Reasons Your AC Keeps Tripping the Circuit Breaker

by Pamela

It’s the hot unbearable heat of summers and all of a sudden, your AC circuit breaks down. Oh no! What to do now? During the warm and heavy summer, the only saving grace you have is your aircon system. However, when the problem of ac tripping circuit breaker occurs then all the cooling inside your room goes to waste. Sometimes, when your ac circuit trips once, you naturally tend to reset it and fix it. But many a times this issue really reaches its limit and there might be some underlying mystery behind it. You already know that your air conditioner is the most important electrical appliance during summers. Therefore, you need to fix this issue ASAP! First things first, let us understand what exactly are the circuit trips in the first place?

What is the Tripping of AC Circuit Breakers?

If you own an air conditioner at your place, you must have the idea of the amount of electricity it usually draws. When an air conditioner uses more energy than the circuit can manage, such as when a condenser coil malfunctions, the circuit is overloaded, or the air filters are unclean, the AC circuit breaker trips. Also, meaning your AC might be working harder. To prevent electrical fires, this may force the circuit breaker to trip instantly, turning off the air conditioner. To stop the AC unit from tripping repeatedly, it’s imperative to locate and fix the underlying reason, whether it’s a short circuit or the unit is operating harder than it should. Frequent breaker trips can be avoided, and the system can be kept operating correctly with regular maintenance and prompt repairs by an HVAC technician. Let us uncover the mystery behind the trippy AC circuits!

A cycle chart of AC tripping causes

Unraveling the Causes of AC Circuit Tripping

Today is the day when we are going to learn all about the situation that occurs behind the tripping of your air conditioners.

1. Overload Circuit for Air Conditioning

  • High BTU Rating: A high BTU AC unit has the potential to overload the circuit and trip.
  • Several Appliances: Using the same circuit for several appliances can result in overload.

2. Unclean Air Purifiers

  • Limited Airflow: The AC must work harder to clear clogged filters, which uses more energy.
  • Prevention: Consistently clean or replace air filters.

3. Dirty Condenser Coil

  • Overheating: The breaker is tripped by an overheated condenser coil.
  • Prevention: To keep it clean, schedule routine maintenance.

4. Fan Motor Issues

  • Worn Motor: When a fan motor malfunctions, it draws too much current and trips.
  • Prevention: Routine examinations help identify motor problems early.

5. Low Refrigerant Levels

  • Increased Load: When the AC works too hard or isn’t working properly, low refrigerant might cause tripping.
  • Solution: Refill refrigerant to the correct amounts as a solution.

Preventing Your AC From Tripping

How do you prevent your AC circuit from tripping? To prevent your air conditioner from tripping the circuit breaker, follow these essential steps;

1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

  • Regularly clean the condenser coil.
  • Verify the refrigerant levels.
  • Air filters should be cleaned or replaced.

2. Ensure Proper Electrical Load Distribution

  • For your AC, use a separate circuit.
  • Refrain from using the same circuit for several appliances.
  • Make sure the amperage in the circuit is correct.

3. Monitor the AC’s BTU Rating

4. Address Electrical Issues Promptly

  • Look into regular trips of the breakers.
  • Check for evidence of a short-circuiting.
  • Seek expert assistance for repairs.

5. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

A view of a technician checking the ac circuit breaker

Final Thoughts

Summing up, remember that your ac tripping circuit breaker indicates that something is evidently wrong. AC keeps tripping? That is a SIGN! These problems, including a dirty air filter, a tripped breaker, or an air conditioning overload circuit, can make your air conditioner work harder. Immediately, ensure your HVAC system receives routine maintenance, clean the condenser coil, and appropriately distribute the electrical load to avoid this.

In conclusion, by taking care of these typical issues, you may prolong the life of your air conditioner, keep your house comfortable and relaxed, and stop your AC from triggering the breaker. Call an HVAC specialist for a comprehensive examination and prompt AC repair if your air conditioner trips.

Say goodbye to random aircon tripping!

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