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My Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping it’s Circuit Breaker

An HVAC Service Technician can provide a series of tests to see…


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Electrical Question from Mark about Circuit Breaker
Background: Mark, a Homeowner from Muskogee, OK.
[ad#block]Question: My air conditioner keeps tripping it’s breaker (60 amp) every few days. Should I just replace the breaker? Or, should I call an electrician or a HVAC person?

Additional Comments: Great Website!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Mark. I would call a HVAC Service Technician who can provide a series of tests to see what the problem may be. Chances are it may just need to have some Freon added. Changing the circuit breaker is not advisable.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

For more information about Circuit Breaker
Circuit Breaker

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

Make sure not to miss these Resources for: Electrical Safety
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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “My Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping it’s Circuit Breaker”
  1. Pam says:

    My air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping and a HVAC tech was called. The AC system checks out and has no problems but the breaker keeps tripping. Do I need to call an electrician now?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Pam,
    The following are a few things that may cause a Tripping Circuit Breaker for an AC unit.

    If the Circuit Breaker Trips:

    • When the Breaker is First Turned On then there may be a problem with the electrical circuit.
    • When the AC Unit First Starts then there is most likely a problem with the AC unit start relay or control circuit, or the electrical circuit is undersized.
    • While the AC Unit is Running then it is usually because of a problem within the AC unit.

    If the Qualified HVAC Technician made a thorough check of the system and did not find any problems, then it sounds like there may be an electrical problem as described above, however the HVAC unit cannot be completely checked unless the unit remains powered and running.

    If the AC unit has power and it starts, then the problem is typically not with the electrical circuit itself, but a problem with the AC unit.

    If the AC unit does not have power, then a qualified electrician can inspect the electrical circuit components and the wiring and make repairs as needed to restore the circuit power.

    I hope this helps,
    Dave