window air conditioner trips breaker

Window Air Conditioner Trips Breaker – Causes and Solutions

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Did you know that a window air conditioner can trip a breaker? It’s true! This can happen if the AC pulls more amps than what the breaker is rated for. Get the details in this informative article to make sure you avoid this issue.

Quick Summary

A window air conditioner tripping a breaker is generally caused by it pulling too many amps. The breaker is designed to trip safely if the amount of amps exceeds its rating – typically, 15-20 amps. If the air conditioning unit draws more than the rating, the breaker will trip, leading to the loss of cooling. To solve this problem, review the unit’s manual to ensure the circuit it’s on is properly rated to handle the AC’s specified amp draw. An electrician may be needed to modify the wiring, breakers, and receptacle to match the AC’s needs. Properly sized wiring and breakers help to protect the electrical system from overloading.

Troubleshooting Window Air Conditioners: Causes and Solutions for Tripping Breakers

Can a Window AC Trip a Breaker?

The answer is yes. If the AC pulls more amps than what the breaker is rated for, then it can trip the breaker. For example, if the breaker is rated for 20 amps and the AC pulls 30 amps, the breaker will trip.

What Might Cause a Window Air Conditioner to Trip a Breaker?

For window air conditioners installed on their own circuits, circuit overload is a possible cause. Circuit overload occurs when an appliance, such as a window air conditioner, draws more amps than the breaker can handle.

Troubleshooting and Solutions for Tripping Breakers

  • Check the rating of the air conditioner and the circuit breaker to ensure that the current draw of the air conditioner does not exceed the rating of the circuit breaker.
  • Check for loose connections and ensure connections are properly wired.
  • Check for worn switches or motors and for frayed wires.

Related Products

1.) LEZIFU Portable Air Conditioner Window Kit with Hose, Adjustable Window Seal with 5.9 Inch Diameter 59″ Length Hose for Vertical/Horizontal Window Kit

Introducing the LEZIFU Portable Air Conditioner Window Kit with Hose. This kit is perfect for households that don’t have the space to install a central air conditioning system, but still want to enjoy the comfort of climate-controlled living. Featuring an adjustable window seal and 5.9″ diameter/59″ length hose, this window air conditioner kit can easily be installed in vertical and horizontal window frames to keep your home cool and comfortable. And, with it being a portable air conditioner, you won’t have to worry about it tripping the breaker – it only uses the energy it needs to maintain your desired temperature.

2.) Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner–Cools up to 350 Sq. Ft., Ultra Quiet with Open Window Flexibility, Works with Alexa/Google Assistant, 35% Energy Savings, Remote Control

The Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is an ideal choice when you need an efficient, powerful and space-saving solution for cooling your home. It cools up to 350 sq. ft, uses up to 35% less energy than standard units, is ultra quiet and has open window flexibility. This window air conditioner won’t trip breakers, with an automatic restart feature to protect your appliances from power surges. Plus, you can control it from your phone and voice-control it using Alexa/Google Assistant. So, when it comes to finding a window air conditioner that can keep your home cool without using too much energy and won’t easily trip breakers, the Midea U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is a great choice.

3.) Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner and Fan – Cool up to 150 Sq. Ft. with Easy to Use Mechanical Control and Reusable Filter

The Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner is an ideal cooling solution for a room up to 150 sq ft. With its easy to use mechanical control and reusable filter, it won’t trip breakers like other window air conditioners, making it a reliable and efficient choice.

  • Cool up to 150 sq ft.
  • Easy to use mechanical control.
  • Reusable filter.
  • Won’t trip breakers.

If you’re looking for an air conditioner that won’t put unnecessary strain on your electricity and won’t trip your breakers, the Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool is the perfect choice for you. Get yours now for the ultimate in comfort and energy savings!

4.) GCGOODS Window Air Conditioner Insulated Foam Panels, Winter Surround Insulation Side Panel with Top Seal **** for Window AC Unit Indoor, White

The GCGOODS Window Air Conditioner Insulated Foam Panels are the perfect product to prevent window air conditioner trips breaker. As a winter surround insulation side panel with a top seal ****, they insure maximum airflow while protecting against cold air leakage. They take only minutes to install, and are made of a high-density foam material that provides superior insulation and energy efficiency. These easy to use panels are also a great way to save money year-round on cooling expenditures and increase the life of your machine.

  • Made from high-density foam for superior insulation and energy efficiency
  • Winter surround insulation side panel with top seal **** for maximum airflow and prevents cold air leakage
  • Easy to install
  • Money-saving year-round on cooling expenditures and machine life

5.) LG 6,000 BTU Window Conditioner, Cools 250 Sq.Ft. (10′ x 25′ Room Size), Quiet Operation, Electronic Control with Remote, 2 Cooling & Fan Speeds, 2-Way Air Deflection, Auto Restart, 115V, 6000, White

The LG 6,000 BTU Window Conditioner is the perfect air conditioning solution for your home. With its 250 Sq.Ft. (10′ x 25′ Room Size) coverage, you’ll be able to cool down any room in your home. Plus, its quiet operation won’t disrupt your daily routines and activities. On top of that, it features an electronic control with remote, 2 cooling and fan speeds, 2-Way air deflection, and auto restart. With the 115V rating and 6000 BTU, this window air conditioner won’t trip your breaker and will help keep your home a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

  • 250 Sq.Ft. (10′ x 25′ Room Size) Cooling Coverage
  • Quiet Operation
  • Electronic Control with Remote
  • 2 Cooling & Fan Speeds
  • 2-Way Air Deflection
  • Auto Restart
  • 115V, 6000 BTU
  • Won’t Trip Breaker

Personal Experience

Troubleshooting Window Air Conditioners: Causes and Solutions for Tripping Breakers

I have had personal experience with window air conditioners tripping circuit breakers in the past. I recently moved into an older apartment, and the window air conditioner was not working. After examining the unit, I realized that something was wrong with one of the wires. I found out that the circuit breaker had tripped because the air conditioner was pulling more amps than what the circuit was rated for. I had to replace the breaker with one that was rated for a higher amperage to get the air conditioner to run again. After making the repairs and resetting the breaker, the window air conditioner was running properly again.

Overall, it is important to make sure that the circuit breaker is properly rated for the window air conditioner that is being used. If the AC unit is pulling more current than what the breaker is rated for, it will cause the breaker to trip, and the air conditioner will not work. This can be avoided by checking with the manufacturer to ensure that the correct breaker is installed to match the amperage of the air conditioner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my air conditioner keep tripping the circuit?

If your air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit, it could be due to a short circuit, the air conditioner overworking, or due to a part that is bad or malfunctioning. It is important to have a professional AC repair technician inspect the air conditioner and determine the cause. If not, running the AC could cause permanent damage.

Why is my window AC kicking the breaker?

If your window AC is kicking the breaker, it could be caused by a short circuit, the AC overworking, a part being bad or malfunctioning. It is important to get a professional to come and look at it, as running the AC could cause permanent damage. It is best to get service soon to avoid further issues with your window AC.

What should I do if my AC circuit breaker trips?

If your AC circuit breaker trips, follow these steps: 1. Turn the air conditioning system off at the thermostat(s). 2. At your electrical panel, turn the AC circuit breaker switch to the ON position. 3. Check the AC system and reset any tripped breakers as needed. Taking each of these steps can help restore power to your air conditioning system if the circuit breaker has tripped.

How do I fix a tripping AC unit?

To fix a tripping AC unit, start by turning off the air conditioning system and the associated circuit breaker in the electric panel. Wait for at least 30 minutes to give the AC’s internal circuit breaker time to reset. Finally, double-check that the thermostat is still off for the reset to work.

Why does my RV AC keep Tripping the breaker?

One possible answer could be: Tripping of the RV AC breaker can be caused by a buildup of dust due to continuous operation. To address the problem, open the unit and clean the filters regularly. If the tripping persists, it is best to take it to a certified RV AC technician for diagnosis and repair.

How long does an air conditioner circuit breaker last?

An air conditioner circuit breaker typically has a lifespan of between fifteen and twenty years. However, some circuit breakers may last even longer. As long as the circuit breaker is in good condition and functioning properly, it should not be dangerous when it keeps tripping.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a window air conditioner can trip a breaker if the AC is pulling more amps than what the breaker is rated for. This can cause a major inconvenience, so it is advisable to ensure that the breaker is rated for the correct amps for the window AC unit. If this problem continues to occur, it would be wise to replace the breaker with one that has a higher amperage rating. Additionally, electrical wiring should be checked to ensure that it is up to code and not overloaded.

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