(Newswire.net — October 18, 2023) — Circuit breakers are formed to protect your system from dangerously high current flows by quickly cutting power when an overload is detected. When an overload occurs, these sturdy switches act quickly to cut the power off instantly.
With time, these switches may become less reliable for various reasons. Let’s go over what you should do when your AC keeps tripping the breaker.
One solution is to make use of an AC hard start kit. You can learn more from this article by Autumn Air Heating and Cooling.
Causes of constantly tripping breakers
Here are some common causes of ACs tripping your breaker.
Loose connections
Breakers serve a critical purpose: cutting power in case of overcurrent or electricity surges that threaten to overheat appliances or cause fires. If you keep having to reset the breaker, this indicates an electrical issue that professionals should take seriously and address quickly.
Loose connections on your air conditioner may cause it to overheat and trip the breaker, necessitating an inspection and repair.
Bad breaker
These switches may seem sturdy initially, but over time, they may weaken and stop functioning as intended.
Faulty compressor
Start-up power consumption can cause the breaker to trip frequently in older units; if this continues often, it may be time to replace your compressor.
Over time, the wires that control a compressor may also become damaged as their insulation deteriorates, allowing electricity to jump between wires instead of following its intended path and causing a short circuit that trips the breaker immediately.
Broken motor
Your air conditioning’s electric motors run for extended periods, which can wear away the insulation of its wires over time and create short circuits where excess current bypasses its intended path.
This leads to overdrawing power. However, this extra flow will be cut off immediately by tripping circuit breakers to protect you and avoid fire hazards. Over time, however, this can become incredibly inconvenient.
What to do if your AC keeps tripping your breakers
Here’s what you can do to remedy the problem.
Tighten any loose connections
A professional will switch off the breaker to prevent electrocution. Then, they’ll remove the cover of your AC thermostat and check for loose wires; if any are found, they’ll ensure they’re not touching each other and tighten them with a screwdriver as soon as possible.
Have your breaker replaced
If you detect burning smells or notice signs that your breaker box has become hot (or any other symptoms of dead circuit breakers), immediately having one replaced by an expert is best to prevent further damage to your home and potentially fatal electrical fires.
Have regular maintenance conducted
Has regular maintenance been done on your breaker box and air conditioning unit? The best way to prevent tripping problems in the future is by keeping both items in excellent condition.
Conclusion
If your air conditioner keeps tripping its circuit breaker, this could be a telltale sign that it needs a professional AC repair service to assess and diagnose its problem. It could be something as minor as dirty filter fans in outdoor units or more serious like grounded compressors that need inspection and diagnosis by a trained AC service provider.
Avoid repeatedly resetting the breaker after it trips, as this can lead to further damage and fire hazards in your home.