What To Do When My Aircon Keeps Tripping The Switchboard

It’s a typical day in Brisbane and the temperature is rising , so you switch on your air conditioner to get some relief. But then something unexpected happens – your AC trips the switchboard!

Do you try to fix it yourself, or should you call an expert?

Well, before doing either of those things, it’s important to determine why your AC is tripping in the first place. Several underlying causes could lead to this issue, from loose wiring, an ageing switchboard, dirty condenser coils or a broken coil fan.

To reset the power, go to your switchboard and reset the switch by flicking it back to the ON position. Sometimes the issue is a glitch and the safety switch can be reset easily.

If it happens again you need to get a licenced electrician to take a look at it. This will avoid further damage that could be caused by continued tripping.

Let us go through the reasons why your air conditioner is causing the issue.

Diagnosing AC issues – Check for these culprits

1. Switchboard is Old, Something Is Damaged, Or Undersized

A faulty or undersized circuit breaker may be the culprit when your air conditioner trips the breaker immediately. It’s also possible that loose wiring is causing the issue. An electrical short circuit can create a spike in current that trips the breaker too. So if this is happening to you, check for these issues first before calling in an expert.

Faulty thermostats, bad capacitors, and grounded compressors can all contribute to ongoing electrical problems with your air conditioner as well. Motor shorts are another common cause of tripping breakers; they happen when insulation wears off wires, connections become loose, or geckos get zapped when they enter the air con motor and touch a live component.

For comprehensive solutions to these issues, consider an electrical switchboard upgrade. Upgrading your switchboard can enhance safety, improve efficiency, and prevent frequent tripping caused by outdated or damaged components.

2. Dirty Condenser Coils

When the coil is clogged with dirt and debris, it restricts airflow and reduces the efficiency of the cooling system. This causes pressure buildup that eventually leads to tripping the breaker.

Moreover, an oversized AC unit can lead to frequent cycling and tripping of the circuit breaker due to high current draw during start-up and shutdown cycles.

However, if you have already installed a new air conditioning unit or your old one is working fine but still trips the circuit breaker, then you should consider getting your AC serviced by professionals as soon as possible! The consequences of constant tripping are serious – from permanent damage to equipment failure, there is also the risk of fire in such cases.

Consider getting your air conditioners deep cleaned each year. Your air conditioner is thoroughly cleaned and flushed and also checked to ensure it is working properly and if an issue is spotted, we can diagnose and fix any problem quickly and affordably without causing further harm.

3. Broken Coil Fan

When your AC’s coil fan breaks or is damaged, it can cause the breaker to trip due to a lack of airflow, so don’t let the problem go unresolved- get it looked at quickly by experienced technicians!

The coil fan helps circulate cool air throughout the home by forcing air over the frozen coils. If these coils become too cold, they may freeze up and prevent airflow. Faulty capacitors, refrigerant leaks, malfunctioning thermostats, or low airflow can also cause a broken coil fan.

In addition to tripping the circuit breaker, a broken coil fan could result in other serious problems, such as damaged components or, even worse – fire. To keep your family safe and prevent costly repairs down the line, it’s best to call an expert right away if you suspect your AC has a broken coil fan. You’ll be glad you did when everything is running smoothly again without having had to break the bank or risk harm coming to anyone in your household.

4. The Compressor Is “Hard Starting”

The AC’s compressor struggling to start can cause a surge of power that trips the breaker, leading to potential damage and fire – don’t put it off any longer; get an experienced technician on the job today!

If you’re dealing with an old AC unit and notice it’s begun hard starting – which is when it takes extra time for the compressor to kick in – it may be time to replace some parts. Installing a hard start kit or replacing the capacitor can help reduce strain on the motor and alleviate the problem.

From bad capacitors to refrigerant leaks, we have all your air conditioner needs covered! Contact us today for fast and reliable repairs that won’t break the bank.

5. Loose Wiring & Aging A/C Parts

Don’t let loose wiring and aging A/C parts cause dangerous tripping—trust the professionals to keep your air conditioner running smoothly.

Nothing is worse than having an old, malfunctioning AC unit that’s constantly tripping the circuit breaker! It’s important to have it examined by an electrician who can identify any underlying problems and make sure it’s working efficiently.

6. A Dirty Air Filters

Dusty air filters can cause issues so don’t put off regular aircon cleaning or servicing – Not only does it keep your AC unit running smoothly, but it also prevents potential disasters from happening. Not sure how to clean or replace the air filters? Don’t worry! Contact a professional air conditioner service team today to have your air conditioner looked at and serviced (like replacing the dirty air filter) that might arise with your AC unit!

So don’t let a dirty air filter send your energy bill skyrocketing or put your home at risk for electrical hazards; take care of it now before bigger problems arise! 

Expert AC Repairs by Spanos ElectriCool

If your AC’s playing up or tripping the switchboard, don’t sweat it – let Spanos ElectriCool experts swoop in to save the day!

With our expertise in energy efficiency and all things electrical and air conditioning related, we can help you size up the right AC unit for your home. We’ll diagnose the underlying problem that’s causing your circuit breaker to trip and quickly fix any issues they find. So if you’re having constant problems with your air conditioner, call us today for an appointment! You won’t regret getting us on your side –– it could be the difference between staying cool or sweating out another hot summer night.

Whether you call for a new air conditioner installation or just some routine maintenance, our team is ready to lend a hand and get you back into cool air bliss!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the consequences of constantly tripping the breaker?

If your AC keeps tripping the breaker, you need to get it sorted.

• Not only can it cause overheating risks and wear down your unit’s power surge protection, it can be the reason of an electrical fire
• You will have to replace your air conditioner faster as it will wear out before it should.

The best way to avoid this is through preventive maintenance that ensures everything is running smoothly. Don’t wait until the damage has already been done – call in the experts!

What other factors should I think of when installing an air conditioner?

Several factors to think of when selecting the best AC unit for your home are:

• Size matters – make sure the fan size is big enough to cool your room and won’t be too noisy.
• Look out for energy efficiency ratings, too; the higher the rating, the more money you’ll save on bills in the long run!
• Don’t forget about filter maintenance either; keeping a clean filter will help ensure optimal performance.
• Lastly, check how well it controls temperature – you don’t want any surprises when summer temperatures rise! These are the reasons why your air conditioner is blowing hot air.

The Final Word

Air conditioner tripping the circuit breaker is like a game of whack-a-mole: you reset it, and then, boom! It trips again. If your air conditioner frequently trips the switchboard, it’s time to call in the experts.

You could try and troubleshoot the issue yourself, but if you don’t have any experience in this area, you could do more harm than good.

Get in touch with our air conditioning and switchboard experts today!