Air conditioners are a must-have for making your home comfortable. These complex machines run with the help of numerous electrical components, and these components also need a safety net to protect them, which is where the AC breaker comes in.
AC breakers, or circuit breakers, are a critical component in every home that provides safety and protection to the house’s electrical systems and residents. They do this by preventing electricity flow if there is an overload, short circuit, or fault within the AC system. Unlike fuses, which serve their function only once and then need to be replaced, a circuit breaker trips when there is excess current flow and then can be reset to resume normal operation.
This article looks at everything homeowners need to know about their AC circuit breakers, from troubleshooting them to their usage.
Usage of AC Breakers
Circuit breakers are rated by amps, which indicate the maximum current they can handle without tripping. For proper safety and smooth operation of your AC, you need to choose the correct size of the circuit breaker if you don’t want to face the common problem of your AC tripping breaker. If your AC system draws more current than the breaker’s rating, it will trip.
The compressor of your AC will have the information you need to determine what size of breaker you need. The data chart will have two important values that you need to look at: the minimum circuit ampacity and the maximum over-current protection. The MCA will tell you the required gauge of the copper wire you should use, and the MOP is the maximum size of circuit breaker you should use. The MOP value is the one you should focus on, as choosing a circuit breaker with a bigger size will mean you have an oversized breaker that will not work as intended. With an undersized breaker on the other hand, you will see that your AC is getting frequently power tripped, meaning the current flow throughout the system is too much for the breaker to handle and it is turning off.
You should also know about the different types of circuit breakers, primarily single-pole and double-pole breakers. Single pole breakers have a capacity of 120V and are usually used for smaller appliances such as fans or vacuums. Double-pole breakers have double the capacity at 240V and are suitable for larger machines like air conditioners. If you open up your house’s main electric panel, you’re bound to find both types of breakers.
Bigger central air conditioner systems usually come with two separate circuit breakers, one for the indoor unit and one for the outdoor unit where the condenser and compressor are located.
Common Reasons for AC Breaker Trips
Circuit breaker tripping can result from improper breaker sizing, overloaded circuits, short circuits, or faulty components. If you upgraded your HVAC system but didn’t change the breakers, then it could be that the breaker is not suitable for your current system which is why you’re seeing that your AC trips breaker after 5 minutes.
The problem could also be within your AC instead of the breakers. Dirty air filters are a common culprit, as all the dirt and dust that accumulate on the filters over time can cause extra strain on your cooling system and make it work harder, leading to increased energy usage. A malfunctioning compressor or loose/frayed wires can cause excessive current draw as well.
Troubleshooting
If the breaker has tripped, you can reset it by turning it off and then back on. If a breaker won’t reset immediately after tripping, it’s usually because the problem that caused it to trip in the first place is still present. Ensure all devices on the circuit are unplugged or turned off before trying to reset the breaker. If the breaker trips with no load, it may be malfunctioning and should be replaced.
The most common reason breakers trip is due to being overloaded, so either reduce the electricity strain on the system or upgrade to a breaker with higher capacity. You should also check for signs of a short circuit every now and then, such as burnt or melted wires, and address the issue promptly as it can be a serious safety hazard. The breaker’s age is also a factor. Although you can expect one to last for many years if your breaker is significantly old than that it would be best to replace it even if there haven’t been any problems.
Conclusion
When it comes to high-capacity electrical devices like circuit breakers, it is extremely important to prioritize safety. You can do some basic troubleshooting and maintenance yourself, but for more serious issues always contact professional HVAC services.
By understanding common issues, troubleshooting techniques, and proper usage of AC circuit breakers, you can keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. Knowing when to upgrade or replace your AC breaker, as well as when to seek professional help, can save you time, and money, and help to increase the lifespan of your AC.