner and result in a short circuit.

Another mechanical problem

There are numerous small mechanical problems that could also be causing your AC to trip your breaker.

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Need help with your air conditioner and live in the Atlanta , Nashville , or Birmingham, AL areas? Give Coolray a call! We have been keeping people cool since 1966 and our technicians have the tools and experience to handle all your AC issues.

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Why is my air conditioner tripping the circuit breaker?

July 6, 2017 by Michael C. Rosone | Last Modified: March 27, 2023

It’s the last thing you need on a hot summer day: your air conditioner keeps shutting off and the AC circuit breaker keeps tripping. You’re probably wondering what’s going on, and if there’s an easy solution. Do you need to call someone to fix the problem and if so, who should you call? The AC service company or an electrician?

Here’s the most important thing to know: your AC circuit breaker is a safety switch that protects your equipment from damage by turning off the power when an overload is detected. It also protects your safety since overloaded circuits can result in a fire. So if your AC circuit breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, this is not a situation you should ignore.

We can’t stress this enough: don’t keep resetting the breaker. You need to take action immediately to prevent expensive and potentially dangerous consequences.

AC circuit breaker tripping: WHAT TO DO FIRST

As we just mentioned, never keep turning it back on if the AC circuit breaker if it keeps tripping! You can follow the steps below once to make sure there really is a problem before continuing. Sometimes something like a lightning strike nearby can cause a one-time power surge that trips the breaker, and you’ll be fine once you turn it back on.

Here are the first steps to take when your AC circuit breaker trips:

• Turn the air conditioning system OFF at the thermostat(s).
• At your electrical panel, turn the AC circuit breaker switch to the ON position.
• IMPORTANT: wait 30 minutes with the air conditioner OFF. Be sure that the thermostat remains OFF so that your air conditioner’s internal circuit breaker can reset. This can’t happen if the thermostat is signaling for cooling.
• After 30 minutes, set your air conditioner back to COOL.

If you’re lucky, everything will work normally after this and the AC circuit breaker won’t trip again. You’re all set!

However, if the AC circuit breaker immediately trips again, or the AC won’t come back on, you have a problem that needs to be diagnosed and repaired by a professional. Read the next section for possible causes.

But what if your system seems to work ok for a little while, but then shuts off and trips the breaker again? If that happens, there’s one more thing you can try: changing your air filter. When your system filter is clogged with dust and debris, the fan motor must work harder and runs longer trying to draw air through the filter. In an attempt to do so, it may draw too much electricity and cause the AC circuit breaker to trip. Try replacing the filter to see if that makes a difference.

Don’t know how to change your AC filter? Learn more: Why and How to Change an AC Filter

Possible reasons why your air conditioner is tripping the circuit breaker

From best-case to worst-case scenario, the most probable causes of your AC circuit breaker tripping include:

• Power surge in the area (probably due to a thunderstorm)
• Clogged air filter

Dirty condenser coil

Loose wire, short or electrical component failure, fan motor malfunction, frozen evaporator coil, refrigerant leaks, compressor failure.

We’ve covered the first 2, which you can handle on your own. The remaining issues are problems that it’s not safe to tackle yourself unless you are trained in how to work around high voltage electricity. This is a job for the professionals who not only know safety protocols but have the expertise to properly diagnose what’s wrong.

For problems causing your AC circuit breaker to trip, your best bet is to call in a qualified HVAC professional. Let’s go over the remaining causes and what you can expect when your service tech diagnoses one or more of these problems.

Have you been neglecting your yearly AC preventative maintenance? You may have also noticed that your system is not cooling as well as it used to. If so, a dirty condenser coil may be the culprit.

Your outside air conditioning unit has a condensing coil that does the job of releasing accumulated heat outside your building. Since it’s exposed to the elements (especially at street level or on a rooftop in the city) it can get coated with grime and debris. When that happens, heat transfer is impaired, causing your system to work harder to cool your space. Your condensing unit can draw too much power and cause the AC circuit breaker to trip.

Here’s the good news: a simple coil cleaning (done as part of a regular AC maintenance plan) can take care of this problem. Learn more from this related blog: AC Losing Its Cool? Try Air Conditioner Coil Cleaning

A power surge that trips the AC circuit breaker could be caused by a simple electrical issue within the air conditioner. A loose connection, a failed capacitor, or a short in the wiring could be responsible. Those issues can be fixed easily by a professional.

A clogged filter is just one reason that your air conditioner’s fan motor may be drawing too much power and causing the AC circuit breaker to trip. The fan blades might be coated with grime and slowing down the fan, putting a strain on the motor. A good cleaning may be enough to resolve the issue. Or, a malfunction within the motor itself may be responsible. In this case, your AC service technician will need to replace the fan motor.

If you have neglected maintenance for a long time, and you’ve got several of the problems listed above, eventually air flow is diminished within your system. That can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up, which draws excess power and can trip the AC circuit breaker. If you see ice on the coils of your inside AC unit, that’s what’s going on. In that case, be sure to keep the unit off and call in a professional right away. If you attempt to keep it running, your compressor may fail which is a very serious problem (read more about that below).

Learn more: AC Troubleshooting: FROZEN HVAC System? Don’t Let It Go

An older system (especially when maintenance has been neglected) can develop corrosion on the coils that leads to cracks, holes and leaking refrigerant. As the refrigerant level drops in your system, it has to work harder and run longer trying to cool your space. That can cause the unit to draw too much power and trip the AC circuit breaker.

If you’ve been noticing a slow decline in your system’s performance, this may be the cause. Your AC technician will need to find and fix any refrigerant leaks. Or, if they are numerous, replace the coil and/or refrigerant lines.

The compressor is the heart of your air conditioning system and a failed compressor might mean you need a whole new system. This is why you should never keep turning on the AC circuit breaker after it trips, or ignore any of the problems described above. Ultimately the strain on the system can lead to an expensive result: failure of the compressor.

As you may have noticed, many of the problems that cause the AC circuit breaker to trip can be avoided with regular air conditioning maintenance. A small investment once or twice a year (depending on your system’s usage) can save you from major headaches down the road. Learn more from these helpful resources:

Q&A about HVAC Preventive Maintenance Contracts HVAC Preventive Maintenance Contracts: How to Find The Right One For Your HVAC Infrastructure

Do you have older HVAC or commercial refrigeration equipment? Due to EPA regulatory changes, R22 refrigerant (the standard used to power AC and commercial refrigeration systems for decades) is being phased out come January 2020. Get informed about how this change impacts you with this information bulletin. R22 Refrigerant Phase Out: Do You Need to Replace Your AC?

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10 reasons your air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breaker.

February 21, 2020

The last thing you need on a hot Southern California summer day is for your air conditioner to keep tripping the circuit breaker and shutting off. While this is definitely annoying, keep in mind that your AC circuit breaker is a safety switch that protects your equipment from damage by turning off the power when an overload is detected. It also protects your safety since overloaded circuits can result in a fire. So if your AC circuit breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, this is not a situation you should ignore.

We cannot stress this enough: DO NOT keep resetting the breaker. Reset it once and only once. If the breaker trips again, then you have an issue that needs to be fixed. If the circuit breaker trips the second that your air conditioner turns on, then there is nothing more that you can do yourself – leave the circuit breaker off and call your local HVAC repairman. The problem has to do with wiring or a short circuit – something you don’t want to deal with.

Here are some possible reasons why your unit might be tripping the breaker:

• Dirty A/C Air Filter: Dust can also collect on your A/C’s air filter. If you leave your air filter in so long that it is completely clogged with dirt, it can suffocate your AC, causing it to work much harder than it should, overheat, and trip the breaker.
• Dirty A/C Condenser Coils : Your A/C condenser coils, located in the outside AC unit, are designed to release the heat from your home to the outside. Dirt, leaves and other debris can sometimes accumulate on the coils and prevent them from functioning properly, causing the air conditioner to overheat.
• Condenser Coil Fan Problems : The condenser coil fan is responsible for cooling your outside A/C unit’s condenser coils. If the fan malfunctions, the coils will not be cooled and the unit will overheat and trip the circuit breaker.
• A/C Refrigerant Level Too Low: Refrigerant is the chemical solution that enables the air conditioner to keep the air in your house cool. If your system has lost refrigerant, the air conditioner has to work harder to achieve the set temperature of the property. The refrigerant also keeps the compressor motor cool, so loss of refrigerant can lead to overheating of the compressor’s motor.
• Loose Electrical Connections: If the electrical connections on your outside unit have come loose, usually through expansion and contraction due to contact with the weather, your breaker will likely trip. Tightening the connections is required if this is the problem.
• Electrical Short: Another reason the breaker might trip is due to an electrical short somewhere in the system. When a short is present, the breaker will trip immediately. If this happens, it’s best not to reset the breaker and call for service.
• Issues with the Circuit Creaker: The issue may not be with the AC itself but rather with the breaker. Wires connected to the breaker may be loose or the breaker itself may be bad and needs replacing. This is a relatively inexpensive fix.
• Bad Capacitor or Compressor: The compressor is in your air conditioner’s outdoor unit. A weak compressor has trouble starting. When it does try to start, it may try to pull too much electricity, which will trip your breaker. If this is the problem, an air conditioning professional might recommend installing a hard start kit .
• Motor Has Shorted: Electric motors in your AC can run for hours and hours and can take quite a bit of abuse. But if a motor runs hot for too long, the wire insulation can break down, leading to an electrical “short.” A “short” is where electricity bypasses its normal path, (so it’s taking a “shortcut”). This shortcut allows more electricity to flow than the wires can handle, causing the wires to overheat, melt and cause a fire. Of course, before the fire happens, the circuit breaker trips.
• Grounded Compressor: A grounded compressor is the worst-case scenario on this list. Similar to a short, a grounded compressor occurs when an electrical winding within the compressor hits the side of the compressor. This causes a direct short to ground, which ignites the oil in the compressor and causes a burnout. Before this starts a fire, your circuit breaker will shut the electrical current off which is what causes your breaker to trip. The bad news is, if you have a grounded compressor, you will have to replace the compressor (an expensive part) or the whole outside unit. If your compressor is not covered under warranty and your outside unit is old, it may make more sense to replace the outside unit instead of the compressor. Contact an air conditioning expert to help you determine if you have a grounded compressor.

Troubleshooting

Reset your air conditioner’s circuit breaker (once, and only once)..

Always be careful with resetting a circuit breaker. If it keeps tripping, then something is wrong! Reset it once and only once, and see if your unit runs normally.

Always reset a circuit breaker by ensuring that it is fully in the OFF position first (if not, move it there), then turning it back ON. Wait and see what it does after a few minutes of running. If it does not trip again, then it might have been a power surge from a thunderstorm, or something like that.

Look at some of your other household equipment, such as your stove and microwave. If they are all have blinking and your air conditioner is also not working, then this probably is not a problem with your air conditioning system. If the circuit breaker trips the second that your air conditioner turns on, then there is nothing more that you can do yourself – leave the circuit breaker off and call your local HVAC repairman. The problem has to do with wiring or a short circuit – something you don’t want to deal with.

If You Are Still Having Problems

If you are still having trouble, you may need to give us a call to set up a consultation just to give you piece of mind.

Always work your way from the simplest and most common explanation to the more unlikely ones. Even if your air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping, be patient, and rule out the most likely causes. A lot of the time, it is something you could handle yourself, but if you need additional help, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

If your system needs repair or inspection before winter, call us on 951-926-1002. You can also visit our  Contact page and complete the contact form.

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Is Your AC Tripping The Circuit Breaker? Here Are The Probable Causes

Experiencing AC tripping the circuit breaker? Learn about the probable causes and solutions. Get expert assistance at Sandium for resolving AC breaker tripping issues.

The AC circuit breaker acts like a safety switch to protect your equipment. It prevents damage by turning off the power whenever the system detects an overload. Overloaded circuits can cause fires. Hence, this actually protects your safety as well. Do not keep flipping the switch on or ignore the problem if your AC circuit breaker trips repeatedly.

These are a few probable causes for an air conditioner to trip the circuit breaker:

1. Dirty Condenser Coil

This may not make sense, but a dirty condenser coil can cause your system to trip the circuit breaker. Condenser coils can become dirty if you have not been taking care of the air conditioner. In this situation, you would have observed the system to not cool as it used to. Condenser coil does the job of releasing accumulated heat inside the air conditioner out of the building.

It can easily get coated with debris and grime because of the elements. Heat transfer is impaired when this happens. The system is made to work harder to cool an area. The condensing unit will start to draw too much power and cause a trip. A simple coil cleaning should take care of this problem.

2. Loose Wire or Electrical Component Failure

Simple electrical issue within the air conditioner may cause a power surge which trips the circuit breaker. This can be because of a short in the wiring, failed capacitor, or a loose connection. These issues can only be fixed by a professional.

3. Malfunctioning Fan Motor

Clogged filters are just one of the reasons for a fan motor to draw too much power. This can cause the circuit breaker to trip. There may be a strain on your motor because the fan blades get coated with grime as well. It may slow down the fan. Typically, a good cleaning should resolve the issue. The issue could also be because of a malfunctioning motor. Your AC technician will need to replace the fan motor in this case.

4. Evaporator Coil Is Frozen

There are several downsides to neglecting HVAC maintenance. Air flow will dimmish within the system eventually if you neglect maintenance for too long, causing the evaporator coils to freeze. This will result in the air conditioner drawing too much power and tripping the circuit breaker. If you notice icing on the inside of the air conditioner unit, you should call the professionals immediately. Your compressor may get damaged if you attempt to keep the system running.

5. Leaking Refrigerant

Older systems that have not been maintained properly can develop corrosion. This can result in the coils developing holes, cracks, and refrigerant leaks. The system will need to work harder as the refrigerant levels drop in the system. This may cause the unit to draw excessive power causing a trip in the AC circuit breaker. Slow decline in the system’s performance could be because of this.

6. Compressor Failure

The compressor is an integral component of your air conditioning system. Failed compressor may require you to get an entirely new system. You should never keep switching on an air conditioner after the circuit breaker trips. Strain on the system may ultimately lead to an expensive failure of the compressor in your NorCal home or business.

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Why is My AC Tripping the Circuit Breaker?

October 04, 2021

Air conditioners are vital to Floridians, so it's no surprise that homeowners would be stressed if their AC suddenly started turning off.

If this is happening to you now, it’s likely a tripped circuit breaker. When your AC trips the circuit breaker after running for only a few minutes, your breaker cuts the power to the AC system.

Why is your AC tripping the circuit breaker? Many issues can be at play, but the primary 3 reasons include:

• An overloaded circuit
• A grounded compressor
• A faulty breaker

We’ll review how to reset your circuit breaker to see if that restores your AC’s power. If it doesn’t, we’ll dive into the potential problems related to a tripped circuit breaker and how to troubleshoot them.

Want a professional to identify and fix your AC’s tripped circuit breaker? Contact Advanced Air for an AC repair . We provide punctual and round-the-clock service .

Reset your circuit breaker

Reset your circuit breaker to see if it stops tripping

Before we look at what could be causing the frequent tripping, let's first try resetting the circuit breaker. You can do so by:

• Let the unit cool down for about 5 minutes. The Department of Energy recommends letting the unit rest before resetting any breakers.
• Turn off your thermostat.
• Locate your gray main circuit panel by checking your closets, garage, or basement. Make sure there's no water on the ground in the room with the panel. If there is, do NOT stand in the water while resetting the breaker.
• Find the AC switch. The breakers are typically labeled. If not, look for the switch that is either in a middle position or OFF. Some manufacturers have a visible color indicator that shows that a breaker has tripped.
• Push the switch OFF unless it's already OFF. If already OFF, skip to Step #6.
• Push the switch ON. You should feel a satisfying click into place.
• Wait for 30 seconds.
• Turn your AC back on to test.

If your AC immediately trips again, do NOT reset the breaker again until the cause is corrected. Multiple overcurrents, or surges of electricity, can damage your AC and even start a fire.

Read on to learn about the potential issues causing your AC to trip the circuit breaker.

Three main reasons behind your AC tripping the circuit breaker:

1. an overloaded circuit.

Circuit breakers shut off the flow of electricity whenever the number of amps (a unit of electrical current) exceeds its amp rating. For example, if the circuit breaker has a rating of 15 amps, it'll trip whenever 20 amps flow through the circuit.

So, whenever your AC is using too much energy, it's pulling in more amps than usual, causing a surge and your circuit breaker to trip.

Your air conditioner can use too much energy if:

The air filter is dirty:

An Advanced Air technician can help you replace your filter

Air conditioners need air to be flowing into the system to cool your home enough to meet your set temperature.

When air filters get clogged with debris and dirt, they block airflow from entering the system. Your AC now has to compensate by working harder and using more electricity to cool your home. The circuit breaker isn’t used to this amount of energy consumption and trips to protect your AC.

The condenser is dirty:

Our technicians can help clean your condenser

Your AC's outdoor unit is called the condenser. It plays an essential role in keeping your home cool by dumping the heat your indoor unit absorbs from your home's air outside.

When the condenser is dirty or blocked by bushes, your outdoor unit can no longer effectively transfer the heat outside, and your AC has to use more energy and take longer to cool your home. This increase in needed power trips the circuit breaker.

The condenser fan doesn't work correctly:

As we mentioned above, the condenser is your outdoor AC unit. The condenser's fan helps dissipate heat back outside. If you stand next to the condenser and can't hear the fan rumbling, it's likely broken.

When the fan’s motor is broken or worn out, the electricity from your AC system to the motor has nowhere to go and is flowing freely. Your AC will automatically detect this issue and trip your circuit breaker to prevent the wires from frying and damaging your system or home.

The refrigerant is leaking:

What is refrigerant? It's a cold substance in your AC that helps the indoor unit absorb heat from the air. Leaking refrigerant means your AC can't cool your home as effectively due to reduced heat absorption abilities, forcing it to use more power and tripping the breaker due to overload.

How do you know you have a refrigerant leak? You can tell when:

• You see ice forming on the condenser
• You hear hissing or bubbling noises coming from your inside AC unit
• You have higher than normal monthly energy bills

Advanced Air technicians can diagnose the problem behind your circuit tripping

If you suspect your breaker keeps tripping because of any of these reasons, try changing out your air filter monthly and booking an appointment with an AC technician to clean the condenser. Also, make sure to check your condenser's fan and inspect the refrigerant lines.

2. A shorted compressor

Typically, electricity flows in a loop called a circuit. When a compressor "shorts," it's because a malfunction interrupts the loop, allowing too much electricity to flow through the circuit. The circuit breaker then trips to shut off electricity to prevent the overload from potentially causing a fire.

Most malfunctions are because of a winding, where electrical currents pass through inside the compressor, breaking and not being able to handle its load anymore. The additional electricity ignites the oil in the compressor, causing a sudden current surge that burns out the compressor and forces the circuit breaker to trip.

Unfortunately, a burned-out compressor most likely needs to be replaced because a functional compressor is vital as it pumps refrigerant throughout your system.

Replacing the compressor can be expensive if you don't have a valid warranty. If you have a valid warranty, financing options can help. Or, you might want to look into replacing your system entirely. You can use our handy AC installation cost calculator to see if a replacement would be more cost-effective than replacing your compressor.

3. A faulty breaker

A damaged circuit breaker

Your circuit breaker may keep tripping because of an issue with the breaker itself.

To determine if the breaker is damaged, find your home's main circuit panel and look for indicators that you have a faulty breaker, such as:

• The breaker is hot when you touch it
• You can smell a burning odor near the breaker
• You see loose connecting wires
• You see burn marks on the breaker
• You see obvious worn-out parts

If you notice any of the above indicators, you're dealing with a faulty breaker that needs professional replacement. Call a technician immediately.

Contact Advanced Air to stop your circuit breaker from tripping.

Advanced Air AC technicians are ready to help repair your AC

Advanced Air has been serving the Southwest Florida area for over 25 years, and our technicians are ready to help you get your AC back up and running the same day. Call us today at (888) 853-5143 or contact us by filling out the form below.

Not only do we provide prompt and reliable AC repairs , but we also back up our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee .

• Air Conditioning

Similar Articles:

• What’s the Cost to Repair an Air Conditioner in Florida?
• 6 Loud Air Conditioning Noises and Their Causes

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How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker

Learn how to reset a tripped circuit breaker so you can get the lights back on without calling an electrician.

• Working Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Estimated Cost: $0

Learning how to reset a tripped circuit breaker is an essential part of living on your own . Just as important is knowing when you shouldn't reset a tripped breaker, as there may be an underlying electrical issue you should address first. Typically, a circuit breaker trips due to overloading the circuit , such as running a hair dryer on a circuit powering several other items. However, there can be more serious causes. Find out how to reset a breaker, the potential causes of a tripped circuit breaker, and ways you can prevent a tripped circuit breaker in the future.

How to Tell a Circuit Breaker Has Tripped

You know a circuit breaker has tripped if your home loses power, but only on a given circuit. The lights might not be working in two adjacent rooms, or none of the power outlets in one room are working.

If your power goes out across multiple rooms or every room in the house, this is likely a bigger problem than a tripped breaker, as isolated circuits shouldn't interfere with one another.

If you suspect a circuit breaker has tripped, the next step is to locate your home's circuit breaker box. The breaker box is where you'll find several breakers, each controlling a circuit in the home. Sometimes, the breakers are labeled with their coordinating circuits, but they often aren't, making it a guessing game. The tripped breaker will be obvious, as it's the breaker that isn't in the "on" position.

Safety Considerations

A circuit breaker isn't only a means of switching a circuit on or off. It's a safety mechanism that automatically cuts the power on a given circuit when an electrical problem arises. A breaker could trip due to damaged wires, damaged wire insulation, loose connections, damaged receptacles, or an overloaded circuit . Restoring the power without first identifying the cause of the tripped circuit can pose a safety risk to you and anyone nearby.

When working around a live circuit breaker box, work with caution. Only touch the switches on the breakers, as other components can shock you. Never touch the electrical box if you're wet or in a damp environment.

What You'll Need

Equipment / tools.

• Eye protection (Optional)
• Flashlight (Optional)

Instructions

How to reset a tripped breaker, turn off everything on the circuit.

As a safety precaution and to prevent overloading the circuit, turn off or unplug everything that's plugged into the tripped circuit.

While this step is not necessary to reset the breaker, it can help determine potential causes of the tripped breaker, such as an overloaded circuit. Plugging items back in individually will help you identify which item is overloading the circuit.

Locate the Tripped Breaker

Open the circuit breaker box and locate the tripped breaker. All normally functioning breakers will be in the "on" position, while a tripped breaker will either be in the "off" position or neutral middle position. Once you locate it, refrain from switching it on.

If you're having trouble finding your breaker box , look for a metal box around eye level, typically located in your basement, garage, utility closet, or similar places.

If the malfunctioning circuit isn't controlled by a breaker in your breaker box, it could be located elsewhere in an electrical subpanel .

There's a chance you'll open the breaker box and find fuses instead of breakers, especially if you live in an older home. In this case, you likely have a blown fuse and will have to replace it to restore power to the circuit.

Inspect the Breaker Box

Thoroughly inspect the inside and outside of the breaker box. Note any abnormal smells, heat, or other signs of burning. Also, look for rust or other damage. If you see anything concerning, don't restore the power. Instead, contact an electrician for further examination.

Reset the Breaker

If the area passes your inspection, attempt to flip the breaker back on. Before doing so, ensure you and your surroundings are dry, and keep your hands away from the wiring or the back of the electrical panel.

If the breaker switch is in the middle position, you need to move it to the "off" position before turning it back on. If the breaker doesn’t turn on even after moving it to the "off" position, you likely have a faulty breaker.

While not a regular occurrence, breakers can spark when flipped into the "on" position. Wearing eye protection can prevent serious injury.

Test the Circuit

Working one item at a time, restore power to the various items powered by the trouble circuit.

If the circuit works up to a certain number of items, there is a good chance you are overloading it by powering too many items. In this case, move one or more items to another circuit and test it again.

What to Do If a Circuit Breaker Trips Again

If the circuit breaker continues to trip after the reset, there is likely an issue you haven't noticed or may be unable to see. In this case, you should further inspect the wiring and receptacles tied to the circuit (with the power off). If you are unable to locate the problem or require further assistance, call an electrician.

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Why Does My RV AC Breaker Keep Tripping & How to Solve It?

Writen by Tom Hank

Fact checked by Joseph Varney

An RV air conditioner that frequently turns off might require you to look at other areas other than the cooling unit. Sometimes, the suspect to this problem is the RV circuit breaker keeps tripping. Now you’re wondering “why does my RV AC breaker keep tripping?”

The reasons why an RV air conditioner trips breaker varies for each camping vehicle. It could be a short circuit, weak circuit, or overloading of the switch. Keep reading to know more details about each of these potential causes.

Table of Contents

What Causes an RV AC Breaker to Trip Repeatedly?

If an RV AC keeps tripping the breaker, the main suspect can come from different sources. These problem areas include:

Short Circuit

Sometimes connected wiring can become damaged from other DIY projects for your RV. For example, you drill a hole in your camper’s wall and hit a wire that connects the circuit breaker to the AC.

For that scenario, the wiring will have a short circuit, causing the camper air conditioner tripping breaker. Replacing the faulty wire and securing the connection may help solve this issue.

Weak Circuit

Circuit breakers can degrade over time. For example, you have a 20-Amp breaker that brought you good service for many years. However, turning on the RV air conditioner keeps tripping breaker.

It’s because the switch can now only handle 30% to 50% of its original capacity. Swapping the old circuit breaker with a new model should restore optimal function to the cooling system.

Overloading the Circuit

For example, if the circuit is rated at 20 Amps, it will generally function well at about 80% of its maximum load. The switch will automatically trip or shut off the electrical load that goes over that mark to save the RV AC and other appliances from damages.

Take note that RV circuit breakers can run at a 20-Amp load, albeit during a reasonably short period. At this point, you have two options: (1) Reduce electronics usage or (2) upgrade to a high-load circuit like a 30 or 50-amp variant.

You may also watch the video below for a further explanation of these causes:

How Do You Stop Your RV AC From Tripping the Breaker?

The solution to the problem of camper AC keeps tripping breaker depends on the source of the issue. For example, if faulty wiring is the cause, fixing the connection from the switch to the AC can solve the problem.

However, if troubleshooting the circuit breaker yielded no satisfactory results, the problem could be your RV’s air conditioner.

Inspect the appliance to see if it has issues like a malfunctioning part. If it does, you may need to bring the cooling unit to a certified technician. Otherwise, prepare to spend money to purchase a new AC for your RV.

What Are the Signs of a Bad RV Breaker?

A bad RV circuit breaker may affect different devices in the vehicle, including the lighting, refrigerator, and other appliances. Some of the signs that point to a bad breaker switch are:

• Flickering lights in the RV
• Poor performances with connected electronics
• Appliances turning on and off without human intervention
• Burning or foul odor from the breaker panel
• Frequent circuit breaker trips

If you experience one or more of these events happening in your RV, consider upgrading the vehicle’s electricity service panel. Doing so can increase the board’s circuit capacity, along with improving its safety features.

Where Is the Breaker Box in an RV?

The breaker box is usually near the fridge, the bed, or a cupboard. You may also find the panel on the wall.

How Do You Change an RV AC Breaker That Keeps Tripping?

Before proceeding, make sure that you know what you are about to do. You should be confident about doing the following steps. Otherwise, consult the expert help of a licensed technician to avoid costly mishaps.

• Step 1: Find the source of the problem that is causing the circuit breaker to trip.
• Step 2: Turn off the main power from your RV and on the main breaker panel.
• Step 3: Remove the front plate of the panel by unscrewing the attached screws. Take note that the plate should be removed from the bottom.
• Step 4: Push the faulty circuit breaker down and pull it out of the panel.
• Step 5: Remove the screw in the malfunctioning switch using a flathead screwdriver.
• Step 6: Take the circuit breaker to the hardware store and buy an exact model. Don’t use another type of switch if you already have the correct breaker size.
• Step 7: Locate the screw in the new circuit breaker.
• Step 8: Take the wires from the panel and slide them into the new switch. Secure the connection by screwing it with the flathead screwdriver.
• Step 9: Push the bottom of the new circuit breaker into the panel. Once the bottom clicks, push it up and the switch should be attached properly.
• Step 10: Put the metal plate back in place.
• Step 11: Turn on the main breaker and test the connections.

Keep in mind that the inside of a circuit breaker panel is usually quite dark. Use a flashlight to shine a light on the parts to ensure you are working with the correct components.

You can also watch the video below for a visual representation of the steps mentioned above.

How to Troubleshoot an RV Air Conditioner?

If you deduce that the problem is not with your RV’s breaker panel but with the AC, here are some tips to help you find the cooling unit’s main issue:

• Check the capacitors if the AC compressor has difficulty starting. The capacitor may be using too much electricity; in this case, replace it.
• Check other connected appliances to check if adequate power is being supplied by the breaker panel.
• Open the RV AC to investigate any shorts in the motor.
• Do not repair a malfunctioning RV AC compressor but replace it.
• If ice is building up in the AC, the appliance might be low on Freon. This leads the AC to use more power, causing the breaker to trip.
• The AC’s coils are dirty if condensed water drips from an unusual location.

Why does my RV ac breaker keep tripping? An RV AC breaker can trip because of different issues, such as circuit overloads, short circuits, or faulty switches. You should troubleshoot your RV’s circuit breaker panel and the vehicle’s cooling system to check for damages. Some signs to look out for are:

• Poor performance from the AC
• Other appliances malfunctioning
• A burnt stench coming from the air conditioner or breaker panel

Proceed with repairing the AC or the breaker if you have a decent amount of knowledge about electronics. Otherwise, you should seek professional help to fix the problem.

Hi, I am Joseph. Carpe diem! Seize the day! That’s always been my life motto. If you haven’t seen some of the most beautiful places in the country, you are missing out on incredible adventures.