When your AC system keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it’s a huge inconvenience. If your air conditioning system keeps going offline without warning, here’s what could be happening and how to stop it from happening again:
What Is A Breaker, And Where Do I Find The AC Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker switch is a safety mechanism that automatically cuts power when your system draws too much electricity or there’s a short circuit somewhere in the wiring. The circuit trips to prevent overheating and potential damage.
You’ll typically find the AC breaker inside your main electrical panel, which is often located in a garage, basement, utility room, or sometimes outside the home. Look for a labelled switch—“A/C,” “HVAC,” or “Air Conditioner.”
What Causes The Breaker For An AC Unit To Trip?
Below are some of the most common issues that can lead to your air conditioner tripping the breaker:
Dirty Air Filters
A clogged filter reduces airflow and strains the AC blower which makes it run longer and harder. This extra load can pull more current than the circuit can handle and trip the breaker. A blocked filter can also cause a frozen evaporator coil which adds to the problem.
Dirty Condenser Coils
When the condenser coils of your system are clogged with dirt and debris, the compressor motor works under added strain. This can lead to overheating and force the system to draw more current than it should. If that happens, the breaker trips to cut power before further damage can occur.
Broken Coil Fan
A bad fan motor in the outdoor unit can’t move heat away from the coils. Without airflow, the unit overheats and pulls more power than the circuit can handle. Damaged wiring or blades that stop spinning cause the AC to trip the circuit. Restoring airflow means repairing or replacing the fan.
Faulty Breaker
The issue can be due to a faulty breaker. While not as common, those internal components can wear down or just stop working. When that happens, the circuit can’t regulate power flow properly. That can trigger false trips—even when the AC is running just as it should be. A breaker with loose or poorly insulated wiring can misfire under normal electrical load. You might also see that in some panels, the trip indicator just isn’t reliable. That makes the issue harder to catch without actually testing the breaker.
Compressor Is Grounded
A grounded compressor happens when a hot wire touches a grounded surface inside the unit creating a short and sudden surge of electricity. The breaker tripping is a safety measure because of that surge. You’ll need an HVAC technician to replace the compressor and clean the refrigerant lines.
Call The HVAC Pros At Provincial Heating And Cooling If Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
If your breaker keeps tripping and your system isn’t cooling the way it should be, get it checked right away. For trusted Winnipeg air conditioning service, reach out to the experts at Provincial Heating & Cooling.