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Lennox Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping

If your Lennox central air conditioner keeps tripping the breaker, shut the system off and avoid repeatedly resetting it. The most likely cause is a shorted condenser fan motor in the outdoor condensing unit. A seized motor or windings shorted to ground can trip the breaker or fuses. Next, check the outdoor fan motor, followed by the furnace or air handler blower motor. A blower motor with seized bearings, burnt wiring, or an electrical short can also cause this problem. Less common causes include a shorted compressor, a damaged control board, or a broken or loose wire harness. These components require careful electrical testing, and central AC equipment uses dangerous 240-volt line voltage. Visual inspection and checking for burnt odors may be reasonable with power disconnected, but testing or replacing electrical parts should be handled by a qualified HVAC technician unless you are trained to work safely around line voltage. Compressor repair also involves the sealed refrigerant system and requires an EPA 608-certified technician. Enter your Lennox model number to find the exact replacement condenser fan motor, blower motor, control board, or wire harness for your central air conditioner.

01 - Lennox 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 - Lennox 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 - Lennox 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 - Lennox 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 - Lennox 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 - Lennox 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 Lennox central air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?
How do I test a condenser fan motor when the AC breaker keeps tripping?
Can a blower motor or blower wheel cause the central air conditioner breaker to trip?
Should I replace the compressor if my Lennox AC keeps tripping the breaker?
How do I find the correct Lennox replacement part for an AC that keeps tripping the breaker?

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