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Comfortmaker Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping

If your Comfortmaker central air conditioner keeps tripping the breaker or fuses, the condenser fan motor is the most likely cause. A shorted motor winding or seized bearings can overload the circuit, so a trained technician can test the motor for a short to ground and replace it if needed. 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 in the outdoor condensing unit, a failed control board, or damaged wiring or a wire harness. This problem involves 240V line voltage, the disconnect box, and potentially the main circuit breaker, so turn off power and leave electrical testing or component replacement to a qualified HVAC technician unless you are trained to work safely around high voltage. Compressor repairs also involve the sealed refrigerant system and require an EPA 608-certified technician. Do not repeatedly reset the breaker. Enter your Comfortmaker model number to find the exact replacement condenser fan motor, blower motor, compressor, control board, or wire harness for your central air conditioner.

01 - Comfortmaker 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 - Comfortmaker 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 - Comfortmaker 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 - Comfortmaker 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 - Comfortmaker 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 - Comfortmaker 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 Comfortmaker central air keep tripping the breaker?
How do I troubleshoot a condenser fan that is causing the AC breaker to trip?
Can a blower motor in the furnace or air handler cause the central air breaker to trip?
What should I check before replacing the compressor or control board when the AC breaker keeps tripping?
How do I find the correct Comfortmaker replacement part for an AC that keeps tripping the breaker?

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