James Hall wrote:
>
> on 7/29/00 5:24 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> > I had written about this problem a few weeks back and tried the cures
> > suggested. My ac will run about an hour when first turned on than it throws a
> > breaker. If I restart it it will throw the breaker in a minute or so. An
> > appliance told me if the unit is 5-10 years old just throw it away. This
> > trailer has not been used much in the last few years . My question is should
> > this wear out just sitting . With my luck I am Sure I will have to buy a new
> > unit If I continue to use this trailer a couple of month each year will I
> > have to expect the thing to fail in 5-10 years?
> > JIM SMITH 1965 Tradewind
> Jim,
> Before I would throw that away I would suggest you check to see what
> amperage the AC unit is drawing. It is done by using an ammeter. If you
> know an electrician or a serviceman they probably will have one and know how
> to use it. From what you are describing it sounds very possible that you
> have a weak breaker. lay your hand over the panel, it will likely feel warm.
> If you feel that you can do this , simply replace the breaker, most
> residential breakers are only $10-15, although I don't know if RV breakers
> are priced the same way. I've never had to replace one. I do know that this
> is a common problem with residential AC systems. Let me know how it turns
> out. Happy Trails, James
I was going to say that! A poor capacitor for the compressor, IF it
takes a run capacitor can also cause current a bit on the high side.
Breakers do wear and become more sensitive with many operations. That's
another reason to replace the breaker. This is especially true of
breakers used as switches. There's a pair of square corners that set the
calibration, and tripping wears them rounded. I think its a standard
residential breaker in the RV panel.
ALSO check the wire connections to the breaker. If they are loose, they
will heat the breaker... For that matter every few years it wouldn't
hurt to check every screw connection in the entire electrical system by
tightening them. I've seen them work loose in office buildings, the
vibration of travel should loosen them much faster.
Gerald J.
