Why Your AC Might Be Tripping the Breaker
1. You Might Have a Direct Short
Most air conditioners run on a 30 or 40 amp breaker. Older systems might even be on a 50 amp breaker. When that size of breaker trips, it often means there’s a direct short somewhere in the AC system.
Where do these shorts typically happen?
- Fan Motor: If the compressor turns on but the outdoor fan doesn’t run, it likely means the fan motor is shorted, which can trip the breaker.
- Compressor: A short in the compressor can also cause the breaker to trip.
Shorts like these are serious and need to be checked right away.
2. The Breaker Itself Could Be Bad
Even if you’ve just had a new AC system installed, and it’s still tripping, don’t rule out a bad breaker. Breakers are mechanical components, and like anything else, they can go bad over time.
How can you tell?
- If the breaker resets and works for a while before tripping again, it’s probably just a bad breaker.
- But if the breaker trips immediately when you reset it, that’s a sign of a short in the system, not the breaker.
3. Loose Connections at the Breaker
One of the first things we check when troubleshooting an AC tripping issue is the wiring inside the breaker panel—especially the lugs where the wires connect.
Why does this matter?
- A loose lug can cause high amp draw.
- That heat can lead to sparks or even a fire if not caught early.
This is why it’s so important to have an HVAC professional inspect your panel and check the amp draw.
4. Fan Motor Failures Can Damage the Compressor
Here’s another thing we look out for: if the fan motor has shorted out, but the compressor keeps running, that’s a problem.
What happens next?
- Without the fan moving air, the head pressure increases.
- Eventually, this overheats the compressor, which will then shut down.
Even if the short isn’t damaging anything else right now, this kind of setup puts stress on your system and can ruin the compressor if left unchecked.
What Should You Do If the Breaker Trips?
Here’s what we recommend if you’re dealing with this problem:
- Turn off your thermostat to stop the AC from trying to start again.
- Reset the breaker and see how long it holds.
- If it trips immediately, there’s likely a short that needs to be located.
- If it holds temporarily, you may just need a new breaker.
- Call a professional to check: Fan motors, Compressor condition, Tightness of wire lugs, and Amp draw across all major components.
In Summary
When it comes to AC tripping a breaker, it could be something as simple as a worn-out breaker or as serious as a direct short in the system. But no matter the cause, AC tripping a breaker is a sign you shouldn’t ignore. Letting it go can lead to costly damage or even safety risks. At Dick Ray, we’ll pinpoint the issue and make sure your system is running safely and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection.
