Air conditioner tripping breaker: Finding the problem and how to fix it

With an air conditioning system installed, you can easily keep your property cool throughout the warm summer months. An air conditioner tripping the circuit breaker though? Well, that is no use to you at all.

AC devices are connected to your home’s circuit breaker to protect your property from electrical fires and explosions. There are several reasons why your AC may trip the circuit breaker switch and cause your system to shut down.

Air conditioner tripping breaker – what to do to try and fix it

To enjoy cool temperatures at home again, you need to find out exactly why your AC is tripping the breaker. An AC repairs and maintenance professional can help you to find the source of the problem and fix the issue.

Alternatively, you can try to solve the problem yourself. To do this, you first need to check if it is actually the AC unit tripping the switch. Storms can cause power surges and cause the circuit breaker to trip.

No recent storms or power outages? In this case, resetting your AC unit may be all that is needed to fix the problem. Follow the reset instructions for your AC circuit breaker and see if that resolves the issue.

Just bear in mind that a system reset will not fix all AC-related problems. An air conditioner tripping breaker switches repeatedly likely has a fault in need of urgent  attention.

Want to discover and resolve the issue yourself? We’ve got you covered.

Reasons why your AC keeps tripping the circuit breaker

Here are six of the most common reasons why air conditioning sets off the trip switch:

• Faulty circuit breaker
• Loose wiring
• Damaged parts
• Start-up issues
• Dirty filter or coils
• Not enough refrigerant

To help you determine the cause of your malfunctioning AC unit, let’s take a closer look at each of these problems.

Faulty circuit breaker

You may have a problem with your home’s circuit breaker and not the AC unit. A faulty circuit breaker will trip frequently and deliver a fluctuating power flow.

Frayed wires and visible damage are signs that your circuit breaker needs some TLC. Repairing or replacing your circuit breaker may be the solution you have been looking for.

Loose wiring

The circuit breaker trip switch is designed to shut down your AC when the electrical current becomes dangerous. Loose wires inside the air conditioning unit or the breaker itself can cause the switch to trip.

Unstable connections can disrupt the safe flow of electricity throughout your AC system. The circuit breaker will shut off your unit if a potentially dangerous electrical surge is detected.

Damaged parts

Broken and malfunctioning parts can be the reason why your AC unit keeps tripping the breaker. Air conditioner units are made up of the following internal and external parts:

• Condenser coil
• Evaporator coil
• Fan
• Refrigerant
• Expansion valve
• Compressor
• Filters

AC components can become damaged and malfunction as your unit ages. Broken fans, frozen evaporator coils and faulty compressors are three of the most common reasons why an AC malfunctions and trips the circuit breaker.

Start-up issues

The compressor is the part responsible for starting your AC unit. Working fans and coils are of no use if the compressor is not working correctly.

A faulty compressor can attempt to draw dangerous levels of electricity to start up the AC unit. When this happens, the circuit breaker will trip and your AC won’t turn on.

A faulty compressor is the most likely cause if your AC trips the breaker immediately after switching the unit on.

Dirty filter or coils

The last thing you want is a dirty AC unit blowing dust around your home. A buildup of dirt in your AC unit can cause unpleasant smells and set off the trip switch.

Clogged filters will cause the AC components to work overtime. Coils covered in the debris will also cause the unit to malfunction.

Failing to regularly clean these essential components can lead to overheating and the circuit breaker will cut the power flow to your AC.

Not enough refrigerant

Refrigerant is essential to the proper function of an AC system. It works by absorbing heat and converting it into cool air. AC units that blow out hot air or provide low air flow may need more refrigerant.

Low refrigerant levels can make the AC system work too hard. As we are sure you have learned by now, an overworked AC unit will trip the circuit breaker!

How to stop your air conditioner tripping the breaker switch

As you can see, there are several reasons why an AC trips the breaker. Once you get to the root of the problem, you can successfully resolve the issue.

Fix your malfunctioning AC unit as soon as possible. Leaving the problem unresolved for too long can result in you paying more for avoidable repairs in the future.

The type of repair work you need will depend on which of the AC components are causing the circuit breaker to trip.

Replace a faulty circuit breaker

If your circuit breaker panel is outdated and malfunctioning frequently, a professional replacement is needed. Visibly damaged breakers should also be upgraded or repaired. Keep your home safe by hiring an electrician near you to safely install your new circuit breaker panel.

Not all AC problems can be solved by investing in a new circuit breaker. This solution is only needed if your circuit breaker panel is showing other signs of deterioration, such as providing unstable electrical flow and tripping several switches (not just the AC).

Check wires and connections

Loose wires can interrupt the safe flow of electricity around the AC unit. A circuit breaker will trip the switch to eliminate the threat of an unstable current.

Electrical faults are best left to the professionals. Attempting to repair loose connections and damaged wires yourself can be dangerous. Don’t put yourself and your home at risk, hire a reputable electrician to fix the problem for you.

Fix broken parts

You need to perform regular maintenance work to keep your AC unit in full working order. If you ignore essential cleaning, components can wear down and become damaged.

Damaged parts can cause short circuits, overheating and power surges, resulting in a tripped breaker switch.

You can replace old air filters yourself, but hiring an expert is necessary for other repairs. AC technicians are trained to solve issues with broken fan motors, frozen evaporator coils and refrigerant leaks.

Unfortunately, you can’t fix all air conditioning problems. Burnt out start-up compressors are beyond repair and require a full unit replacement.

Clean your AC unit

It is only a matter of time before a dirty AC unit starts triggering the trip switch. A buildup of dust and grime will prevent the components from working as they should.

Follow your AC maintenance instructions to avoid unnecessary damage. Remove dust from the fan blades, coils and condenser. Always make sure to switch your AC unit off during cleaning.

If dirt was the problem, your air conditioner will not trip the switch when you turn it back on. Regular air conditioning servicing can also help to prevent this problem from reoccurring in the future.

Fix refrigerant leaks

Hot air and lots of noise are two signs that your AC unit has a refrigerant leak. Air conditioning works by circulating a refrigerant gas around the various components, resulting in cool air seeping into your home.

You can learn more about refrigerants and how air conditioning works by reading our expert article.

Having the correct level of refrigerant circulating around your air con system is essential. Low gas levels cause the AC unit to draw too much power and trip the circuit breaker.

An AC technician can locate the source of a leak and fix this common problem. You will also need a refrigerant recharge to increase gas levels back to normal.

Prevent AC problems

Prevention is always the best course of action. Follow these tips to keep your AC performing at its best:

• Follow a regular cleaning schedule
• Perform regular maintenance, such as replacing filters (as per unit instructions)
• Regularly check circuit breaker and AC unit for signs of wear and tear
• Professionally service the unit every 12 – 18 months
• Don’t ignore bad smells or strange noises coming from the AC unit

What to do if none of your attempts work

Stopping your AC unit from tripping the circuit breaker isn’t always easy. Sometimes the problem can persist after you have cleaned all of the parts and reset the unit.

Circuit breakers are a hub of electricity. Stay safe and hire a professional to fix the problem. At Checkatrade, we can help you to find the best tradesperson for the job.

Search our directory and hire an air conditioning company near you to stop all of your air conditioner tripping breaker switch problems once and for all!

Key takeaways

• Refrigerant leaks, dirty filters, electrical faults and broken parts can all result in an air conditioner tripping the breaker switch
• Fixes to these common problems include: a regular cleaning routine, annual servicing, professional repairs, and a circuit breaker reset
• The majority of AC problems need to be fixed by a professional. Circuit breakers and AC units have many parts and attempting DIY repairs can be dangerous

FAQs

How do you fix a tripping air conditioner?

The solution to a tripping air conditioner depends on what is causing the problem. Cleaning all of the parts will keep the AC unit running smoothly. Troubleshooting and repairing electrical faults is another common solution.

An AC specialist can determine exactly what is wrong with your system and perform the necessary repairs.

Why does AC trip after 5 minutes?

Overheating parts can cause your AC to switch off after a few minutes of use. Damaged and dirty parts need a greater electrical current to work correctly. This large draw of electricity will trip the circuit breaker as a safety measure.

Infrequent use can also cause the AC to trip the switch after 5 minutes of use.

Should I reset AC breaker?

Yes, reset the AC if it has tripped the circuit breaker. A system reset can resolve many AC problems.

Occasionally, you need more than a circuit breaker reset to restore your AC to full working order. Resetting the breaker will not fix your AC if there is a refrigerant leak or damaged parts, for example.

How do I know if my AC breaker is tripped?

Circuit breakers prevent power surges to your electrical systems. When your AC tries to draw too much electrical current, the trip switch activates, reducing the risk of an electrical fire or explosion.

If your AC won’t turn on, a tripped breaker could be to blame. Check your main circuit breaker panel to see if the AC switch is on. If not, your system has tripped the switch and you need to fix the problem.