Circuit breakers protect electrical appliances, including HVAC units, from damage. They also protect the safety of your home and family. While electrical devices can share a circuit breaker, it’s critical for your HVAC unit to be installed on its own circuit and breaker. Read on to learn more about the connection between your HVAC unit and circuit breakers.
How an HVAC Circuit Breaker Works
The circuit breaker for your HVAC unit trips and cuts power to the unit immediately when the power your unit pulls in exceeds the amperage for which the breaker is rated. For example, the breaker will trip if the unit pulls in 30 amps, yet your breaker’s amperage rating is 20 amps. By doing so, the breaker prevents an electrical overload from damaging your HVAC equipment and causing fires.
Your home’s lights, appliances, and other electrical devices can share your main circuit breaker if their amperage ratings added together are safely below the breaker’s rating. Your HVAC system is one of the most power-hungry appliances in your home. Its large amperage rating can affect the main breaker. As a result, HVAC contractors install a separate breaker for your HVAC system. This protects your HVAC system from overloading your home’s electrical system and creating problems.
If your current unit already has a separate circuit breaker and you want to replace it, you’ll need a professional to check the breaker to ensure its amperage is enough for the new unit.
HVAC Breaker Problems
Your HVAC unit can still trip its dedicated breaker. The common causes for this issue include:
- A clogged air filter
- An issue with the breaker
- A dirty outdoor unit
- Compressor problems
- An electrical short in the wiring
If the problem is due to a dirty filter, you can change the filter and reset the circuit breaker to fix the problem. All the other causes of your HVAC unit tripping the breaker will require a professional.
You can prevent most problems that cause constant tripping of the circuit breaker with regular HVAC maintenance. If you need HVAC repair or maintenance in the Lorain area, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area