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HomeRepair HelpPayne Central A/C RepairPayne Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping Repair
Payne Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping
When your Payne central air conditioner keeps tripping the breaker or blowing fuses, the condenser fan motor is the most likely cause. A seized motor, shorted winding, or motor that will not turn freely can overload the circuit. The next most likely cause is the furnace or air handler blower motor, especially if its bearings have seized, it smells burnt, or its windings are shorted. Less common causes include a shorted compressor in the outdoor condensing unit, a failed control board in the furnace or air handler, or damaged wiring in the wire harness. These problems can cause central air tripping breaker symptoms, including an AC condenser that keeps tripping the breaker. Turn off power at the disconnect box and circuit breaker before inspecting for visible damage, but remember that central air conditioners use dangerous 240V line voltage. Testing motors, the compressor, the control board, or wiring with a multimeter should be handled by a qualified HVAC technician. Compressor or other sealed-system work also requires an EPA 608-certified technician. Enter your Payne model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific central air conditioner.
01 - Payne 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 - Payne 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 - Payne 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 - Payne 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 - Payne 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 - Payne 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 Payne central air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?
Can a condenser fan motor cause the central air conditioner breaker to trip?
Can the blower motor make my air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?
Is the compressor the reason my AC breaker keeps tripping?
How do I find the correct Payne central air conditioner replacement part?
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