⚡ What Causes an Aircon to Trip the Power?

Ever turned on your aircon only to have your circuit breaker suddenly trip? If this happens repeatedly, it’s more than just a minor inconvenience — it’s a warning sign that your aircon or wiring may have a serious fault.

A tripping power supply usually points to electrical overloads, short circuits, or faulty components inside your aircon system. Let’s break down the common causes and what you should do when it happens.

When your aircon draws more current than the circuit can handle, the breaker trips to prevent overheating or fire risk.

Common causes:

• Too many appliances running on the same circuit.

• A worn-out compressor drawing excessive power.

• Undersized circuit wiring or breaker rating.

Solution: Avoid using high-power appliances (like irons or kettles) on the same line. If the breaker trips even when the aircon runs alone, call a technician to inspect the compressor or electrical circuit.

2. Short Circuit or Damaged Wiring

If a wire inside your aircon becomes damaged or frayed, it can cause a short circuit, resulting in an instant power trip. This is one of the most dangerous causes because it can lead to sparks or electrical fire if ignored.

Signs:

• Burning smell near the unit.

• Visible scorch marks around outlets or plugs.

• Circuit breaker trips immediately after turning on.

Solution: Never attempt to restart repeatedly. Turn off the main power and get a licensed technician to check wiring insulation and safety grounding.

3. Faulty Components Inside the Aircon

Over time, internal parts like the capacitor, fan motor, or compressor may wear out and draw irregular current. A faulty capacitor is especially common — it can’t start the motor properly, leading to sudden tripping.

Solution: A professional can test each part using a multimeter to identify which component is failing. Replacing a single part is often enough to fix the issue.

4. Water Leakage on Electrical Parts

Water dripping from a blocked drain pipe or frozen coil can reach electrical components, causing short circuits or corrosion.

Signs:

• Breaker trips after long use or high humidity days.

• Water stains near the indoor unit casing.

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Solution: Service the aircon regularly to clear drain lines and prevent leaks from reaching the circuit.

5. Faulty Circuit Breaker or Improper Installation

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the aircon — it’s the breaker or electrical board itself. An undersized breaker or improper installation can cause frequent tripping even when the aircon is fine.

Solution: Get your electrician to check that your circuit breaker rating matches your aircon’s amperage load.

How Sky Blue Aircon Can Help

At Sky Blue Aircon Engineering Pte Ltd, our team inspects both aircon components and wiring connections to ensure safe operation.

Our Services Include:

• Electrical Diagnostics – Identify short circuits, overloads, and faulty parts.

• Capacitor & Compressor Testing – Detect early signs of electrical failure.

• Servicing & Cleaning – Prevent leaks that cause electrical issues.

• Installation & Rewiring – Ensure correct breaker and circuit setup.

💡 The Bottom Line

A tripping aircon is never “just a nuisance” — it’s a sign of electrical stress or fault. If it happens more than once, stop using the unit until it’s checked. A quick inspection today could prevent costly damage tomorrow.

📲 Message us on WhatsApp at 9248 7291 or call 6556 4042.

Sky Blue Aircon Engineering Pte Ltd – keeping Singapore homes safe, cool, and worry-free.