F32 Air Conditioner questions

adm1217 · Post by **adm1217** » Mon Jun 06, 2011 6:25 pm

Hello everyone,

It is finally hot on lake Michigan and my A/C keeps tripping the breaker. Was wonder if anyone had any ideas on where to start trouble shooting? I was thinking maybe low on freon but not sure.

Thanks in advance,

Adam N.
East Chicago Marina

Fred Knapp · Post by **Fred Knapp** » Mon Jun 06, 2011 6:58 pm

First thing is to check the filter then the sea straner ,then the water flow from the pump

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Jun 06, 2011 10:21 pm

Trips main breaker or AC breaker? The first thing I would check is that your shore power cord is in good shape. Any signs of overheat?

Is this an AC only unit or AC/heat? If both, does the breaker trip on heat setting too?

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 6:35 am

How long for it to trip the breaker ?

larryeddington · Post by **larryeddington** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:32 am

Tripping breaker is simply caused by over amping of the system. By system I mean to include the power supply wiring as well. The first thing is to check amperage draw of the entire unit while running and make sure it is not on the supply side of power, then check each component, compressor, fan motor etc.

Causes within the unit could be;

High head pressure (low or no condensing water flow, checking the condensing water flow through the heat exchanger, an over charge can cause it as well but would have to be grossly overcharged and if no one has worked on it since it worked not very likely)

Starting capacitor or start relay bad if equipped.

Run Capacitor failure.

Short cycle of the compressor on and off with out a starting capacitor circuit for hard start. Can be thermostat initiated or a helpful user that keeps adjusting the stat. Set it and let it do its job, do not move or click it just enough to turn it off or on then back slightly the other way. Many persons are guilty of this.

Harbor freight has a very good inexpensive ohm ammeter that has clip on tongs so you can just put it around the wires to check amps without touching contacts.

If you are not familiar with refrigeration devices my advice is to go to the pro. That said most people jump to the conclusion that the worst is happening (compressor burnout) the far largest percent of AC problems are in the accessories to the system and not the heart of the system.