AC Tripping Breaker

[Vandrant]

I have two AC zones one water pump. My zone 1 works fine blows hot and cold no problems. Zone two on the other hand trips my shore power breaker only as soon as the compressor starts to make a sound that it is kicking in. Would love to hear what I should be testing or what I should be looking at.

[boatpoker]

You have a short either in the conductors or the compressor.
Corrosion at connections can cause the short.
Start with the simple things first. Clean all connections, inspect wires for damage and try again.

[84SeaRay]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

You have a short either in the conductors or the compressor.
Corrosion at connections can cause the short.
Start with the simple things first. Clean all connections, inspect wires for damage and try again.

Same exact thing for me. Amp meter goes way up then my breaker pops INSIDE the boat, not at shore power

[Olddan1943]

Sometimes breakers get "tired" or overly sensitive.
I had the same problem with my 50amp Norhavan. Changed out the boat shore power breakers and the problem disappeared.

[boatbod]

Sounds like a bad capacitor in the a/c unit. Failure to start the compressor results in excessive amp draw and blown breakers.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Vandrant

I have two AC zones one water pump. My zone 1 works fine blows hot and cold no problems. Zone two on the other hand trips my shore power breaker only as soon as the compressor starts to make a sound that it is kicking in. Would love to hear what I should be testing or what I should be looking at.

Boatbod is correct. Ten bucks on you having a blown capacitor in your AC control box. It should be something in the range of 25 micro-farad. Stop trying to "start" your AC until you've checked or you'll cook the wiring as well as the capacitor. Once it's replaced, have you technician add a "soft start" controller so you can avoid the situation a second time.

FWIW...

[84SeaRay]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

Boatbod is correct. Ten bucks on you having a blown capacitor in your AC control box. It should be something in the range of 25 micro-farad. Stop trying to "start" your AC until you've checked or you'll cook the wiring as well as the capacitor. Once it's replaced, have you technician add a "soft start" controller so you can avoid the situation a second time.

FWIW...

Bingo! After getting quoted $3700 to replace the compressor, had a great contractor come in and replace the capacitor and acid flush system (I'll do it next time) for $250. Cool as a cucumber! Thanks for the input. Much appreciated (it made me sound like i knew my stuff)

[84SeaRay]

Already had the easy start in place

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by 84SeaRay

Bingo! After getting quoted $3700 to replace the compressor, had a great contractor come in and replace the capacitor and acid flush system (I'll do it next time) for $250. Cool as a cucumber! Thanks for the input. Much appreciated (it made me sound like i knew my stuff)

Ah... Don't forget my ten bucks (or a 6-pack of Anchor Steam Beer)! $260 all up!

[84SeaRay]

You got it.. let me know the next time you're cruising by Longboat Key