A/C unit keepson tripping the circuit breakers. I put new breakers in, still trips. Is it the a/c unit ?

I don't know if you are talking about a window unit or a central air system? Both applies to your question anyway.


If this is a window unit, then it sounds like the compressor. Once the motor of the compressor starts to bind and tripping the breaker then it's time to buy a new window unit. It is cheaper to replace the window unit then it to repair it.


If it a central air system then you might have a compressor problem, If the motor starts to go, then it will start to draw amperage higher then what your breaker is rated. Call a pro and have him or she check that with an amp meter. That will tell the story on what is going on.


Good Luck

A/C unit keepson tripping the circuit breakers. I put new breakers in, still trips. Is it the a/c unit ?
Probably. Sounds like a short in the motor. Might also be a defective breaker. Call a tech.
Reply:ac usually runs at 220. First check to see if your ac needs 220. Also make sure that your breakers have a h igh enough amps to accept your unit.





If possible move the A.c to another circuit that isn't being used as much.


I am assuming this a window a/c rather than a central air system. Central air should have it's own circuit which is run by typical 220.





Hope this helps! Good Luck
Reply:The compressor could be burnt out and shorted to the frame, or a wire could be grounded to the cabinet. There could be other issues as well, I would call a professional and avoid destroying the unit or yourself.
Reply:Then it must be something else. Maybe the fins on the unit outside are dirty. Maybe the fan on top has bad bearings. At any rate the air conditioner is drawing too many amps. When the weather is real hot it is really hard on them.
Reply:If you put new breakers in and it still tripped, I would suspect a wire grounding, if not that look at the motor drawing too many amps. call an AC guy. Sorry.
Reply:It's either a bad unit or could be it is wired wrong.
Reply:have the a/c people come and check your air conditioner and see if it needs to be recharged. that will cause it to cycle on and off
Reply:an Old electrician told me one way of finding that kind of problem...Let's say that you are popping a 20 amp breaker...Old guy sez "put a 50 amp in it, and follow the smoke!"...It does sound like your compressor is asking for more than it is getting...Is it old? Might need a total cleaning...cooling coils especially.. To give it an isolation type test, get a heavy-duty extension cord, and plug it into a different breakered outlet...the results should help identify the source.. (Personally , I have only done the "smoke" test on someone else's car , not a house ckt, as The darned house might catch on fire) good luck.Oh yeah, It worked.!!
Reply:Is your A/C on the same circuit as other stuff? Is it pulling more than the circuit can handle at once? What else goes off when the circuit breaks? Can you move that stuff to another circuit?