Breaker Keeps Breaking

I installed one of the RV 120VAC line meters that plugs into an out of the way 120VAC Receptacle. This is a great thing to have around to ocassionally glance at to confirm your line voltage is within the GREEN safe zone printed on the scale...

Available from AMAZON and most RV supply stores.



Roy Ken

wa8yxm wrote:
From personal experience there are some things I'd look at.

1: First: the voltage.. If the voltage is low (Say 104 volts though that is given as an example only) the compressor will need more time to start and will draw more current while starting (the blower will need more too) IN fact, there is danger of burning out the compressor at this or lower voltages.

2: CLEANING, go topside pull the covers (Outer and inner) clean the condenser coils, evaporator (if needed) blower and fan, IF there are lubrication ports.. USE THEM (usually there are none).

3: Breaker itself

4: Start capacitor (If you replace, get a "hard start" kit).

But start with the line voltage.

Good analysis.

From personal experience there are some things I'd look at.

1: First: the voltage.. If the voltage is low (Say 104 volts though that is given as an example only) the compressor will need more time to start and will draw more current while starting (the blower will need more too) IN fact, there is danger of burning out the compressor at this or lower voltages.

2: CLEANING, go topside pull the covers (Outer and inner) clean the condenser coils, evaporator (if needed) blower and fan, IF there are lubrication ports.. USE THEM (usually there are none).

3: Breaker itself

4: Start capacitor (If you replace, get a "hard start" kit).

But start with the line voltage.

Use a VOM/multimeter and check the voltage and amps this will verify that your voltage is correct and that the problem is or is not with in the AC.
Diagnosis for electrical problems can in most cases be simplified with a VOM saving a lot of floundering around.

The capacitor X3

Check the run capacitor.

Breakers just get old and weak sometimes. They're cheap enough that I would try just replacing that part first.
Also, I would pull the cover off and make sure the hard start cap hasn't blown or isn't leaking.

Good luck,
Scott