Tempstar Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping
If your Tempstar central air is tripping the breaker, the outdoor condensing unit or furnace/air handler has an electrical fault that needs attention. The most likely cause is a shorted condenser fan motor, followed by the outdoor fan motor, which can trip the breaker or fuses when its windings short to ground or its bearings seize. Next, check the blower motor and blower wheel in the furnace or air handler, since a seized or shorted blower motor can also cause central air tripping breaker problems. Less common causes include a shorted compressor in the outdoor condensing unit, a failed control board, or damaged wiring or a wire harness with loose or exposed connections. Turn off power at the circuit breaker and disconnect box before inspecting for burn marks, damaged wires, or a seized motor. Testing or replacing these components involves 240V line voltage and should be handled by a qualified HVAC technician or electrician if you are not trained for electrical work. Compressor diagnosis and any sealed-system or refrigerant repair require an EPA 608-certified technician. Enter your Tempstar model number to find the exact replacement part for your central air conditioner.
01 - Tempstar 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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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.
03 - Tempstar 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.
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.
05 - Tempstar 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.
06 - Tempstar 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.