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Newseason · 12-17-2022, 08:45 AM

We have 3 15000 BTU AC/Heat pump units on our Dynasty - they appear original, so probably 16 yrs old. One of them - with increasing regularity - will trip its breaker. We reset the breaker & we’re good to go until it decides to have its next hissy fit. It might happen daily, ever other day or once a week - no seeming regularity.

Does this sound like a capacitor? Thanks

edgewant · 12-17-2022, 09:23 AM

Maybe try swapping breakers to rule that out.

Arch Hoagland · 12-17-2022, 10:15 AM

Where are you that you are using your air conditioners? lol

Newseason · 12-17-2022, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Where are you that you are using your air conditioners? lol

Great question! Not using them currently - stored in Indy. But, this was our dynamic on our last trip & experienced it this past summer.

Prepping for some maintenance! Thanks

Newseason · 12-17-2022, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgewant

Maybe try swapping breakers to rule that out.

Thank you - I think this will definitely be my first step!

NXR · 12-17-2022, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newseason

Thank you - I think this will definitely be my first step!

If a circuit breaker feels even slightly warm while the others are cool then the breaker is defective.

Also try gently rapping the affected breaker with the handle of a screwdriver. Sometimes a defective breaker will trip when you do that test.

Ray

DRM901 · 12-17-2022, 05:04 PM

It could be a capacitor or just a worn out compressor. I have one of these for testing capacitors. Works great.

https://www.amazon.com/KAIWEETS-Mult...ef_=ast_sto_dp

Pelledan · 12-17-2022, 05:46 PM

As stated above, check the circuit breaker first. In fact they are inexpensive enough to just replace. Just make sure you replace it with the same amperage as the original one. If that doesn't solve the problem, then check the start capacitor. All you need to do that is an insulated handle (wood or plastic) screw driver and a cheap volt meter that has a resistance selection. Remove the terminal wires from the capacitor and short across them with the screwdriver shaft. This will discharge any power still held in the capacitor. Set your volt meter to resistance, touch both meter wires together, and adjust the needle deflection to full scale. Then touch one meter wire to a terminal on the capacitor, and watch the meter as you touch its other wire to the other capacitor terminal. If you get a deflection (the needle will quickly "blip" from zero to some lower point on the scale), the capacitor is good. If the needle goes to full scale and stays there, the capacitor is shorted and needs to be replaced. If the needle doesn't move off of zero, the capacitor is open and needs to be replaced. Since the problem seems to be random, I doubt the issue is with the capacitor. Once they fail, they're done. Either the circuit breaker has become weak, or either the compressor or the fan motor is drawing more power than it is rated for and tripping the breaker. That could be just a corroded wire terminal causing high resistance and the insulation around it may be discolored or melted. The fan motor is an economical repair, but if the compressor proves to be the culprit, replacing the unit would be the best fix.
Dan

chuckftboy · 12-17-2022, 06:27 PM

While you are checking breakers and capacitors as others have suggested make sure to check and tighten ALL your electrical connections. It is suggested that all electrical lugs and wire nuts ne checked annually for tightness. Something as simple as a loose connection can cause an appliance to draw high amps and trip a breaker.

VolDawg · 12-17-2022, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckftboy

While you are checking breakers and capacitors as others have suggested make sure to check and tighten ALL your electrical connections.

Last summer I had a similar problem while at the beach with one of my a/c breakers tripping. I tightened up all my breaker electrical connections and the problem seems to have gone away.

jacwjames · 12-17-2022, 07:13 PM

When my front AC was ~13 years old it started kicking the breaker. Checked the normal things and then finally I checked the motor and it was almost seized, could barely turn it by hand. At the time I could by one for ~$125 so I went ahead and changed. That was in 2015.
Last year my rear AC started to act up a little, checked on a motor and could not find one. So I just replaced both AC to be done with it. Never know if that was a good idea though, seems like the newer AC's don't hold up like the old ones.