A properly working air conditioning system is almost a must in places that tend to experience extreme climate conditions, including high temperatures. It can be unpleasant to notice your unit suddenly stop after being activated.
If you’re currently dealing with this issue, understand that there are different possible reasons for an AC compressor tripping after a few minutes. Learn more about them below.
AC Compressor Circuit Breaker
If your AC trips after some time, it is probably caused by the circuit breaker. The component is a built-in safety switch in a property’s electrical system, which stops the power flow to any device or appliance if it consumes too much electricity. It is responsible for preventing power overload, which can result in an electrical fire.
Sometimes, circuit breakers trip not because of an air conditioner fault but because the breaker itself is worn out. Over time, repeated tripping weakens the breaker, making it more sensitive and prone to unnecessary trips.
The circuit breaker can trip due to a fault in any unit’s components that causes it to pull more amps than it should. Read the next section of this post to discover various potential causes of a tripping circuit breaker due to the air conditioner system.
AC Compressor Tripping Problem
- Dirty air filter
If the AC’s air filter is left dirty for extended periods, it can clog with dust and debris, restricting airflow. This causes the unit to overheat, leading to frequent circuit breaker tripping.
Regular filter cleaning is crucial to avoid such issues, as industry experts note that “dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of HVAC inefficiency and breaker trips.” Try to change the air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions or depending on how frequently you use your AC unit.
- Dirty condenser coils
Dirty condenser coils can severely impact your AC’s performance. When covered with dirt, the coils cannot effectively release heat, causing the system to work harder and draw more current, leading to a tripped breaker. Cleaning the coils should be a part of routine maintenance to avoid unnecessary strain on the system.
- Damaged capacitor
A capacitor is a part of the AC system responsible for starting and maintaining the unit’s operation. When this component becomes damaged, it may draw more electric power than it should and cause the breaker to trip.
- Aging or worn-out compressor
The compressor is located on the exterior AC unit. If this part becomes weakened, it may have trouble starting and cause too much power to be pulled, resulting in a tripping circuit breaker. If it is indeed the cause of your issue, it’s recommended that you ask a repair technician to install a hard start kit.
Aging compressors can struggle to start, drawing excessive power and tripping breakers. A common fix is installing a hard start kit, which gives the compressor the boost it needs without overloading the circuit.
An electrical short in the AC compressor could be why the AC unit tripped the breaker.
- Loose power wirings
As weather changes, wires may contract and expand accordingly. This may cause the power connections or wirings within your AC to loosen up and lead to a short circuit. A personal experience shared by a technician revealed, “In one instance, we found a loose wire inside the compressor unit causing repeated trips. Tightening the connections solved the issue instantly.”
- Another mechanical issue
The list of minor mechanical issues that can cause your AC compressor tripping after few minutes is quite extensive. The air conditioning unit is complex equipment with many components and wires that keep the system working.
If you don’t know enough about this device’s electrical or mechanical parts, the best thing to do is contact a professional repairman and ask for service as soon as possible. The problem can be identified and resolved before it becomes more significant.
A professional technician can help diagnose or repair the issue that causes an AC compressor to trip after a few minutes. Otherwise, if the source of the problem is an aging unit, then it may be appropriate to change your old circuit breaker machine and install a new one.
Luckily, this component is not complicated to replace for someone with basic knowledge of the electrical field.
| Component | Potential Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Air Filter | Dirty, clogged | Regular cleaning or replacement |
| Condenser Coils | Covered with dirt | Seasonal cleaning |
| Circuit Breaker | Worn out, overly sensitive | Replace the breaker |
| Compressor | Aging, struggling to start | Install a hard start kit |
| Power Wirings | Loose connections | Tighten connections, rewire if needed |
| Capacitor | Tighten connections rewire if needed | Replace capacitor |
