Air Conditioner Start Trips Breaker

[ShadowT]

Main Breaker trips when TV or other kitchen appliance is on and air conditioner surges on.

After resetting the breaker once or twice a day, I'm concerned that there is wear on the breaker in the WFCO Distribution Center.

Lately, with only a clock on and any other appliance on a trickle drain, the air condition comes on and trips the breaker. Should I replace the breaker due to wear? I'd like one with a delay for allowing a surge before tripping.

I own a 2012 ACE 29.1.

[bdickson]

You could certainly try a new breaker, but it could also be a problem with the AC unit itself that is causing excessive start up current.

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by ShadowT

Main Breaker trips when TV or other kitchen appliance is on and air conditioner surges on.

After resetting the breaker once or twice a day, I'm concerned that there is wear on the breaker in the WFCO Distribution Center.

Lately, with only a clock on and any other appliance on a trickle drain, the air condition comes on and trips the breaker. Should I replace the breaker due to wear? I'd like one with a delay for allowing a surge before tripping.

I own a 2012 ACE 29.1.

A new breaker is relatively cheap and a good place to start.

[docj]

If you aren't aware of it, there are "hard start kits" available for RV A/C's. Hard start kits are the standard fix for any A/C compressor that takes more current than it is supposed to when starting.

[Skip426]

Also , possible that your shore power is low and the breaker is tripping as a result of a brown out like condition.
Need to check voltage available from the park's power post, too.

[tomwalt]

Thanks Doc - I never new this existed - makes sense, the kit looks like a big capacitor for about $12. Keep the old cap for a spare or to T/S.

[usinvestment]

Amp meters have come down in price x 10 Lowes has them for $35-45. I'd check the amp draws to see where and what is the cause of the overload. Also check all cords and connections. Is the same thing happening while running these items on the generator?

[ShadowT]

I have a voltage and current monitor installed that monitors shore or generator power and provides under/over current and voltage protection. It is good both input sources.

A capacitor that smooths the surge... what is the rating (size and farads, parallel connection to ground at the distribution center after the breaker)?

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by ShadowT

I have a voltage and current monitor installed that monitors shore or generator power and provides under/over current and voltage protection. It is good both input sources.

A capacitor that smooths the surge... what is the rating (size and farads, parallel connection to ground at the distribution center after the breaker)?

If you are referring to the "hard start kit", it replaces the start capacitor housed within the topside portion of the A/C. Specs vary by specific A/C unit. Here's an example:

Dometic Duo-Therm Penguin Air Conditioner Motor Hard Start Kit - ..

[Redridge]

check loose or clean prong connections, usually breakers dont go bad that quickly. I would suggest surge suppressors to protector against surges and low voltages.