Hello, my name is Jacob. I would like to talk about proper installation and repair of the HVAC system in your commercial building. Full scale HVAC systems for commercial buildings require ongoing maintenance and repairs to keep every floor and room at a comfortable temperature. These temperature control systems also control the air quality in the building by sending the airflow through filter elements. My site will cover all aspects of the upkeep needed for these systems. I will also talk about the benefits of keeping your air quality and temperatures at desirable levels. Thanks for coming to visit my website.
Learning About Commercial HVAC Systems
Diagnosing Tripped AC Circuits
Isaiah Chapman
Your circuit breakers protect your home's electrical system from dangerous overloads. Actual over-current events may cause these overloads, or they may be the result of wiring faults. In either case, your breaker performs a valuable function by standing between your home and a dangerous electrical fire. Of course, this can make it all the more frustrating when your AC repeatedly trips its breaker.
In most homes, the central air conditioning system will usually be on a circuit by itself or with only the air handler. This design helps to ensure that the high current draw from the compressor does not overstress the circuit. When your AC system does trip the breaker, it's often due to one of these three underlying issues.
1. Stressed Equipment
Both your compressor and air handler may draw more power when stressed. This extra load shouldn't be a problem under normal circumstances, but it can result in a tripped breaker if one of these motors is struggling to engage. If your air handler is on the same circuit, then the problem may be as simple as a dirty filter forcing your blower to work harder and run continuously.
Your compressor can also bring the system down for similar reasons. If the compressor is overheating, then it can draw more power than it would during normal operations. Compressors may overheat due to excessively long run times, dirty condenser units, refrigerant leaks, or a variety of other problems. An overheating compressor will likely fail eventually, so this is not a problem to ignore.
2. Internal Wiring Shorts
Your AC system relies on several individual electrical components to operate correctly. When a powered bare wire makes contact with a metal surface (typically referred to as "short to ground" or a ground fault), the breaker will immediately trip. These shorts can be especially hazardous since they may energize casings and present a shock hazard.
Ground faults can be tricky to diagnose, so you should rely on a professional HVAC technician in situations like this. Because of the potential danger, avoid using your system if it seems to trip the breaker immediately after the compressor or air handler turns on.
3. Seized Motors
Your air handler and condenser unit both use electric fans, although their design and purpose are quite different. In both cases, however, their electric motors will attempt to draw additional current if they cannot start. A seized fan motor can easily result in an over-current situation, tripping your circuit breaker and bringing the whole system down.
As with a ground fault, it may be challenging to diagnose a seized motor if the system trips immediately. An HVAC company will know how to safely determine which fan is the ultimate cause of the trouble and bring your AC system back online.
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