Amana air conditioner trips the circuit breaker when it starts or shortly after running.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Do not keep resetting a breaker that trips immediately; this can be a fire hazard. Turn off the breaker and leave it off until the fault is found.
Steps to diagnose breaker trips:
- Visual inspection: Check wiring at the disconnect, contactor, and inside the unit for burnt insulation or loose connections.
- Isolate components: With power off, disconnect the compressor and fan motor leads. Re-energize briefly to see if the breaker holds. Reconnect components one at a time to identify the culprit.
- Test motors: Measure resistance to ground from compressor and motor terminals. Any continuity to ground indicates a shorted winding.
- Check capacitor: Replace any bulged or leaking capacitors, as they can cause high starting current.
- Correct breaker size: Verify the breaker matches the unit's nameplate MCA/MOP ratings. Have an electrician correct any mismatch.
Compressor or motor replacement and wiring repairs should be performed by qualified personnel.