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Broan Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping

If your Broan central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping, stop resetting it repeatedly because a shorted component can damage the system or create a fire hazard. The most likely cause is a defective condenser fan motor in the outdoor condensing unit. A seized motor, shorted winding, or damaged insulation can make the AC condenser keep tripping the breaker or fuses. Next, check the outdoor fan motor, followed by the furnace or air handler blower motor, especially if the blower wheel does not turn freely, the motor smells burnt, or its windings are shorted. A shorted compressor is less common but can cause the central air tripping breaker, as can a failed control board or damaged wire harness with loose or broken wiring. These parts involve 240V line voltage, so testing or replacing them should be handled by a qualified HVAC technician unless you are trained and equipped for this work. Compressor replacement also involves the sealed refrigerant system and requires EPA 608 certification. Enter your Broan model number to find the exact replacement condenser fan motor, outdoor fan motor, blower motor, compressor, control board, or wire harness for your central air conditioner.

01 - Broan 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 - Broan 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 - Broan 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...e replaced.
Common

04 - Broan 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 - Broan 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 - Broan 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 Broan central air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?
How do I troubleshoot a condenser fan motor when the AC breaker keeps tripping?
Can a blower motor cause a central air conditioner to keep tripping the breaker?
Should I replace the compressor or control board if my AC breaker keeps tripping?
How do I find the correct Broan replacement part for an AC that keeps tripping the breaker?