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HomeRepair HelpNutone Central A/C RepairNutone Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping Repair
Nutone Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping
If your NuTone central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping, the outdoor condenser fan motor is the most likely cause. A motor with shorted windings or seized bearings can make the AC condenser keep tripping the breaker or fuses. The outdoor fan motor is the next likely problem, followed by the furnace or air handler blower motor. A blower motor with an electrical short, burnt odor, or blower wheel that will not turn freely can overload the circuit. Less commonly, a shorted compressor in the outdoor condensing unit, a failed control board, or damaged wire harness can cause an air conditioner circuit breaker to trip. With power disconnected, you can inspect for burnt wires, loose connections, and restricted motor movement, and a qualified person can use a multimeter to check for a short to ground. Central air conditioners use 240V line voltage, so shut off the disconnect box and circuit breaker before inspection, and have a qualified HVAC technician handle energized testing or compressor replacement. Compressor work may involve the sealed refrigerant system and requires EPA 608 certification. Enter your NuTone model number to find the exact replacement condenser fan motor, blower motor, compressor, control board, or wire harness for your unit.
01 - Nutone 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 - Nutone 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 - Nutone 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 - Nutone 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 - Nutone 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 - Nutone 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 NuTone central air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?
How do I troubleshoot a condenser fan that is not running when the AC breaker trips?
Can the blower motor cause my central air conditioner to keep tripping the breaker?
Should I replace the compressor or control board when the AC breaker keeps tripping?
How do I find the correct NuTone replacement part for a central air conditioner that keeps tripping the breaker?
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