A/c unit pops breakers and wont start?

Question

I just replaced the starting relay on this 3 year old unit ( used about 5 times in 3 years) but still have the same prob, it humms and the the breakers pop, any ideias?

Answer 1

The condenser,(outside unit) has a rating plate on it.... It tells you what the minumum circuit breaker rating is. Is  it correct? If not, you may have to replace the  breaker with the correct breaker. Your contractor should have done this during installation. Good luck!

Answer 2

It sound to me like you have a shorted capacitor.

Take it down to a store and compare it to a new one. Ask the vendor if he can check it. More than likely he will be willing to check it for you.Take the cover off of the compressor wiring box and look for a burned wire or terminal.

Answer 3

your compressor may be shorted out. a way to tell is (1st of all, dont do this yourself) take your 3 wires off that go to the compressor. black will goto contactor.  red will goto contactor and yellow will goto HERM pole of capacitor.  with all 3 wires not touching, take an ohms test with each wire and ground to chasis. you should get no resistance.

if that s ok, ohms test those 3 wires with each other. there you should be showing continuity with all 3 wires. is theres a break, you have a compressor wire burnt off.

Answer 4

If it hums,most likely is the compressor.To properly check comp.u should take the wires off of it and with a ohm meter take readings between the three pins which are start run and common. Two smallest readings should = the highest one. if they do comp. is OK if not u need a new comp.Good luck.

Answer 5

Sounds like it needs a good cleaning or a new filter. Make sure there is nothing blocking the air flow in or out.

Answer 6

HVAC Tech.:  Did You change or check the start/run capacitors? If that doesn't cure the problem you may have an internal short in the compressor. If unit only three years old it should still be in warranty, don't forget to check that.