Turn the air compressor switch to “ON,” restarting your air compressor. Measuring the amps that your air compressor produces while in use can be done one of three ways at the breaker box, exposing the wires at the compressor or using a splitter between the outlet and the cord of the compressor. If you plugged the compressor into another outlet and the breaker did not trip, or you measured the amperage draw during use and the beakers ratings are above that witch the compressor is drawing, chances are the breaker is weak or there is a loose wire in that circuit.
This page will provide you with the reasons as to why your air compressor keeps tripping its circuit breaker as well as providing you with existing reader problems and responses. If your air compressor circuit breaker trips and you check your air filter and it is dirty, replace it and try again! If your compressor still trips, you will need to troubleshoot further. The key difference between an air compressor blowing the circuit breaker and the motor thermal overload switch is that the latter is solely due to the compressor motor overheating, and so, the thermal overload triggers and doesn’t allow the compressor to turn on until it has sufficiently cooled.
When the air compressor tank is drained down to the cut in pressure level, the pressure switch reacts to the drop in tank pressure, it trips to “Passing” and the compressor should start and run until the compressor tank pressure has reached the normal cut out pressure setting, at which time the compressor should stop and wait for the tank air pressure to drop to the cut in pressure level again. If for some reason the motor cannot start, it will continue to draw power, and may pull enough amperage to exceed the capacity of breaker or fuse and as a result the compressor trips the breaker or fuse on restart. If the compressor starts easily again, then it’s pretty much certain that it’s the air compressor unloader valve failure that is causing your air compressor to trip the breaker on restart.
In this article, I will be writing about some of the ways to troubleshoot a tripping circuit breaker so you can know when the circuit breaker is the reason your air compressor is not starting. A dirty air filter is one of the reasons circuit breakers in air compressor trips. Another reason the circuit breaker in your air compressor trips too often is if it is faulty.
Most air compressors have a built-in circuit breaker that performs these functions to protect the air pump and compressor. When an air compressor has a dirty air filter, the air compressor motor has to work harder than it normally would have to. The most common reason why an air compressor keeps tripping the circuit breaker is a failed start capacitor.
Motors can draw 6-8 times there normal full load current when starting. Breakers work don’t tripp the instant the current is more than 20.1 amps. First check if the Unloader is working on the compressor.
Well, an air conditioner usually trips the breaker because it’s pulling in more amps than the breaker is rated for. Wires connected to the breaker may be loose or the breaker itself may be bad and needs replacing. Solution: Have a tech tighten connections to the AC’s breaker or replace the breaker.
why is my air compressor tripping the breaker Related Question:
How do I stop my air compressor from tripping the breaker?
Sometimes on new compressors, the easiest way to cure this concern would be to move the compressor to a dedicated circuit large enough to handle the load. Moving the compressor may also identify a week breaker. If the breaker trips on one 15 amp breaker but not the other, The tripped one may be old and worn.
Why does my compressor keep blowing the fuse?
The most logical cause of your air conditioner tripping a breaker or blowing a fuse when it comes on stems from a problem with the electrical connection, the power supply, or the circuit that powers the system. Breakers and fuses are designed to trip or blow when too much voltage is sent through the line.
Does an air compressor need a dedicated circuit?
If the air compressor is larger then it is best to install a dedicated circuit to make sure the air compressor has plenty of power by itself. You could install a switch that would control the air compressor as well, however once the air tank has been fully pressurized the unit should not cycle on and off.
Where is the unloader valve on an air compressor?
Where Is the Unloader Valve Located? If you own a smaller reciprocating air compressor, you’ll likely find the unloader valve mounted on or inside the pressure switch. When the switch shuts the compressor off, it actuates the valve.
How do you troubleshoot an air compressor?
To diagnose the problem, remove the hood, run the compressor for a few minutes, then shut it off and unplug the compressor. Feel around the motor parts for any sort of air draft. Chances are, the leak will originate from the tank valve, in which case you will need to remove and clean or possibly replace the valve.
How do you reset an air compressor?
To reset your reciprocating air compressor, allow time for the compressor to cool down and then push the reset button before attempting to turn the unit on again.
What size breaker do I need for a 15 amp compressor?
A 12 wire and a 20A breaker is needed. 15A ends can be used on 20A circuits.
Does an air compressor need a fuse?
When an air compressor is causing an electrical fault a fuse will blow or it will trip the breaker system. If that’s happened there is no electricity going to your air compressor. Some air compressors have reset switches while others will have in-line fuses that need to be checked.
Why does the 3 amp fuse keep blowing?
The 3A fuse on a furnace circuit board can keeps blowing because of a faulty transformer or damaged thermostat wiring. Every furnace circuit board has an inducer and if it is faulty it can cause a fuse to keep blow continuously. Check the transformer for any faults.
What is unloader valve?
An air compressor unloader valve is a device used by air compressors to release the trapped air inside the compression chamber and tank discharge line when the motor stops. This allows the motor to start up easier. In general there are two types of air compressor unloader valves, electrical and mechanical.
How long does it take for compressor overload to reset?
(If power is available at the compressor terminals, and no amp draw is shown, the internal overload may be open due to overheat, the unit must be cooled for the overload to reset.) This may take up to 24 hours.
What is the most common cause of compressor failure?
Low Refrigerant Levels — Low refrigerant levels are typically caused by leaks in the refrigerant lines. Low refrigerant levels make the compressor work hard just to pump enough refrigerant through the AC unit, which, as you may have guessed, can lead to compressor failure.
What size breaker do I need for a 220 air compressor?
Remove the cover from the fuse box and install a 30-amp 220-volt circuit breaker for the compressor.
Does central air need its own breaker?
For a very short answer: Yes. Slightly longer answer: We do recommend having a separate breaker for AC. Having your air conditioner on its own breaker will prevent sticky situations like the one above, and you will have greater peace of mind that you aren’t overtaxing your electrical system.
How many amps does a 240v air compressor use?
The compressor, if designed for 240 volts, will have a running current draw of 23.23 amps.
