AC Compressor Breaker Popped

[Whiskeymike]

I have a small AC unit (compressor outside, fan inside) cooling/heating my 30x40 shop and each of the last two years I needed to have it serviced because the compressor stopped running because a capacitor popped. Last time that happened was this last spring before summer started.

Since, it's run fine all summer until a week ago. The inside fan was running, but the outside compressor wasn't coming on. I assumed it was the capacitor again, but I checked the circuit breaker box and sure enough, the breaker for the compressor was popped. I reset the breaker and it's been running fine for a week.

Any idea why this would happen?

btw, fwiw, I checked around the compressor for high weeds, or something odd with the wires feeding it, etc. and didn't see anything out of line.

 

[hangfirew8]

The electric motor might have one spot in its rotation where it is hard to start.

-HF

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Add a hard start capacitor to the condensing unit.

 

[Dagny]

Did someone turn it off and then on again in a short period of time? Don't do anything unless unless it keeps doing it.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

The sooner you install a hard start cap on there the longer it will last.

 

[Whiskeymike]

Thanks guys. How do I choose a hard start capacitor? Are there brands or sizing that I need to focus on? Can you buy one too high in capacity?

I googled them as I didn't know they existed and it seems like there are quite a few available.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Thanks guys. How do I choose a hard start capacitor? Are there brands or sizing that I need to focus on? Can you buy one too high in capacity?

I googled them as I didn't know they existed and it seems like there are quite a few available.

Match it to the tonnage of the condensor,they normally list a range they will cover.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Add a hard start capacitor to the condensing unit.

And a delay on break time delay relay...

Tommy

 

[Dagny]

Most compressors used in air conditioners are also used in other apps. like high temp refrigeration these units will have start capacitors and potential relays. I think this is the best way to cure units that start hard. the compressor manufacture can tell you which components to use.