June 6, 2010 By ©2007-2012Author - Licensed Electrical Contractor Filed under Circuit Breaker, Electrical, Safety

2 Comments

Electrical Question about a Tripping Circuit Breaker

Electrical Question about a Tripping Circuit Breaker

 

Electrical Question about Circuit Breaker

Received from a Handyman in Lawrence, NY

Question: My circuit breaker keeps tripping. There is only one item on this breaker, the air conditioner. Sometimes it trips right away, and sometimes it trips after running all day. Very inconsistent. This would exclude a short, my only guess is the breaker is not strong enough? but it’s 15 amps which should suffice. It is a somewhat older AC unit as well. Is it safe to upgrade to higher amperage breaker? 20 possibly? Any suggestions?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question.
Increasing the size of any circuit breaker because the circuit is tripping is extremely dangerous and could create a hazardous condition that can lead to a house fire! Circuit breakers are sized to protect the electrical wiring from overheating and to protect the equipment or electrical device in the case of an overloaded condition. Most of the time, a circuit breaker is tripping because of a fault or an electrical overloading condition which needs to be identified and repaired.  With air conditioners, it may be matter of the unit being low on freon or refrigerant.  If the compressor is aged then it may need to be replaced.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Electrical Question about a Tripping Circuit Breaker”
  1. Dave Rongey says:
    March 25, 2012 at 2:11 am

    Hi Gail,
    When something like this happens it will trip the circuit breaker, which will need to be turned all the way into the OFF position and then turned back ON. Typically this should not damaged the dryer unless it is new and the controls are electronic. If the dryer was damaged then you may want to consult your homeowners insurance company and see if this is covered.
    Enjoy your warm dry clothes!
    Dave

  2. gail gelep says:
    March 24, 2012 at 6:43 pm

    My dryer plug came into contact with a loose face plate and sparked and there was some black on the plug (and face plate). So I replaced the plug, dryer still didn’t work so I replaced the outlet, still doesn’t work. I tried to reset the circuit breaker but didn’t hear a “click”, is that why they dryer won’t work or could it be that the dryer was damaged?


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