AC breakers trip when an electrical overload is on the circuit. This overload can be due to various issues that may be present in your AC unit. Here are common causes of an AC breaker tripping.
Short Circuit
Short circuiting occurs when an electrical current takes an unintended alternate path. This can occur due to faulty wiring or connections, damaged circuit boards or faulty wire insulation. A short circuit can cause a large amount of current to flow through the system, which will cause the breaker to trip.
Faulty Thermostat
Thermostats control the temperature in your home by sending signals to the AC system. An issue with your thermostat can cause the compressor to run continuously and draw too much current, tripping the breaker.
Undersized Circuit Breaker
The size of the circuit breaker must be adequate to handle the load. If the breaker is too small, it cannot handle the current and trip when there is a large surge. An undersized circuit breaker can occur if you installed the wrong size initially or you added more equipment since installation.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter will restrict the airflow in your AC unit. This restriction will cause the internal components to work harder than normal, thus drawing more current, which can cause the breaker to trip. Ensure your technician checks air filters every 30 to 60 days and replaces them as needed to reduce breaker-tripping cases and increase indoor air quality.
Faulty Compressor Motor
The compressor motor in your AC unit is responsible for circulating the refrigerant and can draw large amounts of current when it fails. If the compressor motor overheats or has an electrical issue, it will cause the breaker to trip.
Troubleshooting why your AC keeps tripping the breaker requires experience and knowledge. Contact Ireland Heating & Air Conditioning Co. if your air conditioner keeps tripping for professional and reliable service. Our HVAC technicians will diagnose and repair any issue causing the breaker to trip.
Image provided by iStock
