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View Full Version : 5yr. old AC tripping Breaker


en24thomas
07-04-2009, 01:03 PM
I have a 5 yr. old unit that is tripping the breaker. Had someone come look and they said it is pulling close to 160 amps to start up causing the breaker to trip. He then said they could put a start kit on for $ that may or may not work or replace unit for $. We opted for the start kit first and had it put in yesterday. He tested it 3 times and said it appeared to be working. It tripped again last night. We are in Texas and it is very hot (102). AC 's are going out all around us. My questions is should I get a second opinion before replacing it. Was a starter kit even necessary? They made sure to inform me that there was no guarantee or warranty on the work or part. Thanks!
BaldLoonie
07-04-2009, 01:07 PM
I'd sure get a 2nd opinion. How close to 5 years? Everything has a 5 year comp warranty, some have 10 year. So replacing is probably not the right option though there are some companies who train their techs to say everything needs to be replaced. Could be as simple as a weak breaker.
troyorr
07-04-2009, 01:18 PM
Is the breaker rated for HVAC/R?
the dangling wrangler
07-04-2009, 01:23 PM
I'd sure get a 2nd opinion. How close to 5 years? Everything has a 5 year comp warranty, some have 10 year. So replacing is probably not the right option though there are some companies who train their techs to say everything needs to be replaced. Could be as simple as a weak breaker.

Or a run capacitor. This heat is brutal. I've replaced more capacitors in the last month, than I have in the last five years.

Cleaned an evap coil Wednesday, got a call Thursday, units not cooling.
The run cap had a really bad blow out. I'm not even going to try to charge for this call. The customer thinks I had something to do with it. After all, it was working before I cleaned the evap. Oh well.
SBT TECH
07-04-2009, 01:25 PM
I'd sure get a 2nd opinion. How close to 5 years? Everything has a 5 year comp warranty, some have 10 year. So replacing is probably not the right option though there are some companies who train their techs to say everything needs to be replaced. Could be as simple as a weak breaker.

Yep, possible breaker problem; what's LRA rating for that comp? It shouldn't pull LRA @ start up but close to it.
tinknocker service tech
07-04-2009, 03:36 PM
i gree with second opinun
start assist can cover up other problems like blown run cap or power problem from the pole
francosair
07-04-2009, 03:54 PM
ASK THE TECH TO TEST THE CAP.
md-01-11376
07-04-2009, 08:22 PM
Have the system replaced by a professional. There must be a problem with the installation of that system,because it didn't last.
the dangling wrangler
07-04-2009, 08:24 PM
Have the system replaced by a professional. There must be a problem with the installation of that system,because it didn't last.

Read post #2.
beenthere
07-04-2009, 08:27 PM
Read post #2.
Thats funny.

I read post 2, and it said see post 9.
the dangling wrangler
07-04-2009, 08:32 PM
Thats funny.

I read post 2, and it said see post 9.

I'm tryin' to keep people on their toes, this holiday weekend. ;)
beenthere
07-04-2009, 08:49 PM
LOL... But did I get you to look. :D
the dangling wrangler
07-04-2009, 08:51 PM
LOL... But did I get you to look. :D

Yes, yes you did. I fell for it. :D Guess I need to be kept on my toes as well.
beenthere
07-04-2009, 09:50 PM
Old age gets to all of us. :D
the dangling wrangler
07-04-2009, 10:00 PM
Old age gets to all of us. :D

I forgot what we were talking about now. :(
beenthere
07-04-2009, 10:14 PM
Someone was afraid of breaking something. I think.
the dangling wrangler
07-04-2009, 10:41 PM
Someone was afraid of breaking something. I think.

I dunno nuthin' :confused:
DPeoples
07-05-2009, 04:11 AM
I have a 5 yr. old unit that is tripping the breaker. Had someone come look and they said it is pulling close to 160 amps to start up causing the breaker to trip. He then said they could put a start kit on for $ that may or may not work or replace unit for $. We opted for the start kit first and had it put in yesterday. He tested it 3 times and said it appeared to be working. It tripped again last night. We are in Texas and it is very hot (102). AC 's are going out all around us. My questions is should I get a second opinion before replacing it. Was a starter kit even necessary? They made sure to inform me that there was no guarantee or warranty on the work or part. Thanks!

2nd Opinion is need here...i would call around before you replace anything ele's