If you notice the lights flickering or a breaker tripping every time the AC turns on, it could be overloading the electrical panel or the circuit. This is common in homes with older panels and circuits that weren’t designed to handle the load from modern appliances. While an electrical panel upgrade isn’t always the right solution for an AC that trips the breaker, it’s important to find and fix the cause.
Why Your AC Is Tripping the Breaker
Every electrical circuit in your home is designed to handle a specific amount of electricity. When you plug too many devices into the circuit, they draw more power than the circuit can handle. This overloads the circuit and trips the breaker to stop the flow of electricity and prevent fires or damage to the wiring.
Because your AC unit draws a lot of power, it can easily overload a breaker that’s already connected to other appliances. However, your AC could also trip the breaker if it’s working harder than usual due to a broken part, blocked vent, clogged air filter or refrigerant leak.
Sometimes, electrical problems inside the AC can also trip the breaker, which means you’d need an AC repair technician to help. But if the unit is newer or well-maintained, it could be an electrical issue.
Signs That Your AC Is Overloading Your Electrical System
Not sure if your AC is causing an electrical overload? Look out for these warning signs that it’s drawing more power than your system can handle.
The Lights Dim When the AC Kicks On
If your light flickers when the AC turns on, it’s a sign that the system is using more power than the circuit can handle. It usually happens because the AC motor draws a great deal of electricity at startup, reducing the amount of power available for your lights. Usually, it only affects the lights and other appliances connected to the same circuit.
The Breaker Box Is Buzzing
When a circuit is managing a great deal of power, it can cause the breaker box to vibrate or buzz. Of course, breaker boxes can vibrate for many reasons, so this isn’t a definite symptom. But if you’re noticing the sound when the AC kicks in or in combination with other warning signs, it could be connected.
The AC Trips the Breaker Immediately
Does your breaker trip the moment the AC turns on? This is a likely sign that it’s overloading the circuit. In other words, it’s pulling so much power that it immediately exceeds the maximum load.
Frequent tripping can also point to an issue with the breaker panel. Older panels were often designed to handle up to 60 or 100 amps, but that’s not always enough for a modern home. If the AC causes the total electricity draw to overload the breaker panel’s upper limit, it could trip the breaker, even if it’s not overloading the individual circuit.
Unusual Outlet Temperature or Smells
If you think your AC might be causing electrical issues, check the outlets connected to the same circuit. If they feel warm to the touch when the AC is running, or if you notice a faint burning smell, it could be due to an overload.
How Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Help?
When your AC is tripping the breaker or overloading its circuit, it might be time for an electrical panel upgrade. Depending on the issue, your electrician might recommend a few options.
If your home has an older 100-amp or 60-amp electrical panel, you might upgrade to a higher-capacity panel. This allows your home to take in more electricity to handle higher-load devices, such as an AC. Most modern homes need a 200-amp panel.
When you upgrade your electrical panel, an electrician will likely replace it along with the wires that transport electricity into your home. This allows the system to handle a bigger electrical load without tripping the breaker. They’ll also ensure that the wiring in your house complies with the local building code and recommend whole-house surge protection if necessary.
When the issue lies in the individual power circuit, an electrician might also recommend adding a new circuit for the AC. This allows it to draw power without overloading the circuit or affecting other connected devices.
Deciding When to Upgrade Your Home Electrical Service
Not sure if it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade? An electrician can help you decide if it will prevent your AC from tripping the breaker. They’ll calculate the total electrical load in your home, both now and after future upgrades, and make a recommendation. If the issue lies in the AC unit, the wiring or the circuit, they can recommend a fix.
If you live in Mentor, Ohio, or the surrounding areas, our team at Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric can help. Call us today or schedule an appointment, and one of our experienced electricians will inspect your system. With quick action, you can protect your home, family and appliances from electrical issues.
