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352's avatar
352
Explorer
Feb 10, 2018

Electric issues

Newly purchased used pop up. AC runs great for about 5 minutes then the breaker flips. 122 volts coming in. Standard OEM cord. Nothing else running. Original AC unit on a 2002. AC cools great for 5 minutes. One split breaker, 15 amp to AC and 20 amp to the rest. 20 amp receptacle service. Breaker feels warm. Bad breaker???? What an I missing? Thanks
  • slider45 wrote:
    A buddy had almost the same issue due to faulty breaker unit.



    Problem was a faulty cord
  • You need to troubleshoot with a clamp-on multimeter. This guessing and could be's will cost you $$. You must first find out what amperage the unit is pulling while running. It's either going to be over 15 amps or under. Common sense where to go from there.
  • Verify the size of your A/C unit. It may not be a standard full size unit as in conventional trailers and MHs. Smaller A/C units may only require 15 amp breaker.
  • Sounds like the AC might be running hot and going out on overload. Check the breaker for the AC, breakers do get weak as they age or a wire loose, if not then check some of the other ideas in previous answers, I always check from the power to the unit that does not work. also if you are using an extension cord it might not be heavy enough to carry the AC which will then overheat and go out on overload, when checking for voltage drop or amps the unit being tested should be running. Good Luck and Happy Camping
  • Usually air is on a 20 amp breaker. If the wire is #12 I would increase the breaker size.
    Otherwise high amp draw is a primary sign the compressor motor is shot and you need to replace the unit.
  • Could be loose connection, more apt to be a bad capacitor in A/C.
    Open A/C control area(roof top) and look for the capacitors. About 4 inches or so by 1 inch. There should be two one for motor and one for compressor. Look for bulging of the capacitor. This could indicate it/them are shorted.
    Inspect wiring for burnt areas.
  • I would go for a simple fix first. Could simply be a loose wire connection at the breaker causing heating. My A/C breaker started tripping like that a number of years ago. Replaced the breaker and no more tripping. And it was a 15/20 like yours but the 20 was feeding my 15K A/C.
  • Suggest you find an electrical person to help troubleshoot.
    Might check and tighten all screws on breakers etc.