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HomeRepair HelpRheem Central A/C RepairRheem Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping Repair
Rheem Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping
When a Rheem central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping, the most likely cause is a shorted condenser fan motor in the outdoor condensing unit. A seized motor or windings shorted to ground can cause the AC breaker or fuses to trip repeatedly. The next most likely cause is 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. Less common causes include a shorted compressor, a failed control board, or damaged wiring in the wire harness. This problem is often described as central air tripping breaker, an AC condenser keeps tripping breaker, or an air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping. Turn off power before inspecting components, but remember that the disconnect box and equipment contain dangerous 240V line voltage. Testing or replacing electrical parts should be handled by a qualified technician unless you are trained to work safely with HVAC wiring. Compressor or other sealed-system repairs require an EPA 608-certified technician and refrigerant handling. Enter your Rheem model number to find the exact replacement condenser fan motor, blower motor, compressor, control board, or wire harness for your unit.
01 - Rheem 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 - Rheem 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 - Rheem 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 - Rheem 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 - Rheem 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 - Rheem 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 Rheem central air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?
What should I check if the outdoor AC fan motor is shorted or the condenser fan is not running?
Can a blower motor cause the central air conditioner breaker to trip?
Could the compressor, control board, or wire harness be causing my AC breaker to keep tripping?
How do I find the correct Rheem central air conditioner replacement part?
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