Forum Discussion

Griffin_sride's avatar
Griffin_sride
Explorer
Jul 21, 2015

A/C Tripping breaker

What could cause the A/C to trip the breaker after it's been running for a while? Sometimes it trips it's own 20amp and sometimes it'll trip it's 20amp along with the main 30amp. It'll only do it when it's hot outside and the unit is really having to work. I've cleaned the coils throughly and they're spotless as well as the return air filter. The unit is 14 years old and I'm just wondering if age and wear will cause the A/C to draw more amps? I've had nothing else in the RV running and it doesn't matter if I'm on generator or shore power it will still trip. When it's cooler or at night it will run just fine.

2000 Fleewood Expedition 36t with 30 amp service.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 21, 2015
    Check the capacitors to see if they're physically leaking or the seals have blown.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2015
    It may be freezing up which makes the compressor harder to start when it cycles. High humidity may cause the freezing. You may try raising the temp on the thermostat, this can help to prevent the freezing up.

    Breakers do wear out and will trip easier.
  • Larryect's avatar
    Larryect
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2015
    Low voltage could increase amperage draw, hot ambient temps, age etc. could affect the breakers. If you could use an amp meter to check the draw, you might get a better idea whats going on.
  • DavidP's avatar
    DavidP
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2015
    I would bet a compressor getting tired and nearing a lock stage. I would check the amperage draw on the compressor/unit as a starting point. A weak breaker could also cause this but if the main trips as well I would most likely rule that out.

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