AC Keeps Tripping the Breaker in Columbia, SC

The system shuts the whole circuit down, sometimes right at start-up. This is an electrical fault, not something to keep resetting.

What usually causes this

A failing compressor drawing too much current on start-up - the most common cause
A short in the outdoor unit's wiring, often from age or water intrusion
A capacitor that's weakened enough to make the compressor struggle to start

What to do before someone arrives

Reset the breaker once. If it trips again immediately, stop and leave it off
Don't keep resetting it - repeated trips can damage the compressor further and are a real electrical safety concern

Questions people ask

Could this actually be the breaker itself, not the AC?

It's possible, especially on an older panel, but a technician needs to test the outdoor unit's amp draw to tell the difference - a breaker that's simply worn out looks identical from the outside to one protecting you from a real fault.

Send us the details

We pass them straight to a licensed local HVAC contractor who handles emergency hvac repair. There is no cost to you.

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What is the system doing?Symptoms, when it started, and the system type if you know it. The more detail, the shorter the visit.

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Also see: Emergency HVAC Repair in Columbia, SC

Tell us what your system is doing

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