The last decade saw a spike in the sales of recreational vans. Thanks to the freedom it offers, more and more travelers are investing in these motorhomes.
It may seem expensive on the surface, but it helps your wallet by saving you hotel rent as you no longer need to stay in a hotel while traveling.
Having said that, an AC is an important appliance for your RV, especially if you travel in the summers. It effectively removes unwanted heat and cools down your motorhome.
Since space is at a premium in most RVs, travelers often opt for rooftop air conditioners. They are relatively more energy-efficient than traditional air conditioners and operate quietly.
A rooftop air conditioner in RVs undoubtedly offers many benefits; however, you can also experience a few problems while using it. Air conditioner tripping the breaker is one such problem reported by many RV owners.
When this problem occurs, the rooftop AC trips the breaker, and as a result, the AC stops giving cold air. Of course, It can be very frustrating when your RV air conditioner stops working on a hot day.
So, why does the rooftop AC trip the breaker? And more importantly, what to do if you face this problem? Today, we bring you some common causes for this problem, along with their viable fixes. Let’s dig deeper!
When Your RV Rooftop AC Trips the Breaker
Below are some reasons why you may face this issue.
1. You’re running too many high-powered AC (alternating current) appliances
This problem usually occurs when you are using too many appliances at the same time when your air conditioner is running.
It goes without saying that the air conditioners take a lot of power, putting pressure on your electrical system. And if you exceed the limit and run other appliances too, it will only cause problems.
So, if you push the breaker past its limits and consume more power than your circuit is made for, your AC will likely trip the breaker. The simple solution to this problem is to turn off a few appliances.
Make sure not to burden your breaker by running multiple appliances while your AC is on. If you are to run a machine, such as a microwave oven, consider turning off your AC first.
2. The compressor in the air conditioner has gone bad
A faulty air conditioner compressor can also lead to the air conditioner tripping the breaker problem.
A compressor is an important component of any air conditioner as it compresses the refrigerant and cools down your RV. If it is not in good working condition, you are likely to encounter this issue.
Start by checking the fuse of your air conditioner. The fuse is responsible for protecting the condenser from excessive amperage. If excessive current is flowing, it will blow up to keep your AC protected.
So, if your AC is tripping the breaker constantly, the chances are that you are dealing with a blown-out fuse. If that’s the case, consider replacing the fuse to resolve this issue.
Fuses are readily available all over the world. While purchasing one, make sure to buy the right amperage. They come in many amperage ratings, so check the rating of the blown-out fuse and get a new one with the same rating.
Once you have purchased it, hire a professional and ask them to replace it.
3. The condenser coils are dirty
Dirty condenser coils are another main reason why your RV rooftop AC may trip the circuit breaker. Of course, dust particles may accumulate on condenser coils, and they can get dirty over time. When they do, they may not function properly.
If the condenser coils of your RV rooftop air conditioner need cleaning, start by inspecting them first. It would be better to contact a professional if they show any signs of damage.
If they are not damaged, you can proceed with the cleaning process. Take a coil brush and remove all dust and debris particles from their surface. If you notice that the coil fins are bent, straighten them out using a fin comb.
Next, you will have to wash the condenser coils to ensure thorough cleaning. It is recommended to use a special coil cleaner, as it is meant to be used for this purpose.
And yes, be careful while cleaning the coils. The last thing you’d want is to cause additional damage to your air conditioner.
4. It could be a bad start or run capacitor
A capacitor is an integral component as it delivers the electricity to the motor of your air conditioner. If you have a hard time starting your air conditioner before it trips the breaker, a failing capacitor can be the culprit.
If you notice smoke or a burning smell coming from your AC, it indicates that the capacitor has gone bad. Apart from that, your AC may also give a humming sound if the capacitor is failing.
However, sometimes, you may not notice any of these symptoms. If so, you can easily test a capacitor using a multimeter. Consider referring to the user manual of your RV rooftop AC to know the expected readings of a capacitor.
If the capacitor has blown out, replacing it will fix the problem, and your circuit breaker will stop tripping.
Once done, turn on your AC to check whether you still get the problem or not. If the problem persists, there could be something wrong with the motor of your RV rooftop air conditioner.
5. The motor is shorted out
There have been cases when a shorted motor caused the breaker tripping problem. It is a winding breakdown that could be fixed by rewinding. No doubt, the motors in your RV rooftop air conditioner are durable.
However, the insulation that covers their wires can deteriorate over time, which may lead to electric shorts.
It’s no secret that short circuits are the most common type of electrical accident. It can cause severe damage to your air conditioner and may even cause a fire.
So, make sure to rewind or replace the electric motor in case of a winding breakdown to avoid any unfortunate incident.
6. The compressor is grounded
A grounded compressor is a situation when a winding inside the compressor is broken and is in contact with the ground or compressor casing.
It may lead to the breaker tripping problem or can even cause the compressor to blow out. So, consider getting it fixed ASAP to avoid any further damage.
7. The refrigerant is leaking
This problem is quite common in most RV rooftop air conditioners. It normally happens due to age-related wear and tear. In this situation, the air conditioner consumes more power than usual, which puts pressure on the breaker, and as a result, the breaker trips.
If you find yourself in this situation, consider reaching out to a trained professional. They will detect the reason and fix the leakage.
8. The problem could also be in the circuit breaker
Temperature changes can cause the wires in a circuit breaker to expand and contract, often leading to this problem. If so, consider replacing them with high-quality wires that can withstand the temperature change.
The Bottom Line
Does your RV rooftop air conditioner keep tripping the breaker? We have outlined some common reasons and their simple solutions in this article.
Plugging too many appliances simultaneously can cause your AC to trip the breaker, or your condenser coils might be dirty. It is recommended to have your air conditioner regularly serviced to avoid any problems.
Very helpful thread! Thank you!
How do you replace the compressor? I have looked and looked and can’t find anything on replacing the compressor.
Replacing an AC compressor is not a DIY type job. It requires a vacuum pump, vacuum gauges and ability to solder copper lines.
That is at the minimum. Current regulations also require the refrigerant to be extracted from the system into container.
It can be done, but honestly, it is best left to those who have the training.