Why Does My AC Keep Tripping the Circuit Breaker?

This is a problem that you may encounter during the intense heat of a Phoenix summer: an air conditioning system that draws on so much electrical amps that it causes a circuit breaker in the electrical panel to trip. It’s always a good idea to check on the electrical panel if your AC suddenly stops working. If you discover a breaker has tripped, reset it and try the air conditioner again.

But what if the AC keeps tripping the circuit breaker? This may indicate loose wiring in the electrical panel, but the more likely source is a problem in the air conditioner itself. Don’t keep running the AC! Call up our technicians for air conditioning repair. They’ll locate the fault and provide a solution to the problem.

Why the air conditioner may start tripping the circuit breaker

One of many reasons that you must rely on our professionals to fix this malfunction is that there is a variety of possible sources for this problem, and it takes skilled technician like ours to diagnose it. Below are some of the more common causes:

• Dirty outdoor coil: If the evaporator coil in the outside cabinet is covered with grime, the AC won’t be able to release sufficient heat. This will place extra strain on the system so that it draws too many amps and causes a breaker to trip.
• A short in a motor: When one of the motors in an AC overheats, it will melt the insulation along the wiring and cause a short. The circuit breaker trips in order to prevent an electrical fire.
• Strained compressor: If the compressor begins to “hard-start,” undergoing extra stress during its start-up cycle, the draw on electrical power can be enough to trip the breaker. Technicians can attach a “hard-start” kit to the air conditioner to help provide the extra voltage to overcome this. Although in the case of older air conditioners, it may be better to replace the compressor.

Looking for air conditioning repair in Chandler, AZ? Call on Magic Touch Mechanical!