Circuit Breaker on AC tripping - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| ajaybarve
 |  "Circuit Breaker on AC tripping"
, posted Mon 25 Oct 16:46:  
Circuit breaker on AC is tripping. When I turn it on I hear some whizzing at the circuit breaker and the lights flickering. In about 3 seconds it trips. I have tried replacing the circuit breaker but same thing. The fan in the attic comes on with the AC circuit breaker tripped. Its the outside unit does not start. Its about a 10 year old unit. Any suggestions on what could be the problem. Havent been able to venture out as its raining heavily.
Thanks for any suggestions in advance.
Ajay.
[this message was edited by ajaybarve on Mon 25 Oct 16:48] |
| Replies:
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| ajaybarve
| "Re(1):Circuit Breaker on AC tripping" , posted Wed 27 Oct 21:40
Looks like the reason it went bad is because the builder messed up. They put in a 4 ton furnace on a 5 ton coil and 5 ton compressor. So what the technician said was that the compressor was being taxed. The oil was getting sucked or something like that. Wonder if the filters had any thing to do with this. This year I changed from using the cheap 59c fiber glass filters (the blue filters) from home depot to some more expensive 3m filters which appeared to be better at filtering dust as I have seen less dust buildup on stuff. Wonder if that constricted the air flow more. However I was regular in changing the filters every 3 months. The technician was surprised it lasted this long (10 years). Anyhow looks like I will be changing the furnace as well. Those bozos did the same mismatch on the upstairs unit. 2 ton furnace with a 2.5 ton compressor and a 3 ton coil. Now I have a 10 SEER. I am getting quotes for both a 12 & a 14 seer system. My down stairs is 2000 sq ft. and upstairs is about 970 sq ft. This was calculated by taking the dimensions of each room, claculating the sq ft and adding it all up. I am being told that a 4 ton will be good enough for the bottom floor.
Also thinking of going with TRANE. They seem to be giving a 10yr warranty on everything including the coil.
Also since I am changing the furnace as well, would it make sense to look at a heat pump?
The reason I am changing the furnace is because the initial quote I have received is only approx 1100 extra for the furnace (12 seer)if I do it now. Wonder if I should just bite the bullet right now and get the furnace as well.
Any thoughts are welcome.
Ajay.
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| xenos
Webmaster 
| "Re(1):Circuit Breaker on AC tripping" , posted Mon 25 Oct 17:42
It could be several things, I woul dhave a liik out side and try to determin if it's the fan or compressor.
Xenos.
The best way to escape a problem is to solve it.
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| | ajaybarve
| "Re(2):Circuit Breaker on AC tripping" , posted Wed 27 Oct 21:38:
[this message was edited by ajaybarve on Wed 27 Oct 21:39] |
| | ajaybarve
| "Re(2):Circuit Breaker on AC tripping" , posted Mon 25 Oct 22:38
Went out and took a look. Looks like the relay contacts are burnt. tried to override the relay and there was a spark and the breaker tripped. Looks like its not a bad relay. Would it be a seized compressor?
Ajay.
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| | ajaybarve
| "Re(3):Circuit Breaker on AC tripping" , posted Tue 26 Oct 11:40
Well my compressor has gone bad. So I need a whole new unit. My current system is a 10 SEER 5TON. I am thinking of having the coil changed as well as its also 10 years old. Any suggestions on what I should replace it with? My current is a LENNOX.
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| | Mastertech
| "Re(4):Circuit Breaker on AC tripping" , posted Tue 26 Oct 20:11
Is there a reason for the compressor going bad?
What is the square footage of the house and state you are in?
Are all the supply grills mostly open?
Was the filter very, very dirty?
The reason why im asking is a top 3 or 4 brand going out in 10 years is not comon, but does happen. If there is a problem fix it now or it will cause problems later on.
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| | ajaybarve
| "Re(5):Circuit Breaker on AC tripping" , posted Tue 26 Oct 23:11:
[this message was edited by ajaybarve on Wed 27 Oct 21:38] |
| | xenos
Webmaster
| "Re(5):Circuit Breaker on AC tripping" , posted Tue 26 Oct 20:16
I was thinking the same thing just didn't say it. LOL
Xenos.
The best way to escape a problem is to solve it.
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| | xenos
Webmaster
| "Re(4):Circuit Breaker on AC tripping" , posted Tue 26 Oct 19:07
Lennox is a world leader there is no reason why you shouldn’t stick with it.
Xenos.
The best way to escape a problem is to solve it.
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| | Wolfe
| "Re(5):Circuit Breaker on AC tripping" , posted Tue 26 Oct 19:17
I personally don't care for lennox products. Yes you should have the indoor unit replaced as well so that the coils match up and you get the utmost efficiency out of your new unit. I prefer Carrier and Rheem to lennox anyday.
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