Why
Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?
Breakers are a safety device. It is designed to
protect not only the equipment but the wiring and
the house as well. So when it trips, there
is a reason and it should be taken seriously.
One very common cause for breakers to trip are
loose electrical connections and can easily be
corrected by tightening them. Try one time to
reset it by turning it to the “off” position and
then back to the “on” position. Do not
just keep resetting it and try to ignore the situation.
It is trying to tell you something.
And while it may be just a weak breaker or the
result of a thunderstorm, always remember that
you are dealing with high voltage, high amperage
and possibly high temperatures which can
cause serious damage to life and property. Note
that breakers should not feel hot to the touch.
If it is hot, it indicates a problem and not to
be ignored.
For example, if when you reset it, it immediately
trips, that is usually indicative of a direct
short. Do not even try to reset the breaker
again.
Sometimes the breaker for the outside unit trips
because the compressor is having a hard time starting
and will require a “hard start” kit to get it
going again or it may be as simple as replacing
a defective capacitor.
Below is a list of possible causes and things
to check. Items in blue
can be addressed or fixed by the homeowner. Those
in red usually require
a service call.
- Severe thunderstorm
- Low voltage to the
house as in a brown-out
- Weak compressor
- Under-sized breaker
or wire
- Defective breaker
- Loose breaker
- Loose electrical
connection
- Weak capacitor
- Locked up motor or
compressor
Hope this has been of some assistance, however
they are just rough guidelines and not all possible
conditions are covered.
Remember: The
company You Choose To Install and Service
Your System Will Determine The Degree of Comfort
and Satisfaction You Enjoy.
Excerpts of the preceding information has been
compiled by Hannabery
HVAC, which has graciously permitted us to
include them on this web site as a service for
all homeowners.
These "Common HVAC Problems"
are provided FREE and as a consequence Climatemakers
does not assume any liability resulting from any
information we provide. In all cases where
there is any possibility of injury, consequential
damage, direct damage to your equipment or when
recommended by the equipment manufacturer, your
system should be repaired , inspected or maintained
by a qualified technician.
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