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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Central A/C RepairKenmore Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping Repair
Kenmore Central air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping
If your Kenmore 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 shorted winding can make the AC breaker trip repeatedly. Next, check the outdoor fan motor, which may have the same electrical failure. A defective blower motor in the furnace or air handler can also cause the air conditioner to trip the breaker, especially if its bearings are seized or the motor has a burnt odor. Less common causes include a shorted compressor, a damaged control board, or a broken or loose wire harness. These problems can cause central air tripping breaker symptoms, including an AC condenser that keeps tripping the breaker or an air conditioner circuit breaker that will not stay on. Do not repeatedly reset the breaker. The outdoor condensing unit and furnace or air handler contain 240V line-voltage components, so electrical testing and repairs should be handled by a qualified HVAC technician or electrician. Compressor work inside the sealed refrigerant system requires EPA 608 certification. Enter your Kenmore model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific central air conditioner.
01 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 Kenmore central air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?
Why does the AC breaker trip when the condenser fan starts?
Can the blower motor in the furnace or air handler trip the AC breaker?
Is a bad compressor or control board causing my Kenmore AC breaker to trip?
How do I find the correct replacement part for a Kenmore central air conditioner?
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