What to Do If Your Breaker Trips When You Run the AC in St. Louis

If your circuit breaker trips when you run your air conditioner, start by immediately resetting it and watching to see if it trips again. If it does, stop using the AC and call a qualified electrician to find and fix the underlying issue.

Once you have done that, follow these steps to understand why it happened, how to safely reset the breaker, when to call a professional, and how to prevent future problems.

 

How to Reset a Tripped Breaker

 

A circuit breaker is a safety switch in your electrical panel. When it “trips,” it shuts off power to stop too much electricity from flowing and causing damage or fire.

• Locate your electrical panel, often in a basement, garage, or utility closet.
• Open the panel door and look for a breaker labeled for “AC” or “Air Conditioner.” You will see the switch in the middle position if it has tripped.
• Firmly push the breaker all the way to the OFF position, then flip it back to ON. You should feel it click into place.
• Return to your thermostat and turn the AC back on. Watch the breaker panel to see if it stays on or trips again.

If the breaker stays on and the AC runs normally, you may have experienced a temporary overload. But if it trips again, you need to investigate further or call a professional.

 

Why Your Breaker Trips When Running the AC

 

Breakers trip for safety when there is an electrical problem. Common causes include:

• Overload: Your air conditioner and other appliances drawing too much power at once.
• Short circuit: A hot wire touching a neutral wire inside the AC unit or wiring, causing a sudden surge of electricity.
• Ground fault: A hot wire touching a grounded metal part, which can happen if insulation wears out.
• Faulty breaker: Breakers can wear out over time and trip more easily than they should.
• Malfunctioning AC components: A failing compressor, motor, or capacitor inside your system pulling extra current.

High humidity and extreme heat, common in summer in St. Louis, can make air conditioners work harder and draw more power.

 

When to Call a Professional Electrician

 

If the breaker trips again immediately after you reset it, do not keep trying to reset it. Continuous resetting can damage your AC and wiring, and it can become a fire hazard. Call an experienced electrician or HVAC technician if you notice:

• The breaker trips every time you run the AC, even with no other appliances on.
• You smell burning or see scorch marks near the breaker panel or AC unit.
• The breaker feels hot to the touch.
• The AC makes unusual noises, like grinding or humming loudly.
• The breaker switch feels loose or doesn’t stay in the ON position.

Trained professionals servicing homes and businesses in St. Louis and Nashville can diagnose wiring issues, test breaker health, and inspect your AC’s electrical components safely.

 

Preventive Steps to Avoid Breaker Trips

 

Taking care of your electrical system and AC can help prevent future trips:

• Schedule regular AC maintenance: Clean filters, check refrigerant levels, and inspect electrical connections at least once a year.
• Limit simultaneous high-power use: Avoid running the oven, dryer, and AC at the same time during peak heat.
• Upgrade your breaker or panel: If your home is older, consider installing a dedicated circuit for the AC with a properly sized breaker.
• Replace worn wiring: Old or damaged wires should be replaced by a licensed electrician to reduce risk of shorts or ground faults.
• Install surge protection: Whole-house surge protectors help guard against sudden voltage spikes.

 

Safety Tips for Working with Breakers and AC Units

 

Electricity can be dangerous. Always follow these safety guidelines:

• Wear rubber-soled shoes and stand on a dry surface when touching your breaker panel.
• Never force a breaker switch—if it feels stuck, contact a professional.
• Keep children and pets away from the panel and AC equipment.
• Turn off the main breaker before inspecting internal wiring or components (only if you know how).
• If you are not comfortable or trained, leave electrical work to certified electricians and HVAC technicians.

By following these steps—resetting safely, understanding why breakers trip, knowing when to call a pro, and preventing future issues—you can keep your home cool without worrying about power interruptions or safety risks.