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HomeRepair HelpCentral A/C RepairCentral air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping Repair
Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping
Is your central air tripping the breaker? Stop repeatedly resetting it, because the fault may damage the equipment or create a fire hazard. The most likely cause is a shorted condenser fan motor (also called the outdoor fan motor), a seized or shorted furnace or air handler blower motor, a shorted compressor, a failed control board, or damaged wiring in the wire harness. These faults can cause the central air tripping breaker, an AC condenser that keeps tripping the breaker, or an air conditioner circuit breaker that keeps tripping. With power disconnected at the circuit breaker and disconnect box, you can inspect for burnt wiring and check whether the condenser fan blade or blower wheel turns freely. Testing motor windings, the compressor, control board, or wire harness with a multimeter involves electrical hazards, and 240V line-voltage repairs should be handled by a qualified HVAC technician. Compressor replacement or any repair that opens the sealed refrigerant system requires an EPA 608-certified technician. Enter your model number to find the exact condenser fan motor, blower motor, compressor, control board, or wire harness for your central air conditioner.
01 - Central Air Conditioner Condenser Fan Motor
If the outdoor condensing unit's breaker or fuses keep tripping the condenser fan motor may be to blame. To determine if the condenser fan motor is shorted, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for a short to ground. If the condenser fan motor will not turn freely or the windings are shorted, replace the condenser fan motor.
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Common
02 - Central Air Conditioner Fan Motor
If the outdoor condensing unit's breaker or fuses keep tripping the condenser fan motor may be to blame. To determine if the outdoor fan motor is shorted, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for a short to ground. If the outdoor fan motor will not turn freely or the windings are shorted, it will need to be replaced.
Common
03 - Central Air Conditioner Blower Motor
Since the furnace or air handler's blower motor is the component that circulates the air through the home's venting, a defective blower motor may result in the circuit breaker tripping. You can try disconnecting the motor from the control board and see if the breaker still trips. You can also use a multimeter to test the blower motor for an electrical short, or see if there are any burnt smells coming from the motor. You can also try turning the blower wheel by hand. If the wheel does not turn freely, it's likely the motor bearings have seized. If the motor doesn't turn freely or is shorted the blower motor will need to b...
Common
04 - Central Air Conditioner Compressor
The compressor is located in the outdoor condensing unit and gets power through a service panel box next to the unit. If the compressor is shorted the fuses in the service panel box or the main breaker box may trip. You can test the compressor for shorts by using a multimeter. If the compressor windings are shorted the compressor itself or the whole unit will need to be replaced.
Less Common
05 - Central Air Conditioner Control Board
The control board regulates the power supply to all of the components of the furnace or air handler. If the control board shorts out it can trip the circuit breaker. A shorted control board will usually have burn marks or smell burnt and will need to be replaced.
Less Common
06 - Central Air Conditioner Wire Harness
A wire harness sends power and low voltage signals between the electrical components and the control board. If a wire harness becomes damaged, it can short out causing the circuit breaker to trip. Check the appropriate wire harnesses for breaks or loose connections. A damaged wire harness will need to be replaced.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my central air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?
Can a condenser fan motor cause the AC breaker to trip?
Can a blower motor make the central air conditioner trip the breaker?
Could the compressor or control board be causing the AC breaker to trip?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my central air conditioner?
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