View Full Version : Any electricians out thurrr?
Greco101
09-03-2007, 05:16 PM
Our AC unit keeps burning fuses... I found a loose wire in the fuse box and tightened it up but that was after the fuses were dead so I dunno if that contributed to it...
It seems to have a mind of its own really...
-It will burn fuses if you turn it below 60.
-It was set to 70 this morning and it blew
-A couple times when it blew, I just took both fuses out and put them back in and it worked again... This morning I wasn't so lucky.
-The last time I bought fuses, when I put both new ones in.... it wouldn't work... I then tried a new one and an old one and it worked..?
Sounds like a wiring problem to me or the people before us had the wrong fuses to begin with, but then again, I know next to nothing in that area. Any ideas?
get the manual and check that the fule's are the rite amp, failing that i wouldn't recommend playing with it if your not a compitant electricition,
call someone out if the fuse's are of the rite size/type, i would help, but in the UK the voltage and amps are different,
calumc
09-03-2007, 05:30 PM
if you can work out how many watts it uses you can get what amperage it uses
Spawn-Inc
09-03-2007, 05:32 PM
how old is the ac, you might be putting to much of a load(to low a temp, with doors/windows open, to many ppl in the house) on the ac so it draws more amps.
if you can work out how many watts it uses you can get what amperage it uses
that seems like a logical ay to go,
how old is the ac, you might be putting to much of a load on the ac so it draws more amps.
i wouldn't have thought so, it shouldn't change from the day its installed to he day it gets removed.
Zephik
09-03-2007, 05:37 PM
The only time when I blow fuses is when the fuses aren't the right ones. My friend went through a load of them before he realized they weren't the right ones for his car. I just laughed at him, pretty hard to believe it took him a couple months to figure that out.
Thats the only problem I can think of at least, that you have the wrong fuses. Maybe you can try a stronger fuse or something? It might last longer. :think:
lol that could be dangerous though as far as I know.
Spawn-Inc
09-03-2007, 05:40 PM
i wouldn't have thought so, it shouldn't change from the day its installed to he day it gets removed.
well the main thing i want to know is how old it is.
well the main thing i want to know is how old it is.
true,, the older it is, the more prone to shorts it might be, (So only wair trousers then)
calumc
09-03-2007, 06:03 PM
just a thought: would there be a sticker anywhere on the unit saying what amperage/wattage it is?
even if you knew what thickness of wire was going to it we could guesstimate
Spawn-Inc
09-03-2007, 06:06 PM
just a thought: would there be a sticker anywhere on the unit saying what amperage/wattage it is?
even if you knew what thickness of wire was going to it we could guesstimate
yes it should have a plack or sticker somewhere on it.
calumc
09-03-2007, 06:08 PM
and now if we could have a little input from Greco.........
anyways im goin to bed so ill not be anymore help 2nite!
Greco101
09-03-2007, 06:28 PM
sorry guys
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b5/BlackS3ven/33333.jpg
Spawn-Inc
09-03-2007, 06:42 PM
is the condenser (outside unit) dirty? try cleaning it and put a new fuse in. you said there was a loose wire right, can you see signs of arcing?
Eclecticos
09-03-2007, 06:45 PM
Hows the filter look?. .I remember a while back my crusty old filter had the ac working OT. .
Kept tripping the breaker. Check it out.
Greco101
09-03-2007, 06:48 PM
The filter would be on the blower right? In the attic? I haven't had a chance to go up there because it's been EXTREMELY hot in Cali lately... hit 108 today I believe is what the news said. I'll try and check it out tonight though.
+Rep all
Spawn-Inc
09-03-2007, 06:51 PM
The filter would be on the blower right? In the attic? I haven't had a chance to go up there because it's been EXTREMELY hot in Cali lately... hit 108 today I believe is what the news said. I'll try and check it out tonight though.
+Rep all
ya should be on the side (or where the return air going in) pending on what furnace you have.
from the looks of it, your unit draws 40 amps max, so make sure you have a 40 amp fuse fitted.
also as you found a loose wire,as mentiond already, check for arch's if present, i recommend this replacement part,
http://americanhvacparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CTR30242PSD&Category_Code=C1
Greco101
09-03-2007, 07:53 PM
there was no arching but it looks like you found the problem... the fuses are only 30amp
Spawn-Inc
09-03-2007, 08:17 PM
from the looks of it, your unit draws 40 amps max, so make sure you have a 40 amp fuse fitted.
also as you found a loose wire,as mentiond already, check for arch's if present, i recommend this replacement part,
http://americanhvacparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CTR30242PSD&Category_Code=C1
that would be for the outside unit not the fuse box. thats what lets power to the compressor when its told to start.
Bopher
09-04-2007, 04:50 AM
Give it a good swift kick. That always helps my computer remember who is boss. Or it could just hate you like all my electronics hate me... Hmm could have something to do with the kicking..
there was no arching but it looks like you found the problem... the fuses are only 30amp
change it for a 40amp fule then, see if that stops the problem.
AJ@PR
09-05-2007, 06:07 AM
from the looks of it, your unit draws 40 amps max, so make sure you have a 40 amp fuse fitted.
also as you found a loose wire,as mentiond already, check for arch's if present, i recommend this replacement part,
http://americanhvacparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CTR30242PSD&Category_Code=C1
there was no arching but it looks like you found the problem... the fuses are only 30amp
Lord, please, as XcOM said, SAFETY please!
I'm with XcOM, in that I believe it can pull 40 amps max... that's a HELL of an a/c unit man! How many BTUs is that thing? 42,000???
There are shaddy things in that installation, and I suggest you call an electrician.
1st, if it originally had a 30 AMP breaker, DO NOT change it to 40 AMPs.
You CANNOT just do that.
I've seen what red-hot wires do to houses here built out of concrete... I don't want to imagine what a red-hot wire would do to a house made out of wood and/or with insulation stuff.
15A = 14 gauge
20A = 12 gauge
30A = 10 gauge
40A = ???
A 30AMP circuit uses a 10 gauge wire... Check your local codes (electrician!) for the size of a 40AMP circuit... I really don't know.
2nd, if it's concluded a 40AMP breaker must go in, you have to upgrade your wiring man.
Aight, sorry... but gotta run.
Great day guys!!! :banana::bunny::banana::alien:
-AJ
Lord, please, as XcOM said, SAFETY please!
I'm with XcOM, in that I believe it can pull 40 amps max... that's a HELL of an a/c unit man! How many BTUs is that thing? 42,000???
.....
i can't belive someone agreed with me, thats a first, But yea,if you allow too much current through your wires and they can't handel it, it couldwell cause a fire.
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